== Gravity fed drip irrigation, with the intent of complete, hands free automation. ==
== Gravity fed drip irrigation, with the intent of complete, hands free automation.==
Welcome, you've arrived at the Global Goals clubs challenge WIKI. I ask you to see this as a starting point for entrants to the challenge of challenges. I ask you to help me prove to the world that if we use these goals as a guideline, a starting point in the search for simple answering to impossible realities. If each of you reading this works toward even one small answer, the millions of small steps could be enough to change the world.
Welcome, you've arrived at the Global Goals clubs challenge WIKI. We ask you to see this as a possible starting point to a new beginning. We hope to prove to the world, that if we use the SDGs as a guideline, a starting point in the search for simple solutions to impossible problems like poverty and hunger. If each of you reading this works toward even one small answer, the millions of small steps when combined into big steps, could be enough to change the world. We view Appropedia as a playground for people who love to try new things. We beg you to look around, find something which would make life simpler for those in need and make it better. We know there are better ways to do almost anything, maybe you'll find some of them.
What follows is an example of a simple yet effective way to create an abundance of fresh vegetables in a small space with minimal resources. See it as a sort of "Vorarbeit" for the challenge. It's up to you to create a wiki about your entrant to the challenge and to get others to help you. My work is free to the world to copy. I used off the shelf products at a normal price, but which could easily be replaced with home made versions, preferably from recycled plastic. This is your challenge, to prove that the world can still be saved, if only we try. Find a way to mix cheap modern technology into the SDGs to answer as many of them as you can.
What follows is an example of a simple yet effective way to create an abundance of fresh vegetables in a small space with minimal resources. See it as an example for the challenge. We ask you to create a wiki about your project and keep the world informed of your status.
My personal challenge to you is to improve what I've begun and make it the answer I believe it to be.
Our wiki is free to to copy and improve upon! We used off the shelf products at a normal prices, but are searching for ways to replace them with home made versions, preferably from recycled plastic. We challenge you to prove that the world can still be saved, we simply need to begin. Find a way to mix cheap modern technology into the SDGs to answer as many of them as you can.
''' The intelligent, low budget mix of garden with technology!
The project below attempts to answer problems within a multitude of SDGs simultaneously. At the end is the begin of an outline of possible improvements which could be created to enhance our garden or go off on a new tangeant.
Goal: To prove that by mixing fresh vegetables with science, recycled plastic, computers and computer networking, the poor starving people of the world can be fed at a minor cost, weighed against the benefit to mankind. The garden and ideas demonstrated here are in the public domain, free for anyone, anywhere to use. In exchange I only ask that you find a way to help in reaching the Global Goals and especially Zero Hunger by 2030!'''
Goal: To prove that by mixing fresh vegetables with science, recycled plastic, computers, computer networking and social skills, the poor starving people of the world can be fed at a minor cost, weighed against the benefit to mankind. The garden and ideas demonstrated here are in the public domain, free for anyone, anywhere to use. In exchange we simply ask that you find a way to help in reaching the Global Goals and especially Zero Hunger by 2030!'''
[http://www.globalgoals.org/ This goes to the global goals!]
[http://www.globalgoals.org/ This goes to the global goals!]
'''Intro'''
=== Intro ===
Welcome to my garden! What began as an experiment, has turned into a working garden which can run alone for several weeks at a time using rain water. The garden presented is small scale, approx. 30 plants, but can easily be expanded simply by adding more branches from the above ground tank and filling it more often. It's main purpose was to eliminate the carrying of water, eliminate guess work and wasted water, while ensuring that the harvest is never at risk due to lack of water. The main benefit was that the automation worked so well that a 2 week vacation could be taken in the middle of the season. Only 3 things limit its effectiveness; drought, pump outage and overly dirty water.
'''Our greenhouse '''
Welcome to our garden! What began as an experiment, has turned into a working garden which can run alone for several weeks at a time using rain water. The garden presented is small scale, approx. 30 plants, but can easily be expanded simply by adding more branches from the above ground tank and filling it more often. It's main purpose was to eliminate the carrying of water, eliminate guess work and wasted water, while ensuring that the harvest is never at risk due to lack of water. The main benefit was that the automation worked so well that a 4 week vacation could be taken in the middle of the growing season. Only 3 things limit its effectiveness; drought, pump outage and overly dirty water.
20 Square meters, 4 x 5
=== Our greenhouse drip system ===
Not heated, so does freeze at night if it's cold
I've attended this garden of approximately 30 plants for 3 seasons. The 1st ran without filter and the daily battle with dirt clogging the drippers convinced me that a filter was needed. I created one out of sand and gravel, which made an incredible difference. This year I intend to improve the filter somewhat, otherwise won't make any changes from last year, other than exchanging dirt and changing plant location.
20 Square meters, 4 x 5
Not heated, so does freeze at night in the winter.
==== [[File:DripGarden2.svg|thumb|center|Simple representation of the system]] ====
[[File:DripGarden.svg|thumb|center| My garden simplified]]
=== Parts List ===
Since we have no more water pressure than gravity gives us, it only needs to be watertight. Here's a list of the parts we used, but we've begun to create 3D printed alternatives to reduce cost.
'''Parts List:'''
Originally I didn't want to include one, because it was too expensive and depends on what's available locally. Since we have no more water pressure than gravity gives us, it only needs to be water tight. Here's a list of the parts that I used, but hope to find (create) 3D printed and/or alternatives to reduce cost.
* 1 X 4000 liter underground tank (could be any size)
* 1 X 4000 liter underground tank (could be any size)
Line 42:
Line 38:
* [http://www.gardena.com/ca/en/water-management/micro-drip-irrigation-system/t-joint-13-mm-1-2-46-mm-3-16 30 X 1/2" > 1/4" reducer T's]
* [http://www.gardena.com/ca/en/water-management/micro-drip-irrigation-system/t-joint-13-mm-1-2-46-mm-3-16 30 X 1/2" > 1/4" reducer T's]
* [http://www.gardena.com/ca/en/water-management/micro-drip-irrigation-system/adjustable-endline-drip-head 30 X Drippers]
* [http://www.gardena.com/ca/en/water-management/micro-drip-irrigation-system/adjustable-endline-drip-head 30 X Drippers]
* [http://www.gardena.com/ca/en/water-management/micro-drip-irrigation-system/connecting-pipe-13-mm-1-2 1/2" tubing - enougn to reach all Plants]
* [http://www.gardena.com/ca/en/water-management/micro-drip-irrigation-system/connecting-pipe-13-mm-1-2 1/2" tubing - enough to reach all plants]
* [http://www.gardena.com/ca/en/water-management/micro-drip-irrigation-system/supply-pipe-46-mm-3-16 1/4" tubing - enough to reach all Plants]
* [http://www.gardena.com/ca/en/water-management/micro-drip-irrigation-system/supply-pipe-46-mm-3-16 1/4" tubing - enough to reach all plants]
* 1 X Sand and Gravel filter made from: (links to follow later)
* 1 X Sand and Gravel filter made from: (links to follow later)
** 1 X 30 liter tank with screw on top
** 1 X 30 liter tank with screw on top
** Gravel
** Gravel
** Small stones
** Small stones
** Sand
** Sand
* About a million connectors of all makes and models
* About a million connectors of all makes and models
=== Replacements ===
'''Description of set up'''
The following files are on a slow server. Have patience!
Rain water is collected underground. A pump attached to a timer runs at a specified time each day to fill an above ground tank. The fill level is measured using a standard toilet floater to shut off the pump when the tank is full.
* [https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4078633 Various parts I created]
* [https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2882952 A nice collection]
The water in the tank is fed from the bottom, through a sand + gravel filter to remove fine contamination. The filtered water runs through 1/2" tubing and a branch of 1/4" tubing with an adjustable dripper at the end runs to each plant.
== An impression of our garden ==
<gallery >
===<gallery >
|width=180
|width=180
|height=135
|height=99
|padding=5
|padding=5
|lines=4
|lines=4
|align=center
|align=center
Image:HPIM2729.JPG| Intitial coarse filter
Image:HPIM2729.JPG| Initial coarse filter
Image:tank_and_filter.jpg| Above ground tank + filter
Image:tank_and_filter.jpg| Above ground tank + sand filter
Image:Gardena adjustable dripper.jpg| The drippers I used
Image:Gardena adjustable dripper.jpg| The drippers I used
Image:1st try middle spring 2013.jpeg| My 1st attempt
Image:1st try middle spring 2013.jpeg| My 1st attempt
Image:Start year 3_20160512.jpg| A new year begins
Image:
Image:Another filter.jpg| An even better filter!
</gallery>
</gallery >===
[[Media:Drippers_with_cleaning.ogg| Drippers running, one slow, so it gets cleaned]]
[[Media:Drippers with cleaning.ogg|Drippers running, one slow, so it gets cleaned]]
The drippers are adjusted to provide approx 100ml of water per hour when the tank is full and will gradually decrease during the day as the tank empties. I estimate that each plant receives 2l water over a 24 hour period. At this time the tank is refilled, bringing the drip speed back to 100ml per hour. With time, dirt and/or algae collect on the dripper, decreasing output and must be cleaned away. I used an old toothbrush and opened the dripper to full open to flush dirt out of the tubing and dripper.
The drippers are adjusted to provide approx 100ml of water per hour when the tank is full and will gradually decrease during the day as the tank empties. I estimate that each plant receives 2l water over a 24 hour period. At this time the tank is refilled, bringing the drip speed back to 100ml per hour. With time, dirt and/or algae collect on the dripper, decreasing output and must be cleaned away. We use an old toothbrush to clean and open the dripper to full open to flush dirt out of the tubing and dripper.
Grass cuttings are spread at the base of each plant as a mulch to keep the moisture in.
Grass cuttings are spread at the base of each plant as a mulch to reduce evaporation.
'''Drip adjustment'''
=== Drip adjustment ===
To begin the season, a glass was placed under a dripper and left to run for 1 hour and adjusted until 100ml dripped per hour. All plants were set to the same drip rate and allowed to run. During the summer we experimented with more or less water per plant and although we found it difficult to always have the same drop rates, no plant showed too much or too little water symptoms, but no records were kept since it was mainly to ensure that the system would work as expected. In hot, sunny times much more water was released, but without sensors in the earth it's difficult to know what amount is correct. The system was never turned off, meaning it dripped 24 hours per day, but very slowly.
To begin the season, a glass was placed under a dripper and left to run for 1 hour and adjusted until 100ml dripped per hour. All plants were set to a similar drip rate and allowed to run. During the summer we experimented with more or less water per plant and although we found it difficult to always have the same drop rates, but no records were kept since it was mainly to ensure that the system would work as expected. In hot, sunny times more water was released, but without sensors in the earth it's difficult to know what amount is correct. The system was never turned off, meaning it dripped 24 hours per day, but very slowly.
'''Plants:'''
=== Plants ===
16 Tomato
16 Tomato
10 Paprika
10 Paprika
Various others including Eggplant, Cucumber, Green Beans, salad, herbs and spices.
Various others including Eggplant, Cucumber, Green Beans, salad, herbs and spices.
'''Big garden'''
=== Big garden ===
Multiple basic gardens share the same water source for an economical way to feed entire villages.
Multiple basic gardens share the same water source for an economical way to feed entire villages.
The manual cleaning of drippers must be eliminated. It's the main drawback to this system. After 3 weeks they begin clogging and cleaning helps, but it's difficult to leave the system alone for more than a few days.
Homemade replacement parts to reduce cost!
Moisture sensors in the ground would give a more accurate measure of whether each plant gets enough water.
We'd like to solve this by putting a tiny motor on top of a spike at each plant and let the drip fall onto the ends of 2 wires, the computer could read the short circuit as a drop, thus enable real automation by adjusting the pressure on the hose to regulate the drop count.
'''Lessons learned'''
== Conclusion ==
- year 1 > 2
This system runs well with little supervision, but the beginning takes time since too much or too little water can be bad. Automation would allow a hands free garden and is the prefered solution, if it can be done cheaply enough to feed the masses with little attention.
Without the filter, the drippers required cleaning every 2-3 days, eliminating all time savings.
== Our challenge to you! ==
- year 2 > 3
This project is simple to recreate inexpensively, do it with recycled plastic and we'll have provided a relief of malnutrition.
The filter worked well, but a dry spell left the underground tank empty, so that tap water had to be used. Shortly afterward the drippers began to clog and the top layer of sand was dirty when it was opened. The question is, did the filter stop working because the bottom of the tank was very dirty, or that the living filter was damaged by the tap water. Next question, does the filter live or is there too little oxygen? I hope I can answer those questions in the future.
* Here are a few examples
- year 3 > 4
It's difficult to find a cheap and easy way to seal a filter to take the full pressure of the 80 liter tank. Found a more permanent solution, but water always finds it's way through the seal. This problem remains unsolved!
- year 4
The manual cleaning of drippers must be eliminated. It's the main drawback to this system. After a four weeks they begin clogging and cleaning helps, but it's difficult to leave the system alone for more than a few days. I'd like to solve this by putting a tiny motor on top of a spike at the plant and let the drip fall onto the ends of 2 wires, the computer could read the short circuit as a drop, thus enable real automation by adjusting the pressure on the hose to regulate the drop count.
'''My challenge to you!'''
This project is simple to recreate inexpensively, do it with as few parts as possible, and as many as possible made with recycled plastic!
* A few examples
** eliminate the 4 corners!
** eliminate the 4 corners!
** replace the 30 reducers with something recycled!,
** replace the 30 reducers and drippers with 3d printed from recycled plastic or find your own solution.
** find a way to recycle plastic, PET is the most obvious choice
** improve or make a better filter to eliminate clogging of drippers
** change the mechanical dripper which easily clogs with a simple, inexpensive alternative
** change the mechanical dripper which easily clogs with a simple, inexpensive alternative
** how do you collect and store enough water to best get through the dry season in various climates?
** how do you collect and store enough water to best get through the dry season in various climates?
** use your imagination!
** make a manual pump which could be reproduced anywhere
** use your imagination, the answers lie within you
Most importantly of all! It must be so simple, any child could run it. There must be at least 1000 ways, please help me find them.
Most importantly of all! It must be so simple, any child could run it. There must be at least 1000 ways, please help us find them.
You're welcome to take my simple, yet expensive version and put it to shame, by:
=== You're welcome to take our simple, yet expensive version and put it to shame, by ===
* simply find a solution that works better:
* simply find a solution that works better:
** cheaply mass producible
** cheaply mass producible
** automate it, make the dripper clog free
** automate it, make the dripper clog free
** eliminate or improve the filter
** eliminate or improve the filter
** bring the price per plant to below $1.00
** bring the price per plant to below $1.00
** keep it simple enough that even a child must use it
** keep it simple enough that even a child can use it
Where would I begin?
=== Where would we begin? ===
* Recycled plastic, we must find a way to use what's choking our waterways and killing our oceans.
* 3d printed parts to eliminate cost
* An electrified dripper, could be a stepper motor or anything else. How about man made muscle?
* An electrified dripper, could be a stepper motor or anything else. How about man made muscle?
** Stepper motors can be taken from outdated CD/DVD drives
** Stepper motors could be taken from outdated CD/DVD drives
* Networking, cables or IoT
* Networking, cables or IoT
* Computer, I'd begin with Rasp Pi, but cost and power must be considered.
* Computer, I'd begin with Rasp Pi, but cost and power must be considered.
** Linux because it's free and open
** Linux because it's free and open
** Ubuntu Phone - Because it's Linux and needs apps badly.
* Produce parts where jobs are needed most to allow multiple benefits from a single solution.
* Recycled plastic, we must find a way to use what's choking our seas.
** If we can give the poor work and a way to feed their families we can reduce migration, stop them from leaving home.
* Produce where jobs are needed most to allow multiple benefits from a single solution.
** If we can give the poor work and a way to feed their families we can stop them from leaving home.
== Future Plans, full automation - here's where I want your help. Please fill in the blanks! ==
== Future plans ==
I've begun a list of the things which may seem impossible, but someone is already doing many of them.
Join in and see how it changes the world! We can reach the Global Goals if enough people take part in the search for answers.
I imagine this list as a place for school kids to find project ideas. Within the list there are an unlimited number of things which can be investigated, experimented with and refined. Take my idea a step further, change it to fit your needs, most importantly, document it to help others on the road toward Zero Hunger. Top priority is that you talk about it, let others know you're working toward the goals.
See [[{{FULLPAGENAME}}/Future plans]].
Please feel free to link yourself in here. Tell us about your project, we're searching for the same answers you are.
::[http://www.danielealberti.it/2016/07/innaffiatoio-autonomo-con-arduino.html?m=1 An example]
::[https://www.hackster.io/rishabhbanga/complete-home-automation-system-with-azure-and-voice-assistance-8aa5fd?ref=platform&ref_id=425_trending___&offset=71 And another]
::[https://www.hackster.io/demirhanaydin/waterpi-houseplant-remote-watering-and-monitoring-system-340400?ref=platform&ref_id=425_trending___&offset=81 This is getting close]
::[https://www.hackster.io/cswiger/smart-garden-drip-irrigation-1aa069?ref=platform&ref_id=425_trending___&offset=88 and closer]
::[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPALH_MEa6o A simple to follow video]
::3d print a step motor and sensor into the stake at the plant
:::A simple squeeze of the hose with a part printed into the stake to adjust drip rate
::::Make parts exchangeable for easy replacement at a minimum cost
::Allow the Pi to get input from the sensor and control the drip flow
:::Gertboard type device as interface
:Networking
::How to find each dripper, sensor combination in the net
::How do we signal and power stepper motors at the plant
::WiFi or hard wire?
:::Wireless has the radiation risk / Keep senders to a minimum
::Cloud storage
:::Stats available on an app or online
::Interfaces
:::How to go from PC to plant and back?
:::How do I know what level my tanks have?
:::[https://projects.drogon.net/raspberry-pi/gertboard/ The Gertboard]
:Computer control systems
::[http://www.gadgetronicx.com/10-best-iot-hardware-platforms/ PC ideas]
::[http://tutorials-raspberrypi.com/how-to-control-a-stepper-motor-with-raspberry-pi-and-l293d-uln2003a/ Raspberry Pi stepper control]
::[http://rn-wissen.de/wiki/index.php/Schrittmotoren Step motor info (in German)]
::[https://www.hackster.io/inmyorbit/build-a-mobile-app-that-connects-to-your-rpi-3-using-ble-7a7c2c?ref=platform&ref_id=425_trending___&offset=100 An app]
:::[http://www.appropedia.org/She-ba_low_cost_water_filters_for_rural_households#at_pco=smlre-1.0&at_si=58359d5f44b05282&at_ab=per-2&at_pos=2&at_tot=4 Sheba water filter]
:::[http://michaelsarduino.blogspot.de/2015/09/feuchtigkeitsensor-selber-bauen.html A simple moisture sensor]
:::[https://www.hackster.io/jklemmack/win10iot-irrigation-controller-with-mositure-sensors-833b55?ref=platform&ref_id=425_trending___&offset=162 And another]
:::[http://gardenbot.org/howTo/soilMoisture Many possibilities]
::PH
:Door/window openers, tank fill measurement and pump start/stop
::Some nice to haves, but not necessary, unless to better control climate.
:Recycle plastic
::How do we stop plastic from getting into the ocean?
::How do we efficiently clean up what's laying everywhere?
::How do we get the most out of our garbage?
::How do you sort what you find?
::How do we get people to recycle?
::[http://www.appropedia.org/Recycle Recycle plastic into things we need]
::[http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Plastic_Extrusion_%26_Molding Another source]
::[http://www.appropedia.org/Arroyo_Norte_waste_plastic_innovation#at_pco=smlre-1.0&at_si=578765957a017dc4&at_ab=per-2&at_pos=3&at_tot=4 This doesn't relate to our project, but is an example of plastic reuse.]
:::[http://onecommunityglobal.org/aquapinis-and-walipinis/ An interesting site]
:::[http://vergepermaculture.ca/blog/2013/12/18/robs-modified-walpini/ Things to think about]
::Water
:Chemistry within the garden
:Efficient use of space
:Heating with the sun
::[http://www.builditsolar.com/Experimental/PopCanVsScreen/PopCanVsScreen.html Pop can solar heater]
:How do you make it easy for anyone to find an answer to a question?
::I've given them a place to meet, but how to reach their hearts?
:Education
::How to reach the young
How to show them our world as it is, no blinders
Please feel free to link your genius into this page ;-)
Keep your projects as simple as possible, a child should be able to use it. We'll need to include an intended audience selection, so each garden can be classified for searching. I encourage comments, because I really want my team to help me fix my problems. Tell your friends about my wiki and the GG club. We need all the help we can get!
If you have an idea, but no team to back you up, you can count on me. Let me know and I'll find them. I can yell real loud!
Please don't miss this chance to heal humanity before it's too late for us all!!!
* [http://globalgoalsclub.weebly.com The Global Goals club web site]
Gravity fed drip irrigation, with the intent of complete, hands free automation.[edit | edit source]
Welcome, you've arrived at the Global Goals clubs challenge WIKI. We ask you to see this as a possible starting point to a new beginning. We hope to prove to the world, that if we use the SDGs as a guideline, a starting point in the search for simple solutions to impossible problems like poverty and hunger. If each of you reading this works toward even one small answer, the millions of small steps when combined into big steps, could be enough to change the world. We view Appropedia as a playground for people who love to try new things. We beg you to look around, find something which would make life simpler for those in need and make it better. We know there are better ways to do almost anything, maybe you'll find some of them.
What follows is an example of a simple yet effective way to create an abundance of fresh vegetables in a small space with minimal resources. See it as an example for the challenge. We ask you to create a wiki about your project and keep the world informed of your status.
Our wiki is free to to copy and improve upon! We used off the shelf products at a normal prices, but are searching for ways to replace them with home made versions, preferably from recycled plastic. We challenge you to prove that the world can still be saved, we simply need to begin. Find a way to mix cheap modern technology into the SDGs to answer as many of them as you can.
The project below attempts to answer problems within a multitude of SDGs simultaneously. At the end is the begin of an outline of possible improvements which could be created to enhance our garden or go off on a new tangeant.
Goal: To prove that by mixing fresh vegetables with science, recycled plastic, computers, computer networking and social skills, the poor starving people of the world can be fed at a minor cost, weighed against the benefit to mankind. The garden and ideas demonstrated here are in the public domain, free for anyone, anywhere to use. In exchange we simply ask that you find a way to help in reaching the Global Goals and especially Zero Hunger by 2030!
Welcome to our garden! What began as an experiment, has turned into a working garden which can run alone for several weeks at a time using rain water. The garden presented is small scale, approx. 30 plants, but can easily be expanded simply by adding more branches from the above ground tank and filling it more often. It's main purpose was to eliminate the carrying of water, eliminate guess work and wasted water, while ensuring that the harvest is never at risk due to lack of water. The main benefit was that the automation worked so well that a 4 week vacation could be taken in the middle of the growing season. Only 3 things limit its effectiveness; drought, pump outage and overly dirty water.
Since we have no more water pressure than gravity gives us, it only needs to be watertight. Here's a list of the parts we used, but we've begun to create 3D printed alternatives to reduce cost.
1 X 4000 liter underground tank (could be any size)
1 X pump (can be human/wind/solar or anything else powered)
1 X 100 liter above ground tank (again size unimportant)
Hose - Enough to get the water out of the big tank and into the small one
The drippers are adjusted to provide approx 100ml of water per hour when the tank is full and will gradually decrease during the day as the tank empties. I estimate that each plant receives 2l water over a 24 hour period. At this time the tank is refilled, bringing the drip speed back to 100ml per hour. With time, dirt and/or algae collect on the dripper, decreasing output and must be cleaned away. We use an old toothbrush to clean and open the dripper to full open to flush dirt out of the tubing and dripper.
Grass cuttings are spread at the base of each plant as a mulch to reduce evaporation.
To begin the season, a glass was placed under a dripper and left to run for 1 hour and adjusted until 100ml dripped per hour. All plants were set to a similar drip rate and allowed to run. During the summer we experimented with more or less water per plant and although we found it difficult to always have the same drop rates, but no records were kept since it was mainly to ensure that the system would work as expected. In hot, sunny times more water was released, but without sensors in the earth it's difficult to know what amount is correct. The system was never turned off, meaning it dripped 24 hours per day, but very slowly.
The manual cleaning of drippers must be eliminated. It's the main drawback to this system. After 3 weeks they begin clogging and cleaning helps, but it's difficult to leave the system alone for more than a few days.
Homemade replacement parts to reduce cost!
Moisture sensors in the ground would give a more accurate measure of whether each plant gets enough water.
We'd like to solve this by putting a tiny motor on top of a spike at each plant and let the drip fall onto the ends of 2 wires, the computer could read the short circuit as a drop, thus enable real automation by adjusting the pressure on the hose to regulate the drop count.
This system runs well with little supervision, but the beginning takes time since too much or too little water can be bad. Automation would allow a hands free garden and is the prefered solution, if it can be done cheaply enough to feed the masses with little attention.
