Irrigation in hilly areas by capillary lift

Abstract

Water can rise through a capillary up to a height of 34 feet (10 m) due to barometric pressure. This phenomenon occurs due to intermolecular cohesion, adhesion and surface tension. This characteristic can be suitably employed by using a bunch of capillaries tied together to lift large quantity of water. The problem is how to tap this water at the upper end as the same will not discharge on its own. This can be achieved by using a overhang of porous materials like sponge, cotton, carbon fibre, pumice stone etc. The extracted water can be collected in a tank at the upper end. By repeating the system at multiple levels, water can be lifted to any height without using any motor or pump. After considering the evaporation losses, this water can be utilised for irrigation purposes in the hills. This can also be directly fed to the roots of the plants by sheer capillary action.