TopUp^TM is a system that delivers water to a potted plant from above and below. Water is applied by overhead conventional irrigation (and, or direct to the mat). Water that falls between the pots is absorbed by the mat - which has a capacity of 5L/sqm - on which the pot sits. As a consequence, almost all water applied is used by the plant. Much less water needs to be applied since there is little or no run off (containing nutrients). Overhead irrigation prevents salt accumulation in the top layer of the pot. Plants grows faster because of less water stress.

The ANOVApot^® is the preferred pot for this sytem because it is designed to greatly reduce root escape, a plant response promoted by the continuous bottom irrigation. ANOVApot^® is also designed to aid in the easy and rapid removal of roots that do emerge from the pot. The company Irrigation and Water Technologies Pty Ltd are our preferred fabricator and installer of irrigation matting systems.

• TopUp^TM capillary matting delivers water to a potted plant from both above and below.
• Water is applied by conventional overhead irrigation (and, or direct to the mat).
• Pot by-pass water (as much as 80%) is stored in the mat for later use (capacity 5-6L/m^2).
• Irrigation should be applied to resaturate the mat and no more.
• Overhead irrigation prevents surface salt accumulation.
• Plants grow faster because water stress is minimised.
• The ANOVApot^® (reduced root escape) is the preferred pot for this system.

A modified version of the TopUP Irrigation system under test in the EPA/NGIQ Anova Solutions sponsored experiment at QDPI Redlands Research Station (EPA Waterwise Article for download)