HK40002253B - Hybrid irrigation tubing - Google Patents

Description

Mixed irrigation pipe

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to irrigation systems. More particularly, but not by way of limitation, embodiments of the present invention provide hybrid irrigation pipes that include both microporous membranes and emitter features.

Background Art

Various types of above-ground and underground irrigation pipes are known. One disadvantage is that no known irrigation pipe is suitable for all applications. What is needed is an improved irrigation pipe that can meet a wider range of operating conditions.

Summary of the Invention

In an embodiment of the present invention, the features of relatively low-pressure microporous (and preferably plant-responsive) irrigation pipe are combined with the features of relatively high-pressure drip emitter pipe to create a hybrid irrigation pipe. Methods for using and manufacturing the hybrid irrigation pipe are also disclosed. Various alternative embodiments and advantages are described below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG1 is a functional block diagram of an irrigation system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG2A is a cross-sectional view of a mixing irrigation pipe according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG2B is a cross-sectional view of a hybrid irrigation pipe according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG2C is a cross-sectional view of a hybrid irrigation pipe according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG2D is a cross-sectional view of a hybrid irrigation pipe according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG3A is a plan view of a hybrid irrigation pipe according to an embodiment of the present invention;

3B is a plan view of a hybrid irrigation pipe according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG3C is a plan view of a hybrid irrigation pipe according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG3D is a plan view of a hybrid irrigation pipe according to an embodiment of the present invention;

4 is a flow chart of a method for operating a hybrid irrigation pipe according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG5 is a schematic diagram of a pressure management system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG6 is a schematic diagram of a pressure management system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG7A is a front view of a seedling;

FIG7B is a front view of a relatively young plant;

FIG7C is a front view of a relatively mature plant;

8 is a flow chart of a method for adjusting the depth of a mixing irrigation pipe according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

9 is a flow chart of a method for manufacturing a hybrid irrigation pipe according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Such embodiments are intended to be illustrative rather than limiting. The drawings are not drawn to scale. For the sake of clarity, the dimensions of certain features shown in the drawings may be exaggerated, and other features may be omitted entirely. For organizational convenience, section headings are used below; however, the description of any feature is not necessarily limited to any section of this specification.

Irrigation System Overview

FIG1 is a functional block diagram of an irrigation system according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown therein, the crop irrigation system may include a supply system 105, a pressure control system 110, and a delivery system 115. The supply system 105 provides water and may also provide fertilizer or other amendments in fluid form; the pressure control system 110 controls the pressure (and flow) of the supplied fluid; and the delivery system 115 includes irrigation pipes that are positioned near the crops to deliver the supplied fluid.

As used herein, "tube" and "pipe" refer broadly to one or more fluid conduits (regardless of cross-sectional shape).

1 is somewhat arbitrary. For example, features responsible for pressure management may be located in the supply system 105, the delivery system 115, or both.

Identified Disadvantages of Conventional Irrigation Pipes

The inventors have recognized that microporous drippers (preferably microporous tubes that deliver water on demand to plants, also referred to herein as responsive tubes) operating at relatively low pressures (e.g., less than about 3 psi) are generally the most effective tools for delivering water during plant growth. However, higher pressures are required to force the amendment through the micropores of such tubes, and prolonged operation at high pressures can stress the seam welds in the microporous drippers, causing them to fail. Additionally, over time and without adequate flushing, trace amounts of the amendment can crystallize or otherwise clog the microporous structure necessary for responsive plant water delivery at lower pressures.

Conventional emitter-based irrigation pipes release fluid at relatively high pressures (typically greater than about 3 psi) and can deliver amendments at relatively high flow rates. However, because emitter-based pipes can only operate according to a schedule established by the grower, over-watering or under-watering is common. A hybrid approach has been developed that mitigates the limitations of microporous pipes and emitter-based pipes.

Mixed irrigation pipe features

In the embodiment of the present invention shown in Figures 2A, 2B, and 2C, the microporous membrane 205 is welded to the backing 210 along area 215 to form a hybrid irrigation tube having an inner cavity 220. Figure 2D discloses an embodiment of a hybrid irrigation tube that does not include the backing 210. Instead, the microporous membrane 205 is wrapped around itself and welded with a bead 240 at location 235.

The microporous membrane 205 can be made, for example, of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), or other suitable materials. For example, the microporous membrane 205 can be DuPont Tyvek ^™ or other nonwoven or spunbond fabrics. The microporous membrane 205 is preferably treated (either completely or selectively) with a hydrophilic polymer to enhance its responsiveness to root exudates. The backing 210 is preferably less expensive than the microporous membrane 205. The backing 210 is also preferably less porous (i.e., effectively non-porous) than the microporous membrane 205.

For thermal compatibility, when the microporous membrane 205 is PE, the backing 210 is preferably also made of PE; similarly, when the microporous membrane 205 is PP, the backing 210 is preferably PP. For any given length of pipe, the surface area of the microporous membrane 205 and the surface area of the backing 210 do not need to be equal.

A similar discussion of tube structures and responsive membranes is presented in U.S. Patent No. 9,527,267, which was issued on December 27, 2016 and is hereby incorporated by reference. However, unlike the disclosure in U.S. Patent No. 9,527,267, drip emitters 225 are disposed on backing 210 and/or microporous membrane 205 to form a hybrid irrigation tube.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D, each emitter 225 is disposed on the inner wall of the mixing irrigation pipe and is configured to transfer fluid from the inner cavity 220 to the external environment through an outlet hole 230 in the mixing irrigation pipe. However, in alternative embodiments, the emitters 225 may be disposed on the outer surface of the mixing irrigation pipe. Preferably, each emitter 225 has a predetermined fluid release pressure. Below the predetermined release pressure, the emitter 225 does not discharge fluid from the mixing irrigation pipe. Pressure-compensated emitters that maintain a desired fluid flow rate within a predetermined range of varying pressures may be suitable for some applications.

Emitters can be evenly spaced along the mixing irrigation pipe, or the spacing between emitters can vary. Furthermore, all emitters can have the same release pressure, or emitters with different release pressures can be combined on a single mixing irrigation pipe. Exemplary options are presented in Figures 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D, where a mixing irrigation pipe 305 includes emitters 310 with a first release pressure and/or emitters 315 with a second release pressure. Figure 3D shows an embodiment in which groups of emitters 320 are separated by pipe sections 325 that do not contain any emitters. The spacing between individual emitters or between groups of emitters can vary based on design choice and can be determined by the target crop spacing during cultivation. For example, emitters can be spaced at 4", 6", 8", 12", or 16" intervals.

Many variations of hybrid irrigation pipe configurations are possible. Features shown or described individually with reference to Figures 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D can be used in many different combinations. Table 1 below further illustrates at least some of the alternative embodiments that can be constructed depending on the application needs.

Table 1

In Table 1, "non-responsive side" refers to the backing 210; "responsive side" refers to the microporous membrane 205 treated with a hydrophilic polymer; and "less responsive side" refers to the microporous membrane 205 that has no hydrophilic polymer coating or has less hydrophilic polymer coating than the "responsive side" option.

Application Example #1

In the example summarized in Table 2 below, a hybrid irrigation pipe includes multiple emitters with a common release pressure. The microporous membrane 205 treated with a hydrophilic polymer is configured to operate in a plant-responsive mode of approximately 1.5-3 psi, and each of the emitters has a release pressure of 3 psi.

Table 2

Operating pressure (psi) Responsive membrane functions 3psi water injector function Application Mode 1.5 Responsive closure irrigation 2.5 Responsive closure irrigation 3.5 Open Open exception* 4.5 Open Open exception*

*Exceptional modes of application may be, for example, the addition of fumigants, chemicals or other amendments, or the flushing of irrigation systems.

The hybrid irrigation pipe of this first application example overcomes the limitations of purely responsive pipes because the emitters allow for large-volume delivery of fumigants, chemicals, or other plant improvers. At the same time, the hybrid irrigation pipe is very effective in watering crops at low pressures.

Application Example #2

In the example summarized in Table 3 below, a hybrid irrigation pipe includes emitters with different release pressures. The microporous membrane 205 of the hybrid irrigation pipe is configured to operate in a plant-responsive mode of approximately 1.5-3 psi. The release pressure of at least one emitter is 3 psi; and the release pressure of at least one other emitter is 6 psi.

Table 3

For example, relatively high operating pressures, such as those shown in Table 3 above, may be required when very high flow rates are required for improvement and/or when field topography requires very high operating pressures for adequate flushing.

How to use hybrid irrigation pipe

FIG4 is a flow chart illustrating a method for using a hybrid irrigation pipe more broadly. The process begins in step 405 and then selects an operating mode in conditional step 410. The selection in conditional step 410 can be based on a predetermined schedule, such as a schedule customized according to plant type, maturity, and/or location. Alternatively, or in combination, step 410 can be informed by manual or automated observation of crop and/or soil conditions (to determine the need for irrigation or improvement) and hybrid irrigation pipe conditions (to determine the need for flushing).

If the irrigation mode is selected in step 410, the process administers the source fluid at a first pressure within a predetermined operating pressure range for the microporous membrane for a first duration in step 415. If the improvement mode is selected in step 410, the process administers the source fluid at a second pressure greater than the first emitter release pressure and less than the second emitter release pressure for a second duration in step 420. If the flush mode is selected in step 410, the process administers the source fluid at a third pressure greater than the second emitter release pressure for a third duration in step 425.

Referring to application example #2, the first pressure may be 2 psi, the second pressure may be 4 psi, and the third pressure may be 7 psi.

Typically, the first duration is greater than the second duration, and the second duration is greater than the third duration. Any one or more of the first duration, the second duration, and the third duration can be predetermined. Alternatively, or in combination, any one or more of the first duration, the second duration, and the third duration can be determined as part of step 410 based on observational evaluation.

In one application of the method described above with reference to FIG4 , the second pressure operates the first emitter type, and the third pressure operates the first emitter type and the second emitter type. In an alternative embodiment, there is an emitter type that includes two thresholds: the first threshold is responsive to the second pressure (e.g., to enable the improvement mode), and the second threshold is responsive to the third pressure (e.g., to enable the flush mode).

Unexpected results

Microporous pipes cannot necessarily withstand long-duration, high-pressure operations. However, in hybrid irrigation pipes, emitters allow for relatively short durations for conditioning and flushing operations. For example, using hybrid irrigation pipes, conditioning applications may only require 1-4 hours, and flushing may require less than 0.5 hours. Therefore, when emitters are included in irrigation pipes, the risk to the integrity of the microporous membrane (and associated seam welds) is reduced. Hybrid irrigation pipes that include emitters with multiple pressure reliefs can further mitigate damage to the microporous membrane and/or welds by limiting rapid increases in operating pressure within the irrigation pipe.

Pressure control features

In an embodiment of the present invention, the operating pressure of an irrigation/fertigation system using a hybrid irrigation pipe is manually adjusted based on the desired application pattern. In an alternative embodiment, the operating pressure may be automatically adjusted, for example, based on the predicted growth cycle of a particular crop, or based on crop improvement instructions from a smart farming system informed by sensor data.

An exemplary embodiment of the pressure management system 110 is described below with reference to the schematic diagrams in Figures 5 and 6. Figure 5 shows a diverter 510 including an operator 515 and a spring 520. In a first position of the diverter 510 (the position shown in Figure 5), fluid flow is directed from the inlet 505 through the first pressure controller 525 to the outlet 535. In a second position of the diverter 510 (not shown in Figure 5), fluid flow is directed from the inlet 505 through the second pressure controller 530 to the outlet 535.

Pressure controllers 525 and 530 can be limited to discrete operating values. For example, first pressure controller 525 can be configured to maintain a fluid pressure of 2.5 psi (+/- 0.1 psi), while second pressure controller 530 can be configured to maintain a fluid pressure of 5 psi (+/- 0.1 psi). In alternative embodiments, each of pressure controllers 525, 530 can be configured to operate over a range of pressure values. For example, first pressure controller 525 can be user-adjustable between 0.5 and 3.0 psi, and second pressure controller 530 can be user-adjustable between 3.0 and 15 psi.

FIG6 shows a controller 610 including an adjustable spring 615 and a feedback loop 620. In operation, the controller 610 receives a fluid flow at an inlet 605 and provides a pressure-controlled fluid flow at an outlet 625. Preferably, a single controller 610 is configured to accommodate the full range of desired pressure controls. For example, the controller 610 may be user-adjustable between 0.5 psi and 15 psi.

Method for controlling the depth of a mixing irrigation pipe

Plants produce roots to collect water and nutrients. A common taproot in many plants extends vertically downward from the base of the plant. Nutrient roots can extend both vertically and horizontally. For drip irrigation, and particularly for responsive drip irrigation, optimal irrigation pipe placement during cultivation can be near the highest concentration of plant roots.

The optimal irrigation pipe depth typically changes during the growth cycle of a crop, as shown with reference to Figures 7A, 7B, and 7C. Figure 7A shows that for seedlings 705, it may be preferable to place the irrigation pipe 715 above the ground 710 (this also applies to seeds). Figure 7B shows that for young plants 720, it may be preferable to place the irrigation pipe 715 at a depth 725 below the ground 710. Figure 7C shows that for mature plants 730, it may be preferable to place the irrigation pipe 715 at a depth 735 below the ground 710 (greater than the depth of 725).

FIG8 is a flow chart of a method for adjusting the depth of a mixing irrigation pipe according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown therein, the process begins in step 805 and subsequently sets the mixing irrigation pipe in step 810. Step 810 may include laying the mixing irrigation pipe on the ground or injecting the mixing irrigation pipe underground. Next, in step 815, the process preferably plants a crop (e.g., seeds, seedlings, or cuttings) near the mixing irrigation pipe. In alternative embodiments of the present invention, steps 810 and 815 may be performed simultaneously (e.g., using automatic or semi-automatic equipment to align the crop with the emitter). In another embodiment, the order of steps 810 and 815 may be reversed.

In step 820, the process irrigates the crop (preferably responsively) through the microporous structure in the mixing irrigation pipe. Next, the process determines the mixing irrigation pipe depth in step 825 and the crop root depth in step 830. Steps 825 and 830 are preferably performed by observation (e.g., observations on a sample of the irrigation pipe and the crop, respectively). The crop root depth can be determined in step 830 by measuring the depth of the taproot. Alternatively, it may be appropriate to measure the depth of the root bundle in step 830. In some applications, the crop root depth in step 830 can be adequately estimated based on the crop type, known soil properties, weather history, irrigation history, duration since planting, size of the above-ground crop, and/or other factors.

In step 835, the process determines whether the irrigation pipe is too shallow for optimal irrigation. Step 835 is based on the results obtained in steps 825 and 830 and involves a comparison between the irrigation pipe depth and the crop root depth. If the irrigation pipe depth is greater than the crop root depth, or if the difference between the pipe depth and the root depth is less than a predetermined threshold (either in absolute terms or as a percentage), the process returns to step 820. Otherwise, the process performs a flush using the emitters in the irrigation pipe for a predetermined duration in step 840 before returning to step 820. Step 840 has the effect of sinking the irrigation pipe to a lower depth below the ground.

The above methods for adjusting depth or flushing the pipe are uniquely accomplished by hybrid irrigation pipe because the microporous membrane feature provides structure for irrigation in step 820 and because higher flow emitters facilitate manipulation of pipe depth in step 840 .

The disclosed method for adjusting the depth provides greater flexibility in how irrigation pipe is installed in the field at (or before) planting. This is advantageous because shallow underground injection of irrigation pipe is generally less expensive than deep injection of irrigation pipe due to labor and machinery costs. Similarly, ground application is generally the least expensive method for installing irrigation pipe.

The process shown in Figure 8 and described above also provides many advantages during cultivation. For example, optimizing the depth of the mixing irrigation pipe can reduce the amount of water and/or amendments required, increase crop yields, and reduce the environmental consequences associated with overwatering and/or overfertilization.

Method for manufacturing hybrid irrigation pipe

U.S. Patent No. 9,527,267, issued on December 27, 2016, discloses a method for manufacturing an irrigation pipe having a microporous membrane and a backing. The same or similar process (or variations thereof) can be used to manufacture hybrid irrigation pipe, except that the emitter structure must be disposed within the backing and/or responsive membrane.

FIG9 is a flow chart of a method for manufacturing a hybrid irrigation pipe according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the process begins in step 905 and then provides a plurality of emitters in step 910. Step 910 may include, for example, manufacturing the plurality of emitters through an injection molding process.

Step 915 includes providing a first membrane. Typically, the first membrane provided in step 915 can be a microporous membrane (preferably at least partially treated with a hydrophilic polymer) or a substantially non-porous plastic film. However, in the case where the target final product is a single membrane structure similar to that presented in Figure 2D, the first membrane provided in step 915 must be a microporous membrane. Similarly, in the case where the target final product is a structure similar to that presented in Figure 2B, the first membrane provided in step 915 must be a microporous membrane. On the other hand, in the case where the target structure is a structure similar to that presented in Figure 2A, the first membrane provided in step 915 must be a non-porous backing.

In step 920, the plurality of emitters are bonded to the first side of the first film, for example, under heat and pressure. Bonding step 920 is preferably performed inline with the manufacture of the first film; pressure may be applied by opposing rollers. In step 925, the process forms a plurality of outlet holes from the second side of the first film, each of which is aligned with an emitter outlet. Step 925 may include, for example, mechanical punching or laser cutting.

In the illustrated process flow, conditional step 930 provides a logical branch. Where the target end product is a single membrane structure similar to that presented in FIG2D , the process wraps the first membrane to form a tube in step 935 and then seams welds the tube in step 940. While wrapping step 935 preferably positions the plurality of emitters on the interior surface of the hybrid irrigation tube, wrapping step 935 can be performed to position the plurality of emitters on the exterior surface of the hybrid irrigation tube, depending on design preference.

If the target end product is a structure similar to that presented in FIG. 2A or FIG. 2B , the process provides a second film in step 945 (the second film is a microporous film in the case of the structure in FIG. 2A ; the second film is a backing in the case of the structure presented in FIG. 2B ). The process then aligns the first and second films in step 950 and welds the first film to the second film in step 955. In step 950, the plurality of emitters may alternatively be disposed within the interior of the mixing irrigation pipe or on the exterior of the mixing irrigation pipe, depending on design choice.

Variations on the process flow shown in FIG9 are possible. For example, if the target structure is similar to that presented in FIG2C , the first membrane provided in step 915 is a selected one of the microporous membrane and the backing, and the second membrane provided in step 945 is the other of the microporous membrane and the backing. Furthermore, after providing step 945 and before aligning step 950 , an additional bonding step and an additional forming step are inserted in the same order (repeating steps 920 and 925 but operating on the second membrane). Furthermore, bonding step 920 and forming step are performed on a first portion of the plurality of emitters; additional bonding step and additional forming step are performed on a second portion of the plurality of emitters.

In other embodiments of the hybrid irrigation pipe manufacturing process, each of the plurality of emitters provided in step 910 includes a barbed stem, bonding step 920 is eliminated, and each of the plurality of emitters is inserted into an outlet hole on the outer surface of the hybrid irrigation pipe after welding step 940 or 955 (as applicable). In the case where each of the plurality of barbed stems is a self-piercing barb, forming step 925 is also eliminated. Later installation of the barbed stem emitters, such as by manual or automated insertion, can be advantageous when the hybrid irrigation pipe is set in the field because the coil of irrigation pipe can be more compacted before the emitters are installed. Additionally, with emitters having self-piercing barbs, the end user maintains maximum flexibility with respect to emitter spacing for as long as possible.

in conclusion

Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that a variety of variations and substitutions may be made in the present invention, its use, and its configuration to achieve substantially the same results as achieved by the embodiments described herein. For example, features described with reference to the various embodiments in this application may be combined in ways not explicitly described. Therefore, there is no intention to limit the present invention to the disclosed exemplary forms. Many variations, modifications, and alternative configurations fall within the scope and spirit of the disclosed invention.

Claims (15)

1. A hybrid irrigation pipe, comprising: Inner cavity; A microporous membrane, wherein the micropores of the microporous membrane are configured to provide fluid communication between the inner cavity and the outer surface of the mixing irrigation pipe; A non-porous backing, wherein the microporous membrane and the non-porous backing each extend longitudinally on the mixing irrigation pipe, and the non-porous backing is connected to the microporous membrane at a first longitudinal welding region and a second longitudinal welding region; The inner cavity is formed between the microporous membrane and the non-porous backing; and At least one drip irrigation emitter disposed in the non-porous backing, the at least one drip irrigation emitter being configured to provide fluid communication between the inner cavity and the outer surface of the mixing irrigation tube, the microporous membrane having a first operating pressure range for fluid passage, the at least one drip irrigation emitter having a second operating pressure range for fluid passage, the first operating pressure range for fluid passage including pressures lower than the second operating pressure range for fluid passage. 2. The hybrid irrigation pipe according to claim 1, wherein the microporous membrane comprises spunbond polyethylene. 3. The hybrid irrigation pipe according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the microporous membrane is treated with a hydrophilic polymer. 4. The hybrid irrigation pipe according to claim 1, wherein the at least one drip irrigation emitter comprises: The first drip irrigation emitter has a third operating range for fluid passage; and The second drip irrigation emitter has a fourth operating range for fluid passage, each of the third and fourth operating ranges for fluid passage being within the second operating pressure range for fluid passage. 5. The hybrid irrigation pipe according to claim 1, wherein at least one drip irrigation emitter is disposed on the inner surface of the non-porous backing. 6. The hybrid irrigation pipe according to claim 1, wherein at least one drip irrigation emitter is disposed on the outer surface of the non-porous backing. 7. The hybrid irrigation pipe according to claim 1, wherein the microporous membrane comprises polypropylene. 8. The hybrid irrigation pipe of claim 1, wherein the microporous membrane comprises polyester. 9. The hybrid irrigation pipe of claim 1, wherein the non-porous backing comprises polyester. 10. A method for manufacturing a hybrid irrigation pipe according to claim 1, comprising the following steps: a) Provide the at least one drip irrigation emitter; b) Provide the aforementioned non-porous backing; c) Integrating the at least one drip irrigation emitter into the non-porous backing; d) For each of the at least one drip irrigation emitter, an outlet orifice is formed in the non-porous backing; e) Provide the microporous membrane; f) Align the non-porous backing with the microporous membrane; and g) Weld the non-porous backing to the microporous membrane at the first longitudinal welding area and the second longitudinal welding area. 11. A method for using a mixed irrigation pipe, said mixed irrigation pipe being the mixed irrigation pipe according to claim 1, the method comprising: Select operating mode; If the selected operating mode is responsive to plant irrigation, the supply fluid to the mixed irrigation pipe at the inlet is controlled under a first pressure, which is within the first operating pressure range and outside the second operating pressure range; and If the selected operating mode is improver delivery, the supply fluid to the mixing irrigation pipe at the inlet is controlled under a second pressure, which is within the range of the second operating pressure. 12. The method for using a hybrid irrigation pipe according to claim 11, further comprising: if the selected operating mode is flushing, controlling the supply fluid to the hybrid irrigation pipe at the inlet at a third pressure within the range of the second operating pressure. 13. A method for adjusting the depth of a mixed irrigation pipe, said mixed irrigation pipe being the mixed irrigation pipe according to claim 1, the method comprising: Place the hybrid irrigation pipe in the field; Plant crops near the mixed irrigation pipes; The crop is irrigated through the microporous membrane; Determine the depth of the mixed irrigation pipe; Determine the depth of crop roots; Based on a comparison between the depth of the mixed irrigation pipe and the depth of the crop roots, it is determined whether the depth of the mixed irrigation pipe is too shallow. If it is determined that the depth of the mixed irrigation pipe is too shallow, the mixed irrigation pipe is flushed to adjust the depth of the mixed irrigation pipe, the flushing being performed using the at least one drip irrigation emitter. 14. The method for adjusting the depth of a mixed irrigation pipe according to claim 13, wherein setting the mixed irrigation pipe in the field is a ground application of the mixed irrigation pipe. 15. The method for adjusting the depth of a mixed irrigation pipe according to claim 13, wherein setting the mixed irrigation pipe in the field is an underground application of the mixed irrigation pipe.