WO2023218452A1

WO2023218452A1 - Fluid management system for supporting root systems

Info

Publication number: WO2023218452A1
Application number: PCT/IL2023/050472
Authority: WO
Inventors: Boaz Wachtel; Sharon Devir; Gil ATIYA; Asaf BEN PORAT
Original assignee: Roots Sustainable Agricultural Technologies Ltd.
Priority date: 2022-05-09
Filing date: 2023-05-09
Publication date: 2023-11-16

Abstract

A fluid temperature management system supports root systems disposed within a root zone operable with a piping network incorporating pressure activated fluid emitters. The system is configured for dual modes, a first of which circulates water at relatively low pressures through a heat exchange arrangement, and a second of which stops circulation for allowing water from an external irrigation network to build pressure in the fluid emitters by way of at least one fluid flow control valve downstream from a conduit network disposed adjacent a target root zone. Once a threshold pressure is reached within the conduit network the fluid emitters are opened for selectively irrigating and optionally fertilizing the target root zone at a controlled temperature. The fluid/root zone management system is operable in dual modes for selectively maintaining a select temperature at the root zone and irrigating and/or fertigating the root zone depending upon root system needs.

Description

FLUID MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR SUPPORTING ROOT SYSTEMS

PRIOR HISTORY

This application claims the benefit of pending US Provisional Patent Application No. 63/364,374 filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office on 09 May 2022, the specifications and drawings of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

The presently disclosed subject matter generally relates to a plant irrigation and fertilization system. More particularly, the presently disclosed subject matter relates to a fluid management system for thermally treating root zone to optimize root system development.

BACKGROUND

There is a growing need, due in part to climate change, to maintain stable and optimal root zone temperatures to increase production security and allow growth year-round of agricultural and ornamental plants. These plants also require irrigation and fertilization (i.e., fertigation) that are provided by state-of-the-art technologies that include drip irrigation systems that tap into a fertilizing tank to combine fertilization with drip irrigation systems. There is a perceived need, addressed in the presently disclosed subject matter to provide fertigation within optimized root zone temperatures to achieve top agronomical performance of the plants. The presently disclosed subject matter provides an “all in one” system for irrigation, fertigation and root zone temperature management and optimization of all functional elements managed by smart controls to provide a full solution to grow agricultural and ornamental plants year-round. The system according to the presently disclosed subject matter can be implemented in closed infrastructures as exemplified by covered agricultural environments as well in an open- air gardens and fields. The fluid management system can be installed as a stand-alone system in connection with a piping network and in some embodiments may be installed onto existing systems as a retrofit system by communicating with state-of-the-art irrigation control systems with add-on capabilities.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

In general, the present disclosure provides a fluid management system operable with an optionally closed cycle piping network incorporating pressure activated fluid emitters, and is configured in a first mode to circulate water at relatively low pressures within the piping network through a heat exchange arrangement, and in a second mode to stop that circulation and allow water from an external irrigation network or with a controlled pressure builder element to build pressure in the pressure activated fluid emitters by way of at least one fluid flow control valve downstream from the irrigation network disposed adjacent a target root zone. Once a threshold pressure is reached within the irrigation the pressure activated fluid emitters are opened for selectively irrigating and optionally fertilizing the target root zone.

Separation of the relatively low pressure and relatively high-pressure fluid conduit networks is important as the fluid temperature regulation system according to the present disclosure does not well tolerate fertilizer additions within the fluid conduit network, which are preferably incorporated in an external irrigation network under control of a common control system. Without separate networks, the fluid temperature regulation system may become inefficient or overwhelmed due to voluminous amounts of irrigation water required to normally irrigate root systems within the target root zone.

There is thus provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter a fluid management system operably connectable to a fluid temperature regulation system operable in a circulation path, and an irrigation system sharing a common piping section with the fluid temperature regulation system. The common piping section is disposable adjacent a root zone so as to exchange heat therewith and includes a plurality of pressure activated emitters for emitting irrigation and/or fertigation fluid at the root zone.

The fluid management system comprises a pressure building valve connectable downstream relative to the common piping section so as to selectively obstruct fluid flow through the circulation path. A control system is operatively connectable to the pressure building valve, and operable in at least two operational modes including: (1) an optionally closed loop circulation mode in which the control system operates the pressure building valve to enable fluid flow in the circulation path, to facilitate thermal regulation of the root zone; and (2) an irrigation mode in which the control system operates the pressure building valve so as to obstruct fluid flow along the circulation path, thereby enabling fluid pressure to rise within the common piping section for activating the pressure activated emitters.

In some embodiments the fluid management system further comprises a fluid directing mechanism connectable upstream the common piping section so as to facilitate selective conduction of fluid from at least one of the irrigation systems and the fluid temperature regulation system to the common piping section. The fluid directing mechanism is operably connected to the control system which in turn is configured, at the irrigation mode, to enable conduction of fluid from the irrigation system into the common piping section along an irrigation path, and at the circulation mode, to enable conduction of fluid from the fluid temperature regulation system into the common piping section along the circulation path.

In some embodiments, the fluid directing mechanism comprises an irrigation valve connectable along the irrigation path and configured to selectively obstruct fluid flow along the irrigation path. In some embodiments, the control system is further configured, at the irrigation mode, to operate the irrigation valve so as to enable fluid flow through the irrigation path, and at said circulation mode, to obstruct fluid flow through the irrigation path. In some embodiments, the control system is configured, at the circulation mode, to operate the irrigation valve to obstruct fluid flow along the irrigation path, and operate the pressure building valve to enable fluid flow along the circulation path.

In some embodiments, the fluid directing mechanism further comprises at least one circulation pump connectable along the circulation path that is selectively operable by the control system so as to selectively motivate circulation of fluid therealong. In some embodiments, the control system is configured to operate the circulation pump while in the circulation mode, and at the irrigation mode, to cease operation of the circulation pump. In some embodiments, the fluid management system may incorporate various fluid backflow prevention arrangements to prevent fluid backflow from the common piping section to both the irrigation system and the circulation system. In some embodiments, these fluid backflow prevention arrangements may be passive and exemplified by one-way valves upstream in fluid communication with the irrigation and circulation networks. There is further provided in accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter a root zone management system for supporting a root system disposed in a root zone. The root zone management system according to the present disclosure comprises a fluid conduit network configured to extend through the root zone, and further comprises at least one pressure activated emitter configured to enable emission of fluid therethrough onto the root zone when fluid pressure within the fluid conduit network exceeds a predetermined threshold. A low-pressure fluid conduction system is in communication with the fluid conduit network and operable to enable circulation of fluid within the fluid conduit network at a pressure beneath the threshold. Further, a high-pressure fluid conduction system is in communication with the fluid conduit network and operable to build fluid pressure within the fluid conduit network to exceed the threshold. A control system is configured to interchangeably operate each of the first and second fluid conduction systems.

In some embodiments, the root zone management system further includes at least two liquid conduction networks, a first of which conducts thermally treated liquid, and a second of which conducts irrigation liquid. In some embodiments, at least a portion of liquid conduit comprises at least one liquid outlet for selectively irrigating the root zone, which liquid outlet is pressure activated and configured to breach under a given pressure. In some embodiments, at least a portion of liquid conduit is liquid permeable for selectively irrigating the root zone. In some embodiments, the irrigation system is in communication with an external liquid source. In some embodiments, the low-pressure fluid conduction system is in fluid communication with a fluid temperature regulation system for selectively and thermally treating the root zone. In some embodiments, the low-pressure fluid conduction system is in fluid communication with a closed loop network. The root zone management system according to the present disclosure may, in some embodiments, further comprise at least one fertigation unit in communication with an irrigation network for infusing circulating liquid with fertilizer for selectively fertilizing the root zone. In some embodiments, the control system is configured to control the introduction of fertilizer to the at least one fertigation unit. In some embodiments, the at least one fertigation unit is configured to thermally regulate fertilizer temperature prior to infusion into the circulating liquid. In some embodiments, at least one liquid conduction unit comprises at least one fertigation unit, a select temperature of liquid at the liquid conduction unit being operable to exchange heat with the at least one fertigation unit.

In some embodiments, the at least one fertigation unit shares a thermally conductive wall with the at least one liquid conduction unit. In some embodiments, the at least one fertigation unit comprises a longitudinal unit axis, and the at least one liquid conduction unit is coaxial with the longitudinal unit axis in radial adjacency to the at least one fertigation unit for radially directing heat exchange therewith. In some embodiments, the at least one fertigation unit is centrally located relative to the at least one liquid conduction unit. In some embodiments, the at least one fertigation unit comprises a fertilizer mixing mechanism. In some embodiments, the at least one fertigation unit comprises a fertilizer level regulating mechanism for maintaining a select fertilizer level therewithin.

In some embodiments, the fluid conduit network comprises at least one of a horizontal conduit arrangement and a vertical conduit arrangement. In some embodiments, the system comprises at least one of a series of manual control mechanisms and a series of automatic control mechanisms. In some embodiments, the series of manual control mechanisms comprise timers, pressure valves, and temperature control monitors. In some embodiments, the series of automatic control mechanisms is algorithmically governed. In some embodiments, the control system is configured to variably adjust circulating liquid flow rates. In some embodiments, at least one liquid conduction unit is configured to thermally regulate circulating liquid temperature to maintain a select liquid pressure within the fluid conduit network.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the fluid conduit network is outfitted with a heat exchange apparatus for selectively heating liquid within the fluid conduit network at said portion. In some embodiments, the heat exchange apparatus is a liquid-holding tank arrangement. In some embodiments, an irrigation system passes through the liquid-holding tank for adapting the temperature of irrigation fluid before emission thereof. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the liquid conduit is outfitted with insulation to retard heat exchange therethrough. In some embodiments, the system further comprising at least one on-site monitor/control unit in communication with at least one remote monitor/control unit, the latter of which enables a user to remotely monitor/control said system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other features and objectives of the presently disclosed subject matter will become more evident from a consideration of the following brief descriptions of patent drawings.

FIG. 1A is a diagrammatic depiction of a simple exothermic circulation path of the fluid/root zone management system of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. IB is a diagrammatic depiction of a simple endothermic circulation path of the fluid/root zone management system of the presently disclosed subject matter. FIG. 2A is a diagrammatic depiction of a simple exothermic circulation path in fluid communication with an external fluid source of the fluid/root zone management system of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 2B is a diagrammatic depiction of a simple exothermic circulation path in fluid communication with an external fluid source of the fluid/root zone management system of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic depiction of a more detailed exothermic circulation path in fluid communication with an external fluid source and disposed adjacent a root zone according to the fluid/root zone management system of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 4A is a diagrammatic depiction of a closed circulation path with a common piping section disposed adjacent a series of root zones according to the fluid/root zone management system of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 4B is a diagrammatic depiction of a circulation path in fluid communication with an external fluid source with a common piping section disposed adjacent a series of root zones according to the fluid/root zone management system of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged diagrammatic depiction of the common piping section as enlarged and sectioned from FIGS. 4 A and 4B showing a fluid conduit network disposed adjacent the series of root zones.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged diagrammatic depiction of a fluid temperature management system as according to the fluid/root zone management system of the presently disclosed subject matter showing a heat pump in fluid communication with a fluid-holding tank. FIG. 7 is an enlarged diagrammatic depiction of a control system arrangement according to the fluid/root zone management system of the presently disclosed subject matter showing a series of control lines in communication with a central control system.

FIG. 8 is a fluid circuit diagram depicting a fluid/root zone management system according to the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 9A is a simple perspective view schematic of a combination fluid-holding/fertigation tank according to the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 9B is a simple top view schematic of the combination fluid-holding/fertigation tank according to the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic depiction of the combination fluid-holding/fertigation tank according to the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 11 is a schematic of a first fluid directing arrangement of the fluid/root zone management system according to the presently disclosed subject matter depicting a first conduit network disposed adjacent a series of root zones in an open-air field application.

FIG. 12 is a schematic of a second fluid directing arrangement of the fluid/root zone management system according to the presently disclosed subject matter depicting a second conduit network disposed adjacent a series of root zones in an open-air field application.

FIG. 13 is a schematic of a third fluid directing arrangement of the fluid/root zone management system according to the presently disclosed subject matter depicting a third conduit network disposed adjacent a series of root zones in a covered agricultural environment application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Referring now the drawings with more specificity, the presently disclosed subject matter provides a fluid management system in certain embodiments. The fluid management system is configured to primarily control temperature within a root zone 13 to support and optimize root system vitality. In some embodiments, the fluid management system can be installed as a standalone system in connection with a piping network and in some embodiments may be installed onto existing systems as a retrofit system by communicating with state-of-the-art irrigation control systems with add-on capabilities. The fluid management system according to the presently disclosed subject matter may also be applied for growing agricultural or ornamental plants 30 in either open-air gardens or fields 28 or covered agricultural environments 29.

The fluid management system is operable in dual modes, a first of which provides a circulation mode for circulating thermally regulated fluid 60 through a common piping section 22 disposed adjacent root zones 13, and the second of which provides an irrigation/fertigation mode for circulating irrigation/fertigation fluid through the common piping section 22. In this regard, it is important to note there is a preferred separation between the circulation system for thermally regulating root zone temperatures and the irrigation system for irrigating/fertigating root zones 13. This distinction is important because the fluid temperature regulation system of the circulation system may not be suitable for receiving and circulating excessive amounts of fertilizer within the circulation mode. Further, temperature regulation of irrigation systems can be costly due to voluminous amounts of water required to sustain plant growth. Accordingly, the present disclosure contemplates a dual mode operation of circulation and irrigation systems in some embodiments.

Comparatively referencing FIG. 1A and FIG. IB the reader will there consider diagrammatic depictions of a simple fluid delivery circuit or closed circulation path 10 according to the present disclosure. The closed circulation path 10 depicted in FIGS. 1A and IB is shown as simple fluid delivery circuit disposed adjacent one or more root zones 13 applied for growing agricultural or ornamental plants 30. Although simply depicted in FIGS. 1 A and IB, the circulation path 10 may include relatively more complex fluid conduit networks wherein fluid is circulated in a unidirectional manner from a central unit 11 and back to the central unit 11. Circulating fluid (e.g., water) within the circulation path 10 is thermally treated or regulated by a fluid temperature regulation system 12 associated with the central unit 11 to provide an optimal fluid temperature for fluid flow 17 within the closed circulation path 10. As noted, the circulation path 10 is optionally closed in certain embodiments.

In certain embodiments, the circulation path 10 may allow for fluid intake from an external fluid source as at 27 and is operable to either increase or decrease fluid pressure within the circulation path 10 to selectively breach a series of pressure-activated emitters 14 for emitting thermally-regulated irrigation fluid 23 at or within root zones 13 to support the root systems 61 therewithin. This fluid delivery system may be said to comprise a pressure -building unit exemplified by a pressure-building valve 44 in some embodiments. The pressure-building unit is downstream relative to a common piping section 22 and operable to either increase or decrease fluid pressure within the common piping section 22 so as to emit thermally regulated fluid 23 via the emitters 14 into the root zones 13 disposed in adjacency to the common piping section 22.

In some embodiments, the pressure-activated emitters 14 are downstream from Heat Exchange Probes or HEPs 15 in fluid communication with the circulation path 10, which are operable to selectively adjust fluid temperature at the fluid emission sites. In some embodiments, insulated piping segments 16 are incorporated along the circulation path 10 so as to reduce heat exchange rates therealong. Fluid flow 17 is generally unidirectional and circuitous within the circulation path 10 for exchanging heat either exothermically or endothermically with the root zones 13 to maintain an optimal substrate temperature at the root zones 13. FIG. 1A diagrammatically depicts an exothermic heat exchange from the circulation path 10 to the root zones 13 and FIG. IB diagrammatically depicts an endothermic heat exchange to the circulation path 10 from the root zones 13.

Referencing FIG. 1A the reader will there note relatively cooler temperatures at the root zones 13 as depicted and referenced at relatively lower or negative temperature symbols 18. Relatively warmer temperatures along the circulation path 10 are depicted and referenced at relatively higher or positive temperature symbols 19. Heat transfer is the energy exchanged between opposed environments as a result of a temperature difference therebetween with the energy being directed from higher temperatures to lower temperatures. In the exothermic heat exchange depicted in FIG. 1 A, heat transfer is directed toward the lower temperature root zones 13 from the circulation path 10 as at arrows 20. Comparatively referencing FIG. IB the reader will there note relatively warmer temperature root zones 13. In the endothermic heat exchange depicted in FIG. IB, heat transfer is directed toward the circulation path 10 from the root zones 13 as at arrows 21. The heat exchange process according to the present disclosure may, in certain instances refer to exothermic exchanges as an exemplary embodiment; however, both types of heat exchanges are contemplated by the present disclosure.

As prefaced above, the fluid management system may be applied for growing agricultural or ornamental plants 30 in either open-air gardens or fields. This arrangement is schematically depicted and referenced at 28 in FIGS. 11 and 12. The fluid management system may also be applied for growing agricultural or ornamental plants 30 in covered agricultural environments as schematically depicted and referenced at 29 in FIG. 13. In its most basic application, the fluid management system is configured for regulating pressure within the circulation path 10. The system is configured to either (a) increase pressure within the circulation path 10 to breach pressure-activated emitters 14 with emitting fluid 23 or (b) decrease pressure below a threshold to prevent fluid emission at the emitters 14. In both the high-pressure and low-pressure applications, the fluid flow 17 and/or fluid emission 23 operates to either deliver heat to or withdraw heat from consumers which according to the present disclosure are the root systems 61 of plants 30 growing in soil 31 or any similar substrate.

The fluid management system is thereby also configured for influencing root zone temperature (i.e., the temperature of the soil 31 surrounding of the root systems 61 and facilitating control of the temperature of the soil 31 accommodating the root systems 61). Influencing and controlling the temperature of root systems 61 of plants 30 is important, for example, in areas characterized by significant temperature fluctuations. The fluid management system may function for both cooling or heating of soil 31 or any substrate or growing media or fluid accommodating the root systems 61 so as to maintain substantially permanent and optimal temperatures for maximizing plant growth. Permanent and more stable substrate temperatures accommodating root systems 61, or at least moderate changes of temperature along the day, generally improves root system vitality for promoting plant growth.

Thermal regulation of the fluid flow 17 for thermally treating the soil 31 and optimizing root zone temperature operates in a closed cycle in some embodiments. Any energy source can be used for cooling or heating the fluid/water 60, such as heat pumps, chillers, boilers, or ground source heat exchangers. In some embodiments, the energy source cools or heats the fluid/water 60 in a fluid-holding tank or tanks as at 36 outfitted with temperature sensor(s) in electrical communication with the energy source of choice. In certain embodiments at least one fluid- circulating pump 40 circulates fluid flow 17 from and back to the fluid-holding tank(s) 36, and in the process pushes the fluid/water 60 via the installed partially insulated common piping section 22 at the root zone 13 placed in the growing media or soil 31 for heat exchange to selectively influence the root zone temperature. The fluid management system according to the presently disclosed subject matter can also be connected to any under pot or above table product or configuration in some embodiments as generally depicted in FIG. 13.

In some embodiments, the fluid management system comprises piping or fluid conduit in the form of a thermally conductive pipe buried in soil 31 at a depth of about 15 [cm], in proximity to the root systems 61 within the root zones 13. The depth of the thermally conductive piping primarily depends on the type of crop and soil type and other secondary factors. The thermally conductive piping is configured for facilitating fluid flow 17 therethrough for conducting thermal energy to or from the soil 31 accommodating the root systems 61. In certain embodiments, the depth of the piping can be between about 5 [cm] to about 30 [cm] and may comprise both horizontal arrays of fluid conduit or a horizontal conduit arrangement 62 and vertical arrays of fluid conduit or a vertical conduit arrangement 63 as generally depicted and referenced in FIGS. 11 through 13.

In some embodiments, the fluid 60 is charged with heat 52 by a heat source as exemplified by a heat pump 37, and is motivated to flow within the piping or fluid conduit by a propelling arrangement exemplified by at least one fluid circulating pump 40. The motivated and temperature -regulated fluid 60 flows through the piping as at fluid flow 17, and conducts heat to or from the root zones 13 along the fluid flow 17 in the piping or conduit as depicted at arrows 20 or 21, respectively. Referencing FIG. 11, the reader will there see fluid flow 17 beginning from the central unit in communication with the fluid temperature regulation system 12. The fluid flow 17 is cyclic and unidirectional through the circulation path 10. In large scale applications, as schematically depicted in FIG. 11, fluid flow is directed into the page as at fluid flow 17’ and out of the page as at fluid flow 17” to denote a growing environment having significant width and length. The fluid flow 17 may thus cycle through both horizontal conduit arrangements 62 and vertical conduit arrangements 63 in an open-air garden or field 28 or in a covered agricultural environment 29.

It will be understood the fluid management system according to the presently disclosed subject matter is firstly operably connected to a root zone temperature regulation (e.g., heating/cooling) system 12 operable along the circulation path 10. In some embodiments, the fluid management system further may be incorporated as a retrofit system added in fluid communication to existing fluid conduit networks to provide a common piping section 22 with the fluid temperature regulation system 12. The common piping section 22 is disposable adjacent the root zone 13 so as to exchange heat therewith and in some embodiments includes a plurality of pressure- activated emitters 14 for emitting irrigation fluid 23 at the root zones 13 as further depicted and referenced in FIG. 2 A and FIG. 2B. FIG. 2 A diagrammatically depicts an exothermic heat exchange from the circulation path 10 to the root zones 13 and FIG. 2B diagrammatically depicts an endothermic heat exchange to the circulation path 10 from the root zones 13.

The fluid management system according to the present disclosure is configured to irrigate and selectively fertigate root systems 61 within the root zone(s) 13, and may include a separate irrigation system 48 in some embodiments. A control system 38 of the fluid management system is configured, at a circulation mode, to operate an irrigation valve 47 to obstruct fluid flow 45 along an irrigation path 43, and operate a pressure-building valve 44 to enable fluid flow 17 along the circulation path 10 via the fluid temperature regulation system 12, and at an irrigation mode, to selectively enable fluid flow through the irrigation valve 47 into the common piping section 22 for irrigating the root zones 13.

In some embodiments, the separate irrigation system 48 comprises either an external or internal fertigation system in fluid communication 25 with the root zone temperature regulation system 12 sharing a common piping system 22 or network therewith. The fertigation system may comprise one or more fertigation tanks 24 configured to mix 66 fertilizers manually or automatically with either a dedicated fertigation capsule or with any other container configuration. In some embodiments, the fertigation capsule is insertable either from the top 65 of the at least one fertigation tank 24 or into any suitable location along the length of the irrigation piping. The fertigation capsule(s) are activated to release fertigation into the fertigation tanks 24 based on multiple considerations including the amount of time the actual irrigation takes place. In some embodiments, the fluid/root zone management system according to the present disclosure comprises at least one filtering mechanism for preventing clogs within the circulation path 10 caused, for example by hard water and/or fertilizer sediment. There are many types of filtering mechanisms some of which are automatic and some of which require manual attendance.

The mixing action 66 of the fertigation system may also be achieved by way of a smart control unit to maintain the desired mixing ratios between the fluid/water 60 and the fertilizers. In some embodiments, the fluid management system can, upon request from the control system 38, heat or cool the fertigation liquids. In some embodiments, one or more external fluid or water source(s) 27 are in fluid communication 26 with the circulation path 10. In some embodiments, the fluid management system comprises a pressure-building unit in fluid communication with the circulation path 10 for selectively providing low-pressure fluid flow or high-pressure fluid flow, the latter of which is operable to activate the pressure-activated emitters 14 at a predetermined threshold. The pressure-building unit (e.g., pressure-building valve 44) is controlled by a control system 38 at the central unit 11 via a control line 45. At a predetermined pressure, an electric faucet or pressure-activated emitter 14 directs the irrigation/fertigation fluid flow 45 from either a single fertigation tank 24 or a series of separate fertigation tanks 24 or any other fertigation device along the irrigation piping by way of the pressure-activated emitters 14 (e.g., pressure-sensitive drippers or pressure-sensitive pulsators) to allow irrigation/fertigation at the root zones 13.

As noted hereinabove, the circulation path 10 is a closed loop in some embodiments. Thermal regulation of the circulating fluid or fluid flow 17 may contribute to pressure fluctuations of the fluid flow 17 in some embodiments. Thermal regulation of fluid flow 17 within the circulation path 10 may thereby affect fluid pressure of fluid flow 17. Accordingly, the presently disclosed subject matter provides thermal regulation of the fluid flow 17 for adjusting fluid pressure within a closed loop circulation path 10 in some embodiments. In addition, in some embodiments the fluid management system may comprise at least one fluid-holding tank 36 for closed loop circulation of fluid/water 60 at optimal temperatures and a separate fluid-holding fertigation tank 24 maintained at optimal temperatures by at least one of a fertigation fluid temperature regulation device or in combination with a circulation fluid-holding tank 36 as discussed in more detail hereinafter in these specifications.

Referring to FIGS. 3 through 4B, the central unit 11 is in fluid communication with one or more external water sources 27 as exemplified by open-source water inlets in some embodiments. The external fluid source or open-source water inlet 27 may be outfitted with an external fluid source valve 35 in communication with the control system 38 by way of a control line 64 to selectively open/close the external fluid source valve 35. The central unit 11 is also in communication with the fluid temperature regulation system 12, which as earlier discussed may further comprise at least one fluid-holding tank 36 and a fluid heating/cooling mechanism exemplified by a heat pump 37 to thermally regulate fluid temperature within the fluid-holding tank 36.

At least one second control valve 39 to selectively allow combinations of thermally regulated fluid flow 17 and/or irrigation liquid and/or fertigation liquid as the system may require. The at least one second control valve 39 may in some embodiments, be used as a pressure-building valve connected downstream of the common piping section 22 so as to selectively obstruct fluid flow 17 through the circulation path 10 and increase pressure there within. As prefaced above, once a threshold pressure is achieved within the circulation path 10, the threshold pressure activates the plurality of pressure-activated emitters 14 for emitting irrigation fluid 23 at the root zones 13.

Referencing FIG. 4 A, the fluid temperature regulation system 12 according to the present disclosure may be said to comprise the at least one fluid-holding tank 36 and a fluid heating/cooling mechanism 37 in upstream fluid communication with a common piping section 22 at which common piping section 22 either root zone temperature management and/or irrigation/fertigation may occur depending on whether the fluid management system is operating in a circulation mode or an irrigation/fertigation mode. A fluid circulation pump 40 may help direct fluid flow 17 from the fluid-holding tank 36 into the common piping section 22 as controlled by the control system 38 by way of control line 55.

The fluid management system further comprises a one-way or no return valve 56 downstream from the fluid circulation pump 40 and upstream from the common piping section 22 in some embodiments to prevent backflow of circulating fluid/water 60. A fluid communication piping section 54 downstream from the common piping section 22 returns fluid flow 17 to the at least one fluid-holding tank 36 for fluid temperature maintenance via the fluid heating/cooling mechanism 37. The closed circulation path 10 includes the common piping section 22, the piping section 54; and the fluid temperature regulation system 12 in fluid communication therewith.

Further referencing FIG. 6, the reader will there see the fluid heating/cooling mechanism 37 is in fluid communication with at least one fluid-holding tank 36 for in taking fluid 60 by way of fluid line 50, thermally regulating fluid temperature at the fluid heating/cooling mechanism 37 and returning thermally regulated fluid 60 via fluid line 51 to the at least one fluid-holding tank 36 via the heating/cooling mechanism 37 in communication with the control system 38 by way of control line 53. A circulation pump 57 may help circulate fluid 60 from the fluid-holding tank 36 to the fluid heating/cooling mechanism 37 by way of fluid line 50 in some embodiments. The circulation pump 57 is controlled by the control system 38 by way of a control line 58.

As introduced above, one or more fluid-circulating pumps 40 are operable to circulate fluid flow 17 within the circulation path 10. As described, an external or internal fertigation unit 24 may be in fluid communication with the fluid management system in some embodiments. Further, in some embodiments a series of fertigation capsules/containers may be in fluid communication with the circulation path 10 to periodically dispense fertilizer along the circulation path 10. The control system 38 may wirelessly communicate as at 59 with mobile communication devices 41 (e.g., smart phones) via cloud-based networked computers as generally depicted and referenced at 42 in FIG. 8. The fluid management system according to the present disclosure may be said to comprise at least one on-site monitor/control unit as at control system 38 in communication with at least one remote monitor/control unit as exemplified by mobile communication devices 41 enabling a user to remotely monitor/control the system. Further referencing FIG. 8, the reader will there further consider a detailed depiction of a fluid management system according to presently disclosed subject matter. The fluid management system is operably connected to ( 1 ) a root zone temperature regulation system operable in a closed circulation path 10, and (2) an irrigation system 48 sharing a common piping section 22 with the root zone temperature regulation system 12. The common piping section 22 is disposable adjacent a root zone 13 so as to exchange heat therewith and includes a plurality of pressure-activated emitters 14 for emitting irrigation fluid 23 at the root zone 13. In some embodiments, the fluid management system comprises a pressure -building valve 44 connectable downstream of the common piping section 22 so as to selectively obstruct fluid flow 17 through the closed circulation path 10 increasing pressure therewithin for activating the pressure-sensitive emitters 14.

The control system 38 is in electrical communication with, or is operatively connected to the pressure-building valve 44 via control line 45, and is operable in at least two operational modes, including (1) a circulation mode in which the control system 38 operates the pressure -building valve 44 to enable fluid flow 17 in the circulation path 10 to facilitate heat exchange(s) 20/21 at the root zone(s) 13; and (2) an irrigation mode in which the control system 38 operates the pressure -building valve 44 so as to obstruct fluid flow 17 along the circulation path 10 thereby enabling fluid pressure to rise in the common piping section 22 activating the pressure-activated emitters 14 for selectively irrigating and/or fertigating the root zones 13.

It will be recalled the present disclosure may incorporate at least one fertigation unit 24 in line with an external irrigation line 43 in fluid communication with the circulation path 10. The external irrigation line 43 delivers external fluid flow 45 through an irrigation system or line 43 from an external irrigation source 27 into the circulation path 10 by way of a one-way or no return valve 46 upstream from an irrigation valve 47 in communication with the control system 38 by way of a control line 48. The one-way valve 46 prevents fluid backflow within the irrigation line 43. In other words, this arrangement is configured to passively prevent backflow from the common piping section or zone 22 to the irrigation system 48. In some embodiments, the fluid management system also comprises a passive circulation path backflow prevention arrangement exemplified by the one-way or no return valve 56 downstream from the at least one circulating pump 40.

In some embodiments, the fluid management system according to the present disclosure comprises a fluid directing mechanism in fluid communication upstream the common piping section 22 for facilitating selective conduction of fluid flow from at least one of (a) the irrigation system 48 and (b) the fluid temperature regulation system 12 to the common piping section 22. The fluid directing mechanism is controlled by the control system 38, which in turn is configured, at the irrigation mode, to enable conduction of fluid flow 45 from the irrigation system 48 into the common piping section 22 along an irrigation path, and at the circulation mode, to enable conduction of fluid flow 17 from the fluid temperature regulation system 12 into the common piping section 22 along the circulation path 10.

In some embodiments, the fluid directing mechanism comprises an irrigation valve 47 connected along the irrigation path configured to selectively obstruct fluid flow 45 along the irrigation path. It will be recalled the one-way or no return valve 46, upstream from the irrigation valve 47 in some embodiments, prevents fluid backflow into the irrigation system 48. The control system 38 is in communication via control line 48 to selectively open or close the irrigation valve 47 to selectively obstruct fluid flow 45 along the irrigation path 43. The control system 38 of the fluid management system is further configured, at the irrigation mode, to operate the irrigation valve 47 so as to enable fluid flow 45 through the irrigation path 43, and at the circulation mode, to obstruct fluid flow 45 through the irrigation path 43. As introduced above, the control system 38 of the fluid management system is configured, at the circulation mode, to operate the irrigation valve 47 to obstruct fluid flow 45 along the irrigation path 43, and operate the pressure-building valve 44 to enable fluid flow 17 along the circulation path 10 via the fluid temperature regulation system 12, and at the irrigation mode, to selectively enable fluid flow through the irrigation valve 47 into the common piping section 22 for irrigating the root zones 13. The pressure-building valve 44 may be operated to increase or decrease pressure within the common piping section 22 to activate the pressure-activated emitters 14. In some embodiments, the fluid directing mechanism further comprises at least one circulation pump 40 connected along the circulation path 10. At least one circulation pump 40 is selectively operable by the control system 38 by way of control line 55 so as to selectively motivate circulation of fluid 60 therealong. The control system 38, at the circulation mode, is configured to operate the at least one circulation pump 40, and at the irrigation mode, to cease the operation of the at least one circulation pump 40.

The fluid management system according to the present disclosure may further comprise an irrigation path backflow prevention arrangement configured to prevent fluid backflow along the irrigation path 43 from the common piping section 22 to the irrigation system 48 in some embodiments. In some embodiments the irrigation path backflow prevention arrangement is passive and exemplified by way of the one-way or no return valve 46 upstream from the irrigation valve 47. The fluid management system according to the present disclosure may further comprise a circulation path backflow prevention arrangement configured to prevent fluid backflow along the circulation path from the common piping section 22 to the circulation path 10. In some embodiments, the circulation path backflow prevention arrangement is passive and exemplified by the one-way or no return valve 56. In some embodiments, the presently disclosed subject matter further provides a root zone

13 management system for supporting a root system 61 disposed therein. The root zone 13 management system may include all the features of the fluid management system and further includes a fluid conduit network configured to extend through the root zone 13. For example, the root zone 13 management system comprises at least one pressure-activated emitter 14 configured to enable emission of fluid 23 therethrough onto the root zone 13 when fluid pressure within the fluid conduit network exceeds a predetermined threshold. The reader will note the common piping section 22 includes a series of networked fluid conduit 67 outfitted with pressure-activated emitters

14 for emitting fluid 23 into the root zones 13 upstream from the pressure-building valve 44. The series of networked fluid conduit 67 provides the fluid conduit network.

The root zone 13 management system according to the present disclosure further provides a first, low-pressure fluid conduction system and a second, high-pressure fluid conduction system in communication with the fluid conduit network. The low-pressure fluid conduction system is operable to enable circulation of fluid 60 within the fluid conduit network at a pressure beneath a predetermined threshold as governed by the control system 38. The high-pressure fluid conduction system is operable to build fluid pressure within the fluid conduit network exceeding the predetermined threshold as governed by the control system 38 thereby activating the pressure- activated emitters 14 for selecting emitting fluid 23 into the root zone(s) 13.

The control system 38 is configured to interchangeably operate each of the first and second fluid conduction systems in some embodiments. The root zone management system may comprise at least two liquid conduction units, including a first liquid conduit network exemplified by the circulation path 10 in line with the common piping section 22 for conducting thermally treated liquid therethrough, and a second liquid conduit network as exemplified by the irrigation system 48 in fluid communication with the common piping section 22 for conducting irrigation liquid therethrough. The control system 38 is configured to variably adjust circulating liquid flow rates and liquid pressures through at least one of the first and second liquid conduction units as necessary to maintain optimal temperature and moisture levels at the root zones 13.

The root zone 13 management system provides various irrigation means configured to selectively irrigate the root zones 13 by way of at least one liquid outlet formed along the network of liquid conduit 67. Since liquid is outlet to irrigate the root zones 13, the irrigation system 48 is in communication with at least one external liquid source 27 as part of the irrigation system 48 as well as one or more open-source water inlets 27 in some embodiments. The liquid outlet(s) may be pressure activated and configured to breach under a given pressure as exemplified by the pressure-activated emitters 14. In some embodiments, the liquid outlets may be outfitted with pressure sensors configured to open the liquid outlet at a select conduit pressure. In certain other embodiments, at least a portion of the liquid outlet is liquid permeable for selectively irrigating the root zones 13.

In addition to the irrigation capabilities of the root zone management system, the presently disclosed subject matter also provides at least one fertigation system or unit in fluid communication with the irrigation system 48 and governed by the control system 38 in some embodiments for monitoring and controlling fertilizer levels within the fertigation system. The fertigation system is in fluid communication with the irrigation network for infusing the circulating liquid with fertilizer for selectively fertilizing the root zones 30. In this regard, it will be recalled the separation between the irrigation system and the circulation system is important because the fluid temperature regulation system 12 may not be suitable for receiving and circulating excessive amounts of fertilizer and in some applications may not be compatible with relatively large-scale irrigation installations.

In some embodiments, a series of manual control mechanisms and a series of automatic control mechanisms are implemented and included in the fluid and/or root zone management systems according to the present disclosure. The series of manual control mechanisms may include various timers, pressure valves, and temperature control monitors. In some embodiments, the series of automatic control mechanisms may be algorithmically governed via the control system 38 as dictated from incoming feedback provided by a series of sensors interspersed throughout the systems. In some implementations, the irrigation system operates at predetermined intervals intermittently implemented with root zone temperature maintenance by way of the circulation system thereby optimizing the temperature in the root zones 13 while periodically irrigating the same.

It is known in the art that heat conductivity of a soil 31 depends on the type of the soil and on its wetness. The wetness of a soil substrate 31 can be changed by wetting the soil in a controlled manner as with the irrigation system. Increased wetness supports improved heat conductivity of the soil 31 thereby improving heat transfers 20/21 to and from the soil 31 via the circulation path 10. The system further contemplates controlling substrate pH levels and periodic fertilizer introduction as necessary. Soil pH levels, for example, can be effectively controlled adding elemental sulfur, aluminum sulfate or sulfuric acid in line with the irrigation system. The choice of which material to use typically depends on how critical pH levels are and the type/size of plants 30 experiencing deficiencies. The feedback sensors may further monitor surface air temperatures, root zone temperatures, water source temperatures, surface air humidity, substrate humidity, substrate salinity, and nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) ratios. As introduced hereinabove, the presently disclosed subject matter further provides a fertigation system whereby at least one liquid conduction unit comprises at least one fertigation unit configured to thermally regulate fertilizer temperature prior to infusion into circulating liquid/water 60. The select temperature of liquid 60 at the liquid conduction unit is operable to exchange heat with the at least one fertigation unit. In this regard, the reader is directed to FIGS. 9A through 10 depicting a combination fluid-holding tank 36 and a fertigation unit or tank 24 together providing a heat exchange device in the form of a liquid-holding tank arrangement 71. The fertigation tank 24 shares a thermally conductive wall 68 with the at least one liquid conduction unit or fluid-holding tank 36.

The fertigation unit 24 comprises a longitudinal unit axis 100, and the liquid conduction unit or fluid-holding tank 36 is coaxial with the longitudinal unit axis 100 in radial adjacency to the at least one fertigation unit 24 for radially directing heat exchanges 20/21 therewith in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the fertigation unit 24 is centrally located relative to the liquid conduction unit 36, and further comprises a fertilizer mixing mechanism as at 66 and a fertilizer level regulating mechanism for maintaining a select fertilizer level therewithin. A valve 69 controlled by the control system 38 is operable to selectively outlet thermally regulated fertigation fluid 70 into the circulation path 10.

In some embodiments, the at least one liquid conduction unit is configured to thermally regulate circulating liquid temperature to maintain a select liquid pressure within the closed loop network. Further, in some embodiments, at least a portion of the liquid conduit is outfitted with a heat exchange device or heating/cooling mechanism as at 37 selectively heating liquid within at least a portion of the liquid conduit network to increase liquid pressure therewithin for activating the pressure-activated emitters 14. In some embodiments, the heat exchange device is a liquid- holding tank arrangement as at 71. An irrigation system passes through the liquid-holding tank 71 for adapting the temperature of irrigation fluid before emission thereof in some embodiments. In this regard, the reader will reference the external fluid source 27 in fluid communication with the liquid-holding tank 71, which tank 71 is in fluid communication with the circulation path 10.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A fluid management system operably connectable to a fluid temperature regulation system operable in a circulation path, and an irrigation system sharing a common piping section with the fluid temperature regulation system, said common piping section being disposable adjacent a root zone so as to exchange heat therewith and including a plurality of pressure activated emitters for emitting irrigation fluid at the root zone, said fluid management system comprising: a pressure building valve connectable downstream said common piping section so as to selectively obstruct fluid flow through the circulation path; a control system operatively connectable to said pressure building valve, and operable in at least two operational modes including: a circulation mode in which said control system operates said pressure building valve to enable fluid flow in the circulation path, to facilitate thermal regulation of the root zone; and an irrigation mode in which said control system operates said pressure building valve so as to obstruct fluid flow along said circulation path, and thereby enable fluid pressure to rise in said common piping section for activating said pressure activated emitters.

2. The fluid management system according to Claim 1 , further comprising a fluid directing mechanism connectable upstream said common piping section, so as to facilitate selective conduction of fluid from at least one of said irrigation system and said fluid temperature regulation system to said common piping section, said fluid directing mechanism being operably connected to said control system which in turn is configured, at said irrigation mode, to enable conduction of fluid from said irrigation system into said common piping section along an irrigation path, and at said circulation mode, to enable conduction of fluid from said fluid temperature regulation system into said common piping section along said circulation path. The fluid management system according to Claim 2, wherein said fluid directing mechanism comprises an irrigation valve connectable along said irrigation path configured to selectively obstruct fluid flow along the irrigation path. The fluid management system according to Claim 3, wherein said control system is further configured, at said irrigation mode, to operate said irrigation valve so as to enable fluid flow through said irrigation path, and at said circulation mode, to obstruct fluid flow through said irrigation path. The fluid management system according to Claim 4, wherein said control system is configured, at said circulation mode, to operate said irrigation valve to obstruct fluid flow along the irrigation path, and operate said pressure building valve to enable fluid flow along said circulation path. The fluid management system according to any one of Claims 2 to 5, wherein said fluid directing mechanism further comprises at least one circulation pump connectable along said circulation path and being selectively operable by said control system so as to selectively motivate circulation of fluid therealong. The fluid management system according to Claim 6, wherein said control system, at said circulation mode, is configured to operate said circulation pump, and at said irrigation mode, to cease operation of said circulation pump. The fluid management system according to any one of Claims 1 to 7 comprising a fluid backflow prevention arrangement to prevent fluid backflow from the common piping section to at least one of the irrigation system and the circulation system. The fluid management system according to Claim 8 wherein said fluid backflow prevention arrangement is passive. A root zone management system for supporting a root system disposed in a root zone, said root zone management system comprising: a fluid conduit network configured to extend through the root zone, and comprising at least one pressure activated emitter configured to enable emission of fluid therethrough onto the root zone when fluid pressure within said fluid conduit network exceeds a predetermined threshold; a low-pressure fluid conduction system in communication with the fluid conduit network operable to enable circulation of fluid within said network at a pressure beneath said threshold; a high-pressure fluid conduction system in communication with the fluid conduit network operable to build fluid pressure in said network to exceed said threshold; and a control system configured to interchangeably operate each of the first and second fluid conduction systems. The root zone management system according to Claim 10, wherein the low-pressure fluid conduction system is in fluid communication with a fluid temperature regulation system for selectively thermally treating the root zone. The root zone management system according to any of Claims 10 and 11, wherein the low- pressure fluid conduction system is in fluid communication with a closed loop network. The root zone management system according to any of one of Claims 10 to 12 comprising at least two liquid conduction networks, a first liquid conduit network for conducting thermally treated liquid, and a second liquid conduit network for conducting irrigation liquid. The root zone management system according to any one of Claims 10 to 13, wherein at least a portion of liquid conduit comprises at least one liquid outlet for selectively irrigating the root zone, said outlet being pressure activated and configured to breach under a given pressure. The root zone management system according to Claim 14, wherein said portion of liquid conduit is liquid permeable for selectively irrigating the root zone. The root zone management system according to any one of Claims 10 to 15, wherein at least one of said low-pressure and high-pressure fluid conduction systems is in communication with an external liquid source. The root zone management system according to any one of Claims 10 to 16 comprising at least one fertigation unit in communication with an irrigation network for infusing circulating liquid with fertilizer for selectively fertilizing the root zone. The root zone management system according to Claim 17 wherein the control system is configured to control the introduction of fertilizer to said fertigation unit. The root zone management system according to any of Claims 17 and 18, wherein said fertigation unit is configured to thermally regulate fertilizer temperature prior to infusion into the circulating liquid. The root zone management system according to Claims 13 and 19, wherein said first liquid conduction unit comprises said fertigation unit, a select temperature of liquid at said first liquid conduction unit being operable to exchange heat with said fertigation unit. The root zone management system according to Claim 20, wherein said fertigation unit shares a thermally conductive wall with said first liquid conduction unit. The root zone management system according to Claim 21, wherein said fertigation unit comprises a longitudinal unit axis, said first liquid conduction unit being coaxial with the longitudinal unit axis in radial adjacency to said fertigation unit for radially directing heat exchange therewith. The root zone management system according to Claim 22, wherein said fertigation unit is centrally located relative to said first liquid conduction unit. The root zone management system according to any one of Claims 17 to 23, wherein said fertigation unit comprises a fertilizer mixing mechanism. The root zone management system according to any one of Claims 17 to 24, wherein said fertigation unit comprises a fertilizer level regulating mechanism for maintaining a select fertilizer level therewithin. The root zone management system according to any one of Claims 10 to 25, wherein the fluid conduit network comprises at least one of a horizontal conduit arrangement and a vertical conduit arrangement. The root zone management system according to any one of Claims 10 to 26 comprising at least one of a series of manual control mechanisms and a series of automatic control mechanisms. The root zone management system of Claim 27, wherein the series of manual control mechanisms comprise timers, pressure valves, and temperature control monitors. The root zone management system of Claim 28, wherein the series of automatic control mechanisms is algorithmically governed. The root zone management system according to any one of Claims 10 to 29, wherein the control system is configured to variably adjust circulating liquid flow rates. The root zone management system according to any of Claims 10 to 30, wherein at least a portion of the fluid conduit network is outfitted with a heat exchange apparatus for selectively heating liquid within the fluid conduit network at said portion. The root zone management system according to Claim 31, wherein the heat exchange apparatus is a liquid-holding tank arrangement. The root zone management system according to Claim 32, wherein an irrigation system passes through the liquid-holding tank for adapting the temperature of irrigation fluid before emission thereof. The root zone management system according to any one of Claims 10 to 33, wherein at least a portion of the liquid conduit is outfitted with insulation to retard heat exchange therethrough. The root zone management system according to any one of Claims 10 to 34 comprising at least one on-site monitor/control unit in communication with at least one remote monitor/control unit, the at least one remote monitor/control unit enabling a user to remotely monitor/control said system.