Marjory and Lawrence-
I looked into this technology and was impressed with the concept, but
disappointed at the cost of the unit ($27.50 each for a minimum of
10, down to $8.50 if you can afford $62,000 for 7200 units). If
people can't afford to plant trees how will they afford this? It
seems like a rich man's scheme to get funding for his product though
the guise of humanitarian work. I do agree that this is a great idea
and replicable with the real world in mind.
I think your idea for using old tires and soda bottles is great,
Lawrence. A design that uses waste products from local areas is
always preferrable to manufactured gizmos. I was thinking of a
design using corrugated tin roofing with lots of nails like spines as
condensers,
available). The donut shape is good, though it could be any shape
as long as the condensation is directed to the root zone.
Surface area is an important part of the design. If you look at the
Waterboxx, it has ridges like a thistle leaf. Metal would be the
best material, as it tends to cool more and keep that temp longer
than plastic. Stones also work well, especially angular ones used as
a mulch or stacked high to the windward side of a tree seedling.
Fog screens made of shade fabric will also trap moisture in windy
areas, and serve as little micro-shelters for the plants.
The concept is atmospheric moisture harvesting, which may be
accomplished through many techniques. The temperature differential
between a material and the air causes condensation, which then is
trapped and fed to a waiting plant or storage. Milk thistles have
evolved to do this wonderfully, along with 1000's if other dry
coastal species. Recognizing this pattern, we can plant nurse
species that will condense dew, like Casaurina and Acacia (small or
needle like leaves= lots of surface area) . Using nature's own
design will be the best long-term solution.
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