No need for irrigation, the Groasis Waterboxx yields plant growth in deserts and on rocks
Have you ever wanted to grow trees without actually planting them? The Groasis Waterboxx is a Jordanian invention that will do just that. Launched in June 2011, the Groasis nurtures a sapling’s growth without the hands-on fuss of shovelling soil and topping up water. With hopes to see it distributed throughout famine struck East Africa, the Groasis Waterboxx could be one solution to natural food shortages.
The Groasis Waterboxx was introduced by AquaPro Holland, founded by the inventor Pieter Hoff. It uses a principle of ‘biomimicry technology’, an artificial copy of the way nature shelters seeds in humidity to grow in the most eroded sites and deserts without human intervention.
Groasis inventor Pieter Hoff is happy with his vegetable results
By planting young trees upright in the container roots remain intact and are encouraged to grow even at night when temperatures drop. An ergonomically designed box means condensation forms quicker inside – known as a water harvesting technique – and an insulation plate helps channel more water to the plant, continuously feeding growth. A great ‘infographic’ style animation shows how the Waterboxx is the best micro-climate for plants.
Nailing the wind protectors
How does the Groasis Waterboxx work?
A photo tutorial of the Groasis Waterboxx explains how the basic function begins with a biodegradable paper board with 2 or 3 apertures.
After loosely planting a young tree near the soil surface, the paper board tags around the plants to prevent water evaporation.
An isolation plate fits into the green base of the Waterboxx which is placed over the plants and nailed at the edges using wind protectors to keep the base sturdy and supportive.
Water supply does not need constant topping up
Both the base and lid have large enough tubed holes for the plants to grow and receive sunlight.
Finally, a ridged cover is clicked on top with a water hole allowing up to 5 gallons of water to fill the entire Groasis Waterboxx without flooding.
A blue sifon is threaded through the lid and capped shut, acting as a controlled water supply to feed the plants.
Groasis technology could potentially improve farming techniques and provide food supplies in famine struck regions such as the ‘horn’ of Africa.
Rows of Groasis require minimal maintenance (Image:: flickr)
Using a Groasis Waterboxx also helps:
- Collect rain water and prevent rapid evaporation, saving farmers a trip and money
- Prevent the development of weeds near the new plant
- Prevent pests and smaller rodents and birds harming the plant
- Prevent erosion of the soil around the plant
- The Waterboxx claims to create a perfect oxygen level in the soil to positively influence growth
- It stimulates a balanced climate, cooling the plant and preventing burning
- Because of the minimal space and soil requirement, traditional irrigation is not needed so the Waterboxx can be used on mountain slopes, rocks and in burned embers
:: Groasis – Let’s Green The World
Images:: flickr, Groasis Waterboxx
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Author: Zaufishan
95% halal and freedom friendly, Zaufishan is our eco-Muslim reporter from England, UK. Zaufishan reports from her environment blog http://www.theecomuslim.com/ and is creator of the media savvy group site http://www.muslimness.com.
We are emport and exporter of iran
Wow! I remember similiar stuff was only in science fiction, such as Star Trek. It amazes me that we are close to that reality. Maybe in less than 200 years we will be able to beam ourselves to another location.
Here is another solution I wrote about in 2009 – Tal Ya which produces a similar concept for about $1 a piece:
http://www.greenprophet.com/2009/06/tal-ya-water-dew-irrigation/