INNOVATIVE CLAY-BASED MICRO-IRRIGATION SYSTEM “SLECI” (SELF -REGULATING, LOW ENERGY, CLAY-BASED IRRIGATION) PRELIMINARY RESULTS FROM CHERRY ORCHARD TRIALS

Abstract

The “SLECI” technology (Self-regulating, Low Energy, Clay based Irrigation) is an innovative clay-based micro-irrigation system showing significant potential in providing plant roots with efficient water supply that increases crop production while saving on water and energy. It was developed by Prof. Dr. Harald Hansmann at the Institute for Polymer- and Produktionstechnologies (IPT) and patented by the Wismar University of Applied Sciences (HSW) in Germany (patent number: DE 102019005311.7). It is a self-regulating subsurface irrigation technique, that uses the actual suction force of the surrounding soil for regulation of the water release of the system. It is very simple in concept, production and installation and therefore fulfils all demands of irrigation systems in rural environments. A pilot installation at the Fruit Growing Institute – Plovdiv (FGI), Bulgaria had been created and tests are running since vegetation seasons 2019 and 2020, and continuing as part of EU Horizon 2020 project Grant agreement ID: 101000348 – DIVAGRI since 2021.