Simply Brilliant . . . Ollas are more efficient than drip irrigation

This book!. . . . I have read and re-read and re-read it!  And yet, each time I pick it up, I find something new!

A few nights ago it was this:

"The lower cost and improved production efficiency of these systems can be critical for gardeners and farmers with little water, limited land, and limited resources.  Water use can often be cut 90 percent below surface irrigation and 50 percent below drip (irrigation).

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.That was a big statement buried in the Intro chapter . . . and it is true.  Ollas are both less expensive and more efficient than drip irrigation!

This is why: 

Plants' roots seek out and grow toward the Ollas, and eventually create suction to PULL WATER THROUGH THE WALLS OF THE OLLA, as needed.  In other words, while water will transfer through the walls of the Ollas to the surrounding soil, once the roots establish themselves around the Olla, the water doesn't even get this far.  Very little water is wasted as the roots suck water through the walls of the Ollas.  This makes them almost 100% efficient.

A lovely buyer recently shared this photo of the roots that developed around one of her Ollas.  LOOK AT THOSE ROOTS!  These simple, brilliant, affordable pots have enabled people to grow food in extremely dry places for 1000s of years.  I just love them!

*** Thank you, Becky, for letting me use your photo!

***  I'm not connected to sales of this book, but here is a link, if anyone is interested:  https://www.amazon.com/Gardening-Less-Water-Low-Tech-Techniques/dp/1612125824/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2CH9YXZZF7IL9&dchild=1&keywords=gardening+with+less+water&qid=1601143861&sprefix=Gardening+with+less+w%2Caps%2C204&sr=8-1