NL2006384C2

NL2006384C2 - A plant irrigating system and a method.

Info

Publication number: NL2006384C2
Application number: NL2006384A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Petrus Mattheus Maria Hoff
Original assignee: Holding P M M Hoff B V
Priority date: 2010-12-16
Filing date: 2011-03-14
Publication date: 2012-07-17
Also published as: AP2013006973A0

Description

P94220NL00

Title: A plant irrigating system and a method

The invention relates to a plant irrigating system, comprising a collection structure for collecting moisture present in the atmosphere, wherein the collection structure is provided with a water recovery surface which during use at least partly makes an angle with respect to the 5 orientation of gravity, further comprising a reservoir for storing the recovered moisture, wherein the reservoir is provided with irrigation means for delivering moisture present in the reservoir to a subsoil located therebelow.

International patent application PCT/NL/2010/050581 discloses 10 such an irrigating system that can be used for irrigating young plants or seeds.

It is an object of the invention to provide a plant irrigating system having a reduced cost price. Thereto, the collection structure and the reservoir are manufactured from paper material and/or biodegradable 15 plastic.

By using paper material and/or biodegradable plastic, the plant irrigating system can be manufactured in a very cheap way. Further, the environmental impact decreases. Some cardboard, paper foam and/or fiber paper types easily tear, thereby counteracting any theft of the system.

20 Further advantageous embodiments according to the invention are described in the following claims.

The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a plant irrigating system.

By way of example only, embodiments of the present invention will 25 now be described with reference to the accompanying figures in which

Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective cross sectional view of a first embodiment of a plant irrigating system according to the invention; 2

Fig. 2 shows a schematic perspective top view of the plant irrigating system of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 shows a schematic perspective cross sectional view of a second embodiment of a plant irrigating system according to the invention; 5 Fig. 4 shows a schematic perspective cross sectional view of a third embodiment of a plant irrigating system according to the invention;

Fig. 5 shows a schematic perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a plant irrigating system according to the invention;

Fig. 6 shows a schematic perspective cross sectional view of the 10 plant irrigating system of Fig. 5; and

Fig. 7 shows a schematic top view of a multiple number of plant irrigating systems 1 according to the invention.

It is noted that the figures show merely preferred embodiments according to the invention. In the figures, the same reference numbers refer 15 to equal or corresponding parts.

Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective cross sectional view of a first embodiment of a plant irrigating system 1 according to the invention. The system 1 comprises a collection structure 99 for collecting moisture present in the atmosphere, wherein the collection structure 99 is provided 20 with a water recovery surface 24 which during use at least partly makes an angle with respect to the orientation of gravity. The system 1 also includes a reservoir 98 for storing the recovered moisture, wherein the reservoir 98 is provided with irrigation means 19, 21 for delivering moisture present in the reservoir 98 to a subsoil located therebelow.

25 According to an aspect of the invention, the collection structure 99 and/or the reservoir 98 are manufactured from a paper material or a biodegradable plastic. The paper material may include cardboard, cellulose, such as paper tissue, paper foam and/or fiber paper.

As an example, the fiber paper may include coconut fiber, cotton 30 fiber, banana fiber, jute fiber, wool fiber, straw fiber, grass fiber, hemp fiber, 3 kenaf fiber, wheat straw paper, sunflower stalks fiber, rags fiber, mulberry paper and/or kozo.

The biodegradable plastic can be based on petroleum based plastics or renewable raw materials, both including a biodegradable additive.

5 Generally, petroleum based plastics are known as hydro-carbons.

During a biodegradation process, microbes are enabled to metabolize the molecular structure of the plastic and to produce inert humus material, water and biogases, such as CH4 and CO2. An example of a biodegradable additive is the commercially available substance, known as EcoPure 10 including organic compounds for opening the polymer chain of the hydrocarbons, and attractants stimulating microbial colonization on the plastics. The biodegradation occurs at the atomic level and is anaerobic or aerobic. As an example, a biodegradable additive can be applied for a wide variety of plastics, such as PVC, PE, PP, PS, PC, PET and PA.

15 Renewable raw materials for forming a biodegradable plastic may include wood fiber, e.g. 60%, combined with a plastic, e.g. 40%. When a suitable biodegradable additive is added, the material is made biodegradable.

Preferably, material forming the collection structure and the 20 reservoir includes water impermeable material and/or is provided with a liquid impermeable coating, e.g. on the inner and/or outer side. Further, the forming material can be coated with a biodegradable layer, preferably having a pre-determined thickness so that a desired degree of degradedness can be set. Alternatively or additionally, the degradedness of the 25 biodegradable layer can be set by including a dosed amount of conserving material. Further, the degradedness can be set by localizing specific parts at specific heights with respect to the ground level. In general, material in the collection structure will degrade later than material in the reservoir, due to the position relative to the ground.

4

Preferably, the base material of the collection structure and/or reservoir includes specific material that is bound to the base material for a specific time period and is then disseminated into the environment, due to degradable properties of the base material. By setting the degradedness of 5 the base material, the degree of dissemination of the specific material can be determined. In this respect it is noted environmental parameters, such as wind, moisture etc may influence the degradedness of the base material.

As an example, the specific material may include aromatic substances, flavourings, (artifical) fertilizer or michorizae, anti-fungal 10 material and/or at least one insecticide, e.g. nicotine for chasing away harmful animals such as termites, and/or fungi. Further, the specific material may include seeds, symbiotic bacteria, eggs, fungi and/or spores that may germinate after leaving the base material, thereby improving the biodiversity of the irrigating system. As an example, the collection structure 15 might include a first specific material and the reservoir may include a second specific material. The number of seeds, fungi and/or spores can be determined before integrating in the base material.

By integrating the specific material in the base material, the base material serves as an agent for the specific material that disseminates in a 20 dosed manner.

According to an aspect of the invention, a paper material carrier is provided including specific material for dissemination into the environment caused by a biodegrading process of the paper material, e.g. due to moisture. The specific material may include the specific materials described above in 25 relation to the base material of the irrigating system.

The paper material carrier may be integrated with or fixed to the irrigating system or can be provided separately. Further, the paper material carrier may be applied without the irrigating system, e.g. for sowing seed in a field.

5

In the shown embodiment, the water recovery surface 24 has a specific geometry for receiving rain, bloom and other moisture from the atmosphere. The water is collected in a drain 25 and flown to the reservoir 98 via downwardly extending pipes 26, 27. The moisture receiving structure 5 24 further includes a cap 28 removably closing an aperture 23 in the cover layer 22, and an exit drain 29 flowing excess water to an exit opening 30 in a radial outer wall section 12a of the water reservoir 98. The wall module 2 extends through the cover layer 22 and the moisture receiving structure 24 and forms a radial inner wall of the drain 25.

10 Further, in the shown embodiment, the plant irrigating system includes an upwardly extending tube 2 forming a radial inner wall section 12b of the water reservoir 98. The tube 2 is connected to the collection structure 99 and has a longitudinal axis A2, for at least partly sideways surrounding a young plant. The water reservoir 98 is thus formed by the 15 radial outer wall section 12a, the radial inner wall section 12b, a bottom side 11 and a cover layer 22 that forms a top section of the water reservoir 98.

During use of the removable plant protection system 1, a single or a multiple number of seeds, plants or small trees are placed in a soil area 9 20 surrounded by the tube 2, such that it on the one hand throws a shadow on the soil area 4 near the tube 2 when the sun reaches its highest orbit point and on the other hand allows a sun beam on the soil area 4 at a time period on the day when the elevation of the sun is relatively low, e.g. a few hours after sunrise and/or a few hours before sunset, as explained in more detail 25 in the International patent application PCT/NL2010/050581.

Thereto, the system 1 is placed on the Earth’s surface and oriented such that the horizontal orientation of the tube aperture extends substantially parallel to an Earth’s circle of latitude, i.e. along an East-West line 5 extending from the East E to the West W. The East-West line 5 is 6 perpendicular to a North-South line, not shown, also called a meridian line, extending from the North N to the South S.

The irrigation means for irrigation the subsoil may include an injection needle or to a capillary structure 21 extending through an 5 irrigation point 19 for irrigation the subsoil in a dosed manner. Alternatively, a membrane is applied.

Figure 2 shows a schematic perspective top view of the plant irrigating system of Fig. 1. The tube surrounds an area that is mainly shaped as a bar-bell. However, the tube can also be formed to surround 10 another area geometry, such as a disc, a square, or an elongated area.

Further, the water recovery surface 24 comprises a receiving surface which during use makes a first angle with respect to the orientation of gravity, and a collecting surface bounding a bottom edge of the receiving surface, which collecting surface during use makes a second angle with respect to the 15 orientation of gravity, wherein the first angle is smaller than the second angle. In the shown embodiment, the water recovery surface 24 includes a multiple number of radially extending grooves that are interposed by radially extending rims. The water recovery surface 24 is mainly funnel-shaped, so that the water in the grooves flow towards the drain 25, and 20 then, via the pipes 26, 27 into the reservoir 98.

Figure 3 shows a schematic perspective cross sectional view of a second embodiment of a plant irrigating system 1 according to the invention. Here, the collection surface of the water recovery surface 24 is substantially transverse with respect to the orientation of gravity and forms 25 a channel 25 surrounding the tube 2. The channel 25 is located on a radial position mainly halfway between the tube 2 and an outer wall 12a of the reservoir 98. The water recovery surface 24 includes a radially outwardly tilted inner ring segment 41 extending between the tube 2 and the channel 25. Further, the surface 24 includes a radially inwardly tilted outer ring 30 segment 40 extending between the outer wall 12a of the water reservoir and 7 the channel 25. In the shown embodiment, the ring segments 40, 41 are mainly flat, forming a single or a multiple number of substantially flat receiving surface segments. In principle, however, the ring segments 40, 41 can be provided with a grooved pattern, e.g. including radially extending 5 grooves, so as to increase a moisture recovery performance, especially condensation of dew droplets. By providing the above-described water recovery surface 24, the exit drain 29, as constructed in the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, is superfluous. If the level of the recovered water on the surface 24 rises about a predetermined level, e.g. during raining, the excess 10 of water flows away across the outer rim 43 of the surface 24.

Figure 4 shows a schematic perspective cross sectional view of a third embodiment of a plant irrigating system 1 according to the invention. Here, the channel 25 is located on a radial position near an outer wall 12a of the reservoir 98. The water recovery surface 24 now includes a single ring 15 segment, viz. a radially outwardly tilted inner ring segment 41 extending between the tube 2 and the channel 25. Apparently, the channel 25 can be located on another radial position between the tube 2 and the outer wall 12a of the reservoir 98. By locating the channel somewhere between the outer wall 12a of the reservoir and the tube, the height of the reservoir can be 20 reduced while maintaining the same volume with respect to the construction shown in Figures 1 and 2, thereby saving material. The channel 25 in Figures 3 and 4 includes at least one outflow pipe 26, 27 extending from the channel 25 downwardly into the reservoir 98. In principle, the outflow pipe 26, 27 can be integrated with the channel 25. However, the outflow pipe can 25 also be formed separately for assembling into an aperture of the channel 25.

Advantageously, the collection structure may include a passive valve system providing an opening for allowing water to flow from the channel 25 into the reservoir 98 when the channel is wet and substantially closing the opening when the channel is dry. As an example, the passive 30 valve system comprises inwardly extending fingers that bend downwardly 8 when they are wet, and extend in a horizontal plane when they are dry. Then, evaporation of water in the reservoir 98 is minimized.

Preferably, the collection structure extends across the outer wall 12a of the reservoir and is connected therewith using a snap fitting. In the 5 shown embodiments, the snap fitting is formed by a snap on the outer rim 43 of the water recovery surface 24 engaging with the upper part of the reservoir’s outer wall 12a, so that a solid fixture is obtained. In this way collapse of the reservoir 98 is counteracted, while on the other hand, material for forming the reservoir’s outer wall 12a can be saved. Here, the 10 snap extends radially across the outer wall 12a, so that radially outwardly forces exerted on the outer wall 12a can be received. On the tube side, a similar construction can be applied. Specifically, the tube and the collection structure can be interconnected using a construction wherein fingers extend through apertures, thus counteracting undesired deformation of the tube 15 geometry.

The collection structure and the reservoir are preferably detachable coupled, and nestable on their own, thereby saving storage and/or transport space. Further, the cover layer 22 and the cap 28 removably closing an aperture 23 in the cover layer 22 are left in the embodiments shown in 20 Figures 3 and 4, thereby simplifying the design of the irrigating system 1. The collection structure and the reservoir can also be fixed to each other by gluing, thereby preventing that the reservoir is opened, e.g. to counteract theft. Alternatively, the collection structure and the reservoir are integrally formed.

25 Preferably, the irrigation means include a ring module 42 fixed to the reservoir bottom, and an irrigation element 21 extending through the ring module 42, so that a durable irrigation construction is obtained, without causing unintended water losses. Further, the reservoir 98 is advantageously provided with an air opening, thereby avoiding that the 30 irrigation means are blocked by an under pressure in the reservoir 98.

9

The system 1 as shown in Figures 3 and 4 further includes sidewardly extending elements for stabilizing the reservoir on the ground, e.g. via nails. The sidewardly extending elements are connected to the bottom 11 or outer side wall 12a of the reservoir 98, e.g. via a rigid or 5 flexible structure 44, such as a pivotable connection. Apparently, the sidewardly extending elements can also be applied to other embodiments of the system as described herein. The sidewardly extending element may include a body extending between two opposite ends, wherein a first end is provided with coupling means for coupling to a side or bottom part of the 10 plant protection system, and wherein the second end is arranged for fixation to the soil, as described in patent application NL 2 003 974.

It is noted that the embodiments shown in Figures 3 and 4 can be manufactured from cardboard, paper foam and/or fiber paper, but also from other materials, such as biodegradable or non-biodegradable plastics.

15 In an advantageous manner, the system includes injection moulded product modules, and/or vacuum assisted moulding, thereby potentially reducing the cost price considerably. As an example of such an embodiment, the collection surface forms a channel surrounding the tube and the receiving surface includes a single or a multiple number of substantially flat segments. In 20 another embodiment, the channel is located on a radial position mainly halfway between the tube and an outer wall of the reservoir or on a radial position near an outer wall of the reservoir.Figure 5 shows a schematic perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a plant irrigating system according to the invention. Here, the system includes an overhanging 25 portion 50 extending away from the tube 2, beyond the outer side wall 12a of the reservoir 98. The overhanging portion 50 is part of the collection structure 99. The water recovery surface 24 of the collection structure 99 includes an upper surface section of the overhanging portion. The overhanging portion 50, implemented as a sheet, extends in a direction D 30 substantially transverse with respect to the longitudinal axis A2 of the tube 10 2. In the shown embodiment, the overhanging portion 50 extends from a top side of the outer side wall 12a of the reservoir 98 in an outward direction relative to the reservoir 98, away from the tube 2. During sunshine, the overhanging portion 50 generates a shadow 101, in some cases, on a ground 5 surface 102 adjacent to the outer side wall 12a of the reservoir 98, depending on the direction of sunbeams S.

By providing an overhanging portion 50 extending away, outwardly from the tube 2 and beyond the outer side wall 12a of the reservoir, a sunshield is obtained screening objects from direct sunbeams S. The 10 screened objects may include a ground surface 102 adjacent to the outer side wall 12a of the reservoir and extending in a radially outwardly direction and/or a part of the outer reservoir side wall 12a itself. As a consequence, water that is present in the reservoir 98 and in the ground under a screened ground surface 101 can be cooled. By screening at least a part of the 15 reservoir 98 and/or the ground area 56 from the sun, heating up of the water in the water reservoir 98 and/or the ground in at least a part of the ground area 56 is counteracted, thereby counteracting evaporation of water contained in the reservoir and/or in the ground in the ground area 56.

As a result, the temperature of the screened ground around the 20 reservoir 98 is relatively low, providing better surviving and growing conditions for the plant. Also, evaporation of moisture that is present in the screened ground around the reservoir 98 is counteracted, further improving surviving and growing conditions for the plant to be protected.

By integrating the overhanging portion 50 with the collection 25 structure, the water recovery surface 24 may extend beyond the reservoir 98 so that the area of the water recovery surface 24 is relatively large. Therefore, a relatively large amount of water may be recovered.

It is noted that, although the overhanging portion 50 is in the shown embodiment formed as a radially inwardly tilted overhanging ring 30 segment 51 of the water recovery surface 24, the portion 50 can also be 11 formed otherwise. For example, the system 1 may comprise a single or a multiple number of overhanging portion sections 52, 53 not entirely surrounding the reservoir 98. As a detailed example, the system may include a pair of strip shaped overhanging portions 52, 53 extending in 5 opposite directions, e.g. to the North direction N, and/or to the South direction S, during use of the system.

In the shown embodiment, the overlapping portion 50 is staggered upwardly from a water recovery surface 24 that is located above the reservoir 98, thereby providing a relatively large buffer volume for recovered 10 water, e.g. during a rain shower. However, the overlapping portion 50 can also be arranged in line with other collection structure parts, e.g. by providing a substantially flat water recovery surface.

In an alternative embodiment, the overhanging portion 50 is not part of the collection structure 99, but is formed separately. Then, the 15 overhanging portion 50 may be placed not adjacent to the water recovery surface, but at another location, e.g. half-way the outer side wall 12a of the reservoir 98. The overhanging portion then functions as an awning screening objects to be cooled. The overhanging portion can be integrated with the outer side wall 12a of the reservoir, or can be manufactured 20 separately and attached to the outer side wall 12a.

Preferably, the overhanging portion 50 comprises a material capable of reflecting and/or absorbing sunlight, in order to counteract that sunlight travels through the portion 50. Alternatively or additionally, the overhanging portion 50 may be coated with a coating for reflecting and/or 25 absorbing sunlight.

It is noted that the overhanging sheet 50 does not need to be placed near a top side of the outer side wall 12a of the reservoir 98, nor does the overhanging sheet 50 need to be tilted radially inwardly. For example, if the overhanging sheet 50 is formed as a sunshade, for protecting the ground 30 area 56, the overhanging sheet may be placed lower than the water recovery 12 surface 24, e.g. halfway the radial outer wall section 12a. Moreover, the overhanging sheet 50 may be oriented substantially horizontal or even radially tilted outwardly.

Figure 6 shows a schematic perspective cross sectional view of the 5 plant irrigating system of Fig. 5. The system 1 comprises a multiple number of separate modules, not manufactured as an integrated part of the system. A first module is a bin formed by the radial outer wall section 12a, the radial inner wall section 12b and the bottom side 11 of the water reservoir 98. A second module of the system 1 is the collection structure 99 including 10 the overhanging portion 50 and the water recovery surface 24. Furthermore, the outflow pipes 26, 27 can be formed as separate modules, or can be formed integrally with the collection structure 99.

By applying the modular approach, lateral dimensions of the modules are relatively small. Further, the modules can be optimized, e.g. in 15 terms of materials and/or costs. Another potential advantage is that modules can be designed such that they are efficiently nestable, e.g. the bins and/or the collection structures 99, thereby reducing space that is needed for storing and/or transporting the modules. As a consequence, a large number of modules can be stored on a transport pallet or another transporting unit. 20 By keeping dimensions of the separate manufactured modules relatively small, the manufacturing process can be relatively cheap. As an example, when a mould is used for producing the bin, e.g. for injection moulding, vacuum assisted moulding and/or transfer moulding, the dimensions of the bin, including its diameter 60 and height 62 can be 25 optimized for cost price. A similar optimization can be applied to a mould for producing the collection structure 99. A relatively small mould may reduce its cost price.

Also when the system, or parts thereof, are manufactured from paper material such as cardboard, cellulose, paper foam and/or fiber paper, 30 the cost price can be kept low. When a module is formed by dipping a fine 13 wire mesh into a tub filled with a fibrous pulp slurry and sucking the slurry toward the mesh, a relatively low cost price can be obtained if the modules have a relatively small dimension.

As an example, if the diameter of the bin is chosen relatively small, 5 a relatively large number of bins can be formed simultaneously. Although the diameter of the bin is then relatively small, still a large water recovery surface area can be realized with the system, since the collection structure is manufactured separately. If a specific reservoir volume can be obtained by selecting a proper height of the bin in combination with a fixed relatively 10 small bin diameter. Then the manufacturing costs can be kept relatively low, also if a larger reservoir volume is desired.

When considered in terms of reservoir volume, i.e. the amount of water that can be stored in the reservoir, base material can be saved by making the reservoir relatively high and the dimensions in the horizontal 15 plane relatively small. Then, a relatively large number of reservoirs 98 can be manufactured simultaneously in the tub. On the other hand, by making the water recovery surface relatively large, a large area is obtained for recovering moisture that is present in the atmosphere, independent of the horizontal dimensions of the reservoir.

20 It is noted that the collection structure 99 and the reservoir 98 of the plant irrigating system 1 can be made from paper material and/or biodegradable plastic. Alternatively, the collection structure 99 and/or the reservoir 98 of the plant irrigating system comprising an overhanging portion extending away from the tube, beyond an outer side wall of the 25 reservoir are made from other materials, such as non-biodegradable petroleum based plastics.

It is also noted that the tube can be formed as a wall defining a bar-bell, a disc or a square, seen in a top-down view. However, the tube can also be formed in another way, e.g. forming an elongated closed or half-open 30 slot, seen in a top-down view.

14

Figure 7 shows a schematic top view of a multiple number of plant irrigating systems 1 according to the invention. Here, the systems are mainly shaped as rectangular boxes having two shorter sides 46 and two longer sides 47. As shown in Fig. 7 the plant irrigating systems have in this 5 embodiment locally inwardly bending structures providing a plant space 45 outside the system 1 when multiple systems are placed next to each other.

In the plant space 45 a single or a multiple number plants can be planted, thereby further improving the efficiency of the used material for forming the plant irrigating system.

10 According to an aspect of the invention, a method is provided of manufacturing a plant irrigating system, comprising a collection structure for collecting moisture present in the atmosphere, wherein the collection structure is provided with a water recovery surface which during use at least partly makes an angle with respect to the orientation of gravity, 15 further comprising a reservoir for storing the recovered moisture, wherein the reservoir is provided with irrigation means for delivering moisture present in the reservoir to a subsoil located therebelow, and wherein the method includes the step of manufacturing the collection structure and the reservoir from cardboard, paper foam and/or fiber paper.

20 Preferably, when constructing the collection structure and the reservoir, the height of the reservoir wall is determined by starting from a predetermined dimension of the outer reservoir wall’s upper side and selecting a desired reservoir volume. Then, for a range of reservoir volumes, a single collection structure fits, since the outer reservoir wall’s upper side 25 has a fixed measure.

The invention is not restricted to the embodiments described herein. It will be understood that many variants are possible.

It is noted that the plant irrigating system can have any closed periphery, in principle, when seen in a top view, such as a U-profile, a 30 polygon, a square, a rectangle, a triangle, a circle, an ellipse, etc. Further, 15 the irrigating system can be formed without the above described tube. Then, the irrigating system can be formed as a bag, bin, tank or pot.

The tube can also have a desired contour, such as a square, a circle, a rectangle, or a semi-closed or half-opened contour, such as an U-shape.

5 It is noted that the cover layer 22 applied in the system shown in

Fig. 1 can in principle also be applied in the systems as shown in Figures 3 and 4, e.g. for isolation purposes, to counteract that the temperature of the water in the reservoir becomes too hot.

The collection structure and/or the reservoir can be provided with a 10 heat isolating layer to prevent excessive increase of water in the reservoir. As an example, the collection structure may include hollow spaces or heat isolating material, e.g. perlite particles.

Other such variants will be apparent for the person skilled in the art and are considered to fall within the scope of the invention as defined in 15 the following claims.

Claims

1. Plant irrigation system, comprising a collection structure for collecting moisture present in the atmosphere, the collection structure being provided with a water recovery surface which during use at least partially makes an angle with respect to the orientation of gravity, further comprising a reservoir for storing of the recovered moisture, wherein the reservoir is provided with irrigation means for supplying moisture present in the reservoir to an underlying substrate, and wherein the collection structure and the reservoir are made of paper material and / or biodegradable plastic.

A plant irrigation system according to claim 1, wherein the paper material comprises cardboard, cellulose, paper foam and / or fiber paper.

3. Plant irrigation system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fiber paper comprises coconut fiber, cotton fiber, banana fiber, jute fiber, wool fiber, straw fiber, grass fiber, hemp fiber, kenaf fiber, wheat straw paper, sunflower stalk fiber, rag fiber, mulberry paper and / or kozo.

A plant irrigation system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the paper material comprises a water-impermeable material and / or is provided with a moisture-impermeable coating.

A plant irrigation system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the biodegradable plastic is based on recoverable raw materials comprising a biodegradable additive, or plastics based on petroleum comprising a biodegradable additive.

A plant irrigation system according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a tube connected to the collection structure, for at least partially sideways surrounding a young plant that can be placed in the collection structure.

Plant irrigation system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tube surrounds an area that is essentially shaped as a disc, a square, a dumbbell, or an elongated area.

8. Plant irrigation system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the collection structure and the reservoir are detachably coupled.

A plant irrigation system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the collection structure and / or the reservoir is nestable.

10. Plant irrigation system as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the tube forms an inner wall of the reservoir.

11. Plant irrigation system as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the water recovery surface comprises a receiving surface which during use forms a first angle with respect to the orientation of the gravity, and a collecting surface which defines a bottom edge of the receiving surface, which collecting surface during use a second angle with respect to the orientation of gravity, the first angle being smaller than the second angle.

A plant irrigation system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the water recovery surface is substantially funnel-shaped.

A plant irrigation system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the collection surface is substantially transverse to the orientation of gravity.

A plant irrigation system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the collection surface forms a channel surrounding the tube. 25

Plant irrigation system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiving surface comprises a single or a multiple number of substantially flat segments.

16. Plant irrigation system as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the channel is placed at a radial position substantially halfway between the tube and an outer wall of the reservoir.

17. Plant irrigation system as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the channel is placed at a radial position near an outer wall of the reservoir.

18. Plant irrigation system as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the collecting structure comprises at least one outflow pipe that extends down the channel into the reservoir.

19. Plant irrigation system as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the collecting structure comprises a passive valve system which is provided with an opening for water from the channel to flow into the reservoir when the channel is wet, and which substantially closes the opening when the channel is dry.

Plant irrigation system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the collection structure extends over the outer wall of the reservoir and is connected to it with the aid of a snap connection.

A plant irrigation system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the irrigation means comprise a ring module attached to the reservoir, and an irrigation element that extends through the ring module.

22. Plant irrigation system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the reservoir is provided with an air opening.

23. Plant irrigation system as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the outer wall of the reservoir has a locally inward bending structure, which provides a plant space outside the system when a plurality of systems are placed next to each other.

A plant irrigation system according to any one of the preceding claims, which is arranged for spreading aromatic substance, flavorings, antifungal material and / or at least one insecticide for expelling harmful animals and / or fungi.

The plant irrigation system according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising an overhanging portion extending from the tube beyond an outer side wall of the reservoir.

26. Plant irrigation system according to claim 25, wherein the overhanging part is part of the collection structure.

A plant irrigation system according to claim 25 or 26, wherein the water recovery surface comprises an upper surface portion of the overhanging portion.

28. Method for manufacturing a plant irrigation system, comprising a collection structure for collecting moisture present in the atmosphere, the collection structure being provided with a water recovery surface which during use at least partially makes an angle with respect to the orientation of gravity, further comprising a reservoir for storing the recovered moisture, the reservoir being provided with irrigation means for supplying moisture present in the reservoir to a subsurface below it, and wherein the method comprises the step of manufacturing the collection structure and the reservoir made of paper material and / or biodegradable plastic.

The method of claim 28, wherein the height of the wall of the reservoir is determined by starting from a predetermined dimension of the top of the outer wall of the reservoir and by selecting a desired reservoir volume.