Waterboxx

Waterboxx is an inexpensive integrated planting technology that allows for the planting of trees in degraded farmland and rangelands. Consisting mainly of a 20-liter box, Waterboxx is placed around a young seedling at the transplanting stage. This box builds up a water column under the plant by collecting dew and rainwater, and distributing it over a long period of time through a wick at the bottom. This prevents evaporation. In practice, the transplanted seedling will receive just enough water from the Waterboxx to survive while it still searches for water deep in the soil. It will therefore develop a strong taproot, making the whole plant resilient to prolonged drought periods.

The technology works on the same principle as nature: once the seed germinates and develops its root in the capillary column, it reaches water. The leaves then develop and evaporation and photosynthesis can start. The trees planted cover eroded soils and build up organic matter while providing valuable nutrient sources for both humans and animals.

In the Middle East and North African (MENA) countries, there is a rising demand for agricultural products combined with a fragile natural environment. This has resulted in rapidly increasing pressure on scarce land and water resources. The plantations established with Waterboxx require less input and management compared to other water-saving technologies, such as drip irrigation. Waterboxx is an inexpensive technology that allows the restoration of degraded ecosystems and the productive use of land.

The innovation targets the following barriers: firstly, with tree establishment, which is critical for long-term degraded land development and integrated food production. Secondly by providing a cost-appropriate technology for use in low-resource settings, Waterboxx substantially reduces the cost of planting. Thirdly, the the company tackles the issue of insufficient user-centered design in technology development.

The solution is intended for use in the establishment of trees in Jordan, therefore increasing the vegetation cover in marginal areas that are prone to drought and climate change effects. Potentially, the solution can be deployed worldwide, especially in low-resource settings and is aimed at farmers, herders, local authorities, land managers, schools, community gardens, parks, green areas, NGOs and development agencies, environmentalists and universities.

Publicly available: Yes
Countries where available: Worldwide
Price range: Contact supplier for quote
Offered or can be licensed for local manufacture: No

Dimensions: 10 in x 20 in