Olla pronounced as (oh-y-a), is Spanish for clay pot and is one of the oldest irrigation systems to have been introduced in the world. Many believe it was introduced by the Hispanics and the conquistadors in America but it’s worth noting that olla irrigation existed about 4000 years ago and was first started in North Africa and China, and later spread to various parts of the world.
Unlike drip irrigation, this form of irrigation does not require any technology or machines, making it the best choice for peasant farmers in remote areas as it is also inexpensive. The technique involves the use of low-fired, clay ceramic vessels also known as clay pots. These clay pots are buried in between plants with only the top opening above the soil surface.
The pots are then filled water and due to the porous nature of the olla, water is able to dissipate into the soil. Ollas have little pores, it is true water does not flow through them, but what makes this work is that, a suction force is created by the soil moisture tension and the plant roots.
What makes Olla irrigation better alternative to drip irrigation is, when the soil is dry, the water inside the olla will release faster as the soil roots “pull” it out. But if there is a recent saturating rainfall the water in the olla will remain until the surrounding soil dries.
Thus, this type of irrigation is extremely water-efficient as it helps save 60-70% of water preventing excessive evaporation and water runoff. With ollas, soil and roots do not go through extreme drying and wetting cycles which is particularly beneficial to prevent bitter tasting greens, a challenge to gardening in arid regions. The consistent water also prevents cracks developing in tomatoes or melons which form if plants receive abundant and then scarce water.
Also, with olla irrigation, soil surface remains relatively dry in gardens which can prevent the growth of weeds while minimizing some unwanted insect populations.
As the issue of climate change and droughts continue to persist in our world today, let us use our clay pots for olla irrigation, not just flowers.
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