Updated on January 19, 2024

·

Created on September 27, 2016

Groasis Waterboxx

The Groasis Waterboxx plant cocoon is an instrument that supports the growth of plants in unfavorable conditions by collecting rainwater and trapping water from condensation.

Tested By
  • American Scientific Publishers
  • University of Puerto Rico
  • University of Valladolid
Content Partners
Unknown

Author

Product Description

The Groasis Waterboxx® plant cocoon is an instrument that supports plants and trees to survive in difficult circumstances without using groundwater or electricity. It collects water by catching rainwater, and also by producing and catching water from condensation. It subsequently distributes the collected water over an extended period, to the tree growing in the center of the Waterboxx® plant cocoon. Furthermore, it stimulates the capillary formation of the soil, prevents the evaporation of groundwater, steadies the temperature around the roots, fights competitive weeds near the planted tree, and helps prevent damage from rodents.

Target SDGs

SDG 2: Zero Hunger

Market Suggested Retail Price

$34.00

Target Users (Target Impact Group)

Community, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, Public Sector Agencies, NGOs

Distributors / Implementing Organizations

This product is available online or through dozens of retailers worldwide.

Competitive Landscape

Direct competitors include Disco D'Agua.

Manufacturing/Building Method

The product is produced worldwide in different manufacturing facilities.

Intellectural Property Type

Patent

User Provision Model

Users can obtain this product online or from a local distributors.

Distributions to Date Status

1,000,000

Coefficient of distribution uniformity

A wick inside the box drips approximately 50 mL of water every day

Highest limit burst pressure

N/A

Maximum run length

The product allows the development of a capillary water column of approximately 2 meters under the waterboxx.

Minimum viable operating pressure

N/A

Design Specifications

The Waterboxx is a cylindrical device that is placed around a tree sapling or other plant. The device is initially filled with 15 L of water and then collects dew and rainwater and slowly releases the water into the soil surrounding the plant's roots via a wick. The device also maintains a consistent temperature for the plant and protects the surrounding soil from drying. The design on the top of the device allows dew to condensate and drain into the reservoir.

Product Schematics

Technical Support

Technical support is provided directly by Groasis and affiliate companies. Interview with representative.

Replacement Components

Replacement wicks are included. Interview with representative.

Lifecycle

The Groasis Waterboxx is designed to last 10 years and 10 plantings, and includes a warranty.

Manufacturer Specified Performance Parameters

The manufacturer specifies that the Groasis Waterboxx is 90% cheaper and uses 90% less water than traditional drip irrigation and that the average survival rate of plants grown with the device is over 90%.

Vetted Performance Status

Testing performed by the manufacturer in Morocco found that 90% of trees planted with the Groasis Waterboxx survived after the device was removed. Testing performed by the University of Puerto Rico found that the Groasis Waterboxx produces 0.04 L of dew per night. Testing published by American Scientific Publishers found that the Groasis Waterboxx increased soil moisture, reduced ground temperature, and increased tree survival rate.

Safety

No known safety hazards are related to this product.

Complementary Technical Systems

Groasis has an Android app for a detailed guide on how to plant and reforest using the Waterboxx. The Waterboxx requires 15 L of water initially, and wicks which can be purchased separately.

Academic Research and References

Liu, M., Li, Z., and Ren, W, 2014, Research on the effect of waterboxx technology on Haloxylon ammodendron afforestation in arid and semiarid areas, Advanced Science, Engineering and Medicine, 6(2), pp. 236-239.

WITKIN, J., 2010, Developing a Water Battery for Trees, New York Times.

Snyder, V. A., Vázquez, M. A., Seldon, J., Beale, A. J., and Ramos, R, 2018, Preliminary evaluation of dew condensers and their use for tree seedling irrigation in Puerto Rico, The Journal of Agriculture of the University of Puerto Rico, 102(1-2), pp. 1-20.

Compliance with regulations

The product is made with virgin polypropylene and sterilized paper pulp so that it does not pollute the environment. Interview with representative

Other Information

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