METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR IRRIGATED SOIL-FREE AGRICULTURE Russian patent published in 2004 - IPC

FIELD: irrigated plant growing, in particular, thin layer hydroponics. SUBSTANCE: method involves using irrigation process based on through neutral substrate combined with thin layer water culture, such as straw mats composed of straw cords laid in channels dug in ground; covering channel bottom with polymeric film; watering with nutritive solution delivered in portions flowing down through channels; feeding nutritive solution by means of pump into upper part of channels; sowing seeds in straw cords immediately during manufacture process; harvesting yield by mowing with the use of mowers movable along strips between channels; changing straw cords in accordance with rules accepted for growing of given crop. Method and apparatus are performed without necessity of special constructions. EFFECT: simplified method and apparatus allowing irrigation to be provided on vast territories without substantial expenses. 3 cl, 2 dwg