STRESS-ADAPTIVE IRRIGATION AND FERTIGATION

A method for irrigating, comprising the steps of:a) performing sub-surface irrigation via microporous tubing treated with a hydrophilic polymer in a root-responsive mode, the root-responsive mode whereby a relatively low supply pressure and a closed-end fluid path;b) determining a plant stress condition;c) selecting a system-delivered treatment based on the plant stress condition,the system-delivered treatment including a relatively high supply pressure and a recirculating fluid path;d) performing the system-delivered treatment;e) terminating the system-delivered treatment;f) determining whether the system-delivered treatment included fluid amendment; andg) if the system-delivered treatment included the fluid amendment, clearing the system; and if the system-delivered treatment did not include the fluid amendment, performing the sub-surface irrigation via the microporous tubing treated with a hydrophilic polymer in the root-responsive mode.