Sand Hydroponics
The Environmental Passive Integrated Conveyance (EPIC) apparatus and technique is a sand hydroponic planting and water management system where plants grow in SAND and not soil. Although sand has generally not been recognized as a planting medium due to its fast drainage, sand is a preferred growing medium for most plants. The adhesion and cohesion properties of water create surface tension and capillary rise within the sand-growing profile.
Nature’s Pace
Washed sand media provide the perfect combination of stability without compaction and aerobic air-water ratios in the root zone without ever being overwatered. The plants themselves make the decision about when to drink and when to breathe. EPIC is like a water battery for plants, recharging slowly to perform efficient water distribution.
Scientific Principles
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. Similar to the embankment of a stream, the water film is extended from the capillary rise, and high oxygen levels among the sand voids provide an ideal growing environment for plant growth.
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Water Management Solution
EPIC, short for Environmental Passive Integrated Conveyance, is at the forefront of water management solutions, reshaping the modern world's approach to water conservation. Our EPIC drainage filtration systems are guardians of watersheds, ensuring sustainability.
Our innovative sand hydroponics, capable of achieving net-zero water use, redefines water conservation. EPIC planting systems not only save water but also reduce fertilizer usage, fostering the growth of robust plants in washed sand, not soil. The key lies in our patented EPIC technology, which finely controls physical parameters in sand media, allowing plants to autonomously regulate their water intake, respiration, and nutrient absorption.
At EPIC, we efficiently manage subsurface water and air, mirroring nature's wisdom to create a brighter, water-efficient future.
Utilization of the System
The EPIC System is used for filtration, drainage, air injection, and sub-irrigation of landscapes. EPIC 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, solar distillation, air injection, geothermal heating/cooling, septic leach fields, sewer mining, and even salt water irrigation research.
EPIC AGRICULTURE – SAND HYDROPONICS
“For the construction of public facilities in the State of California, installation of the EPIC system is a no-brainer.”
Myke Praul, P.E., Public Works Director/Town Engineer, City of St. Helena, California
Design
All the specs and ACAD you need!
Drain
The world’s best drainage pipe. Superior drainage is capable of managing world-record storm events with no surface pooling. No additional large drain pipes are required, saving infrastructure costs.
Filter
Aggregate filtration, passive oil and grease separation, and bio-filtration of contaminants via nutrient uptake by landscape plants. Customized filtration techniques and microbiological degradation.
Sub-Irrigate
Non-pressurized, passive sub-surface irrigation with minimal evaporation loss and 100% efficiency. The secret is in capillary physics. EPIC is a water battery for plants, recharging for long-term performance.
No Moving Parts
EPIC Scientific Principles utilize locally approved bridging aggregates (gravel and sand) to drain, subirrigate, and sustain H-30 loads effectively. Sand is the secret to EPIC performance and efficiency.
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Projects Completed
Installed To Date
Client Testimonials
Efficient
The 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.
Superior Drainage
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 and established turf profiles can drain world-record rainfall events of 23″ in 24 hours without enduring surface pooling.
Modular Construction
Similar to biology, sand hydroponic EPIC systems are self-contained and gravity-driven by non-pressurized connections. “EPIC Cells” connect to form the system. New systems can be added to established ones in multiple phases with ease.
Effortless Installation
Water seeks its level, so the sub-grade is installed with a laser level, which is less expensive to create than sloped grades. The Elevate EPDM liner is rolled out, and the EPIC system is interconnected with sand-tight connections between chambers requiring no gluing. The system is simply buried with the approved gravel layer and sand aggregates.
Saves Water
EPIC uses 60%–80% less water than conventional irrigation. Sand Hydroponics indoor planters are watered once per month, and outdoor gardens and landscapes are watered once weekly, even in hot desert summer temperatures. Multiple blended water sources, including stormwater 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 billions of gallons of water in its 25-year history.
Revolutionary
The EPIC system helps sustain water efficiency and is ready to be installed anywhere around the globe.