According to ecotube, their Ecotube Gravitation Irrigation system redefines irrigation by eliminating the need for complex irrigation computers, manual operation of valves or moisture sensors. "Instead, it empowers plants to determine their own water intake, revolutionizing the way we approach agricultural irrigation."

The ecotubes are installed into the soil, underneath the plants, with a length up to 100 m. Water slowly fills them all the way to the end. For the water to be released, the capillarity of the soil and the suction forces of the plants are necessary. Otherwise, there would be almost no water exiting the tubes due to the very low pressure.

The valve of the water tank remains open continuously, without the need to create an irrigation schedule. Once the water level of the tank dips below a specific threshold, it needs to be replenished, either manually or via a swimmer and a pump.

"Not only does this prevent excessive irrigation and vaporization losses but it keeps the surface dry which reduces weed growth. Overall, the water and fertilizer (if added to the water) consumption are reduced and new remote locations without proper water or electricity infrastructure can be irrigated", says Sebastian Ebers, Director of Business Development at ecotube Germany GmbH.

He shared the success story of a vegetable farmer who transformed his operations with EGI. "With only one IBC container, the company WiFood in Gerbach manages to irrigate three greenhouses, growing tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers. EGI not only conserves substantial amounts of water but also empowers plants to flourish without the burden of managing complex electronic systems. No pressure – No problems."