An ancestral and very efficient watering technique, the olla allows to supply the plants with water directly at the roots level. Ecological, economical, it has only advantages. Discover it...
Ollas, a proven irrigation system
Proud of its 4000 years of existence, this watering technique still works wonders especially in Southern Europe where it is still widely used.
The term "olla" comes from the Spanish word for "pot". The olla is a microporous clay container, usually in the shape of a jar. It has an opening in the upper part and a lid on top.
The olla is buried at the foot of a plant, then filled with water and closed. Only the neck of the jar protrudes slightly from the ground in order to replenish the water.
Its porous constitution allows the water to escape slowly and directly to the roots of the plants thus ensuring a targeted and very effective watering. The plant only gets what it really needs and no longer suffers from water stress.
Savings in perspective
Since the planet's water resources are limited, this watering system offers a solution to preserve the resource. It is a water saving of 50 to 70% that is achieved by using this system. Not to mention the energy you usually spend watering, since the olla is only filled once a week on average!
The different types of ollas
The system can provide water to all kinds of plants, from a geranium in a window box to an olive tree in the ground.
For planters and pots, we use 'planting' ollas. Shaped like a spinning top, they have a pointed lower part that is planted in the substrate. The water is placed in the reservoir of the upper part, which remains on the surface of the mixture. These small volume ollas (0.25 l) are available in natural, enamelled or even patterned versions. They are very practical when you go on vacation to ensure watering for a week to 10 days.
In the open ground, ollas 'to be buried' are preferred. They are available in all volumes:
- 0,30 liter for small plants or pots;
- 1,5 liters for isolated plants;
- 5 liters or 10 liters for shrubs or trees, or even for the vegetable garden.
Advantages of the technique
This watering technique has many advantages:
- It allows for significant water savings and reduces watering work to a strict minimum.
- It ensures a deep water diffusion; the soil is not wet on the surface, the 'weeds' do not germinate, which reduces the weeding work.
- The roots draw the quantity of water necessary to their needs. Their growth is harmonious since they are no longer subjected to water shock.
- The plants are less exposed to the diseases propagated by the water drops on the foliage (oomycetes).
