ECS, a.k.a. EPIC, are sand hydroponic planting systems, where plants grow in SAND and not soil. Although sand generally has not been recognized as a planting media due to its fast drainage, sand is actually a preferred growing media for most plants. Adhesion and cohesion properties of water create surface tension and capillary rise within the sand growing profile.
Washed sand media provide the perfect combination of stability without compaction and aerobic air-water ratios in the root zone without ever being over-watered. The plants themselves make the decision of when to drink and when to breathe.
Water is introduced directly to the roots from the inlet. As water is transpired by the plant, new water is automatically replaced upward into the root zone by capillary action from the sub-surface reservoir. The water film from capillary rise and high oxygen levels among the sand voids provide an ideal growing environment for plant growth.
The Environmental Passive Integrated Conveyance (EPIC) System is a water management tool used for filtration, drainage, and sub-irrigation of landscapes. The EPIC system has been utilized for road / parking lot filtration, residential / business landscapes, agricultural gardens / hoop houses / greenhouses / fields, sports fields, parks, golf courses, water treatment facilities, septic leach fields, and even salt water irrigation research.
Learn MoreThe world’s best drainage pipe. Superior drainage capable of managing world record storm events with no surface pooling.
Aggregate filtration, passive oil and grease separation, bio-filtration of contaminants via nutrient uptake by landscape plants. Customized filtration techniques.
Non-pressurized, passive sub-surface irrigation with minimal evaporation loss and 100% efficiency. The secret is in capillary physics.
Scientific principles utilize local approved aggregates to effectively drain, sub-irrigate, and sustain H-30 loads.
An impermeable EPDM liner prevents water loss to the ground table: every drop of water is used within the growth profile. Studies reveal 60%-80% less water use compared to pressurized sprinkler or drip systems. The EPIC system is non-pressurized, gravity driven, and 100% efficient.
The EPIC chamber is the world’s best drainage pipe. Non-clogging, patented offset interface holes provide superior drainage. While providing filtration, approved gravel profiles drain 1″ of water in 15 seconds, sand profiles drain 1″ of water in <10 minutes, established turf profiles can drain world record rainfall events of 23″ in 24 hours without endured surface pooling.
Similar to biology, sand hydroponics EPIC systems are self-contained and gravity driven by non-pressurized connections. New systems can be added to established systems in multiple phases with ease.
Water seeks its own level, so the sub-grade is installed laser level which are easier to create than sloped grades. Then the liner is rolled out, the EPIC system is interconnected with sand tight connections between chambers requiring no gluing, and the system is simply buried with the approved gravel layer and sand aggregates.
Sand Hydroponics indoor planters are watered once per month, outdoor gardens and landscapes watered once per week even in hot desert summer temperatures. Multiple blended water sources including storm water reuse, recycled water, shower water, air conditioner condensation reuse, ice machine and drinking fountain drains, and even specialized aerobic septic leach lines. The EPIC system has saved nearly a billion gallons of water in its history.
The ECS team provides customized consultation of Design, Project Management, Installation Inspection & Training, and Maintenance with a Green Guarantee. Contact us for support on your upcoming or existing project.
