Irrigation device and method

Abstract

A subsurface irrigation device of the type comprising a rigid pipe, one end of which is reversibly connected to a pressurized source of irrigation fluid and the other end for insertion into the ground. A substantially blunt tip at the ground penetrating end is provided with orifices capable of releasing, under the control of a valve, a plurality of streams of pressurized fluid at one or more acute angles with respect to the pipe axis, providing improved ground penetration while minimizing root damage.

1 . An irrigation device for subsurface irrigation, the device comprising:
 a rigid tube comprising proximal and distal ends and a major longitudinal axis;   means for attaching the proximal end of the tube to a supply of pressurized fluid;   a substantially blunt tip mounted to the distal end of the tube and comprising a plurality of orifices for releasing a plurality of streams of the pressurized fluid at one or more acute angles to the major longitudinal axis of the tube; and   a valve means disposed between the proximal and distal ends of the tube for regulating the flow of the fluid within the tube.   
   
   
       2 . The irrigation device according to  claim 1 , in which the tube comprises a bend between the valve means and the distal end. 
   
   
       3 . The irrigation device according to  claim 1 , in which the tip comprises a convex outer surface. 
   
   
       4 . The irrigation device according to  claim 3 , in which the outer surface of the tip is substantially hemispherical. 
   
   
       5 . The irrigation device according to  claim 1 , in which said orifices comprise a central orifice capable of releasing a stream of the pressurized fluid along the major longitudinal axis of the tube. 
   
   
       6 . The irrigation device according to  claim 1 , further comprising a reservoir capable of containing a second fluid, the reservoir in fluid communication with the interior of the tube. 
   
   
       7 . The irrigation device according to  claim 6 , in which said second fluid comprises a fertilizer, a pesticide, an herbicide, or a mixture thereof. 
   
   
       8 . The irrigation device according to  claim 6 , further comprising a second valve means for regulating the flow of the second fluid into the tube. 
   
   
       9 . The irrigation device according to  claim 1 , in which said acute angles are between 0 and about 45 degrees. 
   
   
       10 . The irrigation device according to  claim 9 , in which said acute angles are between 0 and about 25 degrees. 
   
   
       11 . The irrigation device according to  claim 1 , the tube further comprising means for adjusting the length of the tube. 
   
   
       12 . The irrigation device according to  claim 11 , wherein the means for adjusting the length of the tube comprises a detachable coupling disposed between the valve means and the tip for reversibly detaching a portion of the tube, and one or more tube sections capable of insertion at the detachable coupling to adjust the length of said tube. 
   
   
       13 . The irrigation device according to  claim 12 , in which the detachable coupling is a compression fitting. 
   
   
       14 . The irrigation device according to  claim 1 , further comprising markings on the surface of the tube for indicating the depth of irrigation. 
   
   
       15 . The irrigation device according to  claim 1 , in which the number of orifices is from about 2 to about 20. 
   
   
       16 . A method for subsurface irrigation, the method comprising:
 attaching a source of pressurized fluid to the attachment means of a device according to  claim 1 ;   adjusting the valve means to provide streams of pressurized liquid from the tip;   contacting the soil with the distal end of the device with downward pressure;   permitting the distal end of the device to penetrate the soil to a predetermined depth; and   adjusting the valve means to provide a predetermined flow of the fluid for a predetermined time, whereby subsurface irrigation is obtained.