Irrigation & Watering

Drip Systems
A drip system feeds the plants what they need over a long period. It has been reported to show impressive results in arid lands through a reduction in surface run off and evaporation[1] Pipes with holes can feed the drips to the plants or special pipes that express the water through their walls.
Drip systems can be fitted with timing devices fitted to the pipe or just a bucket with a tap to regulate flow.

One example found was a system of pipes and a bucket that was filled twice a day for watering - easy gardening.

Deep Pipe Irrigation
Deep pipe irrigation is a technique that involves inserting a perforated pipe with a sealed top near to the plants root system. A drip system can be added to the pipe or normal watering is ok. Such a system would drastically reduce evaporation and eliminate surface run off.

Bamboo would be a good alternative to plastic but need to source decent sized bamboo. Does it have to be green bamboo to repel water and not rot so quick?

Materials
Usual plastics are the most obvious.
Bamboo has potential for such an application. Need to find examples.
Pipes that express water through their walls need to be researched.

Notes
Time setting up drip regulation could be a problem.

Possible use with trees to increase yields.

Sources
[1]http://www.ecocomposite.org/restoration/deeppipe.htm

Suppliers
Add when suggested