🧽 Physical Mechanics of Capillary Suction
The Olla operates without any moving parts, relying instead on the tension balance between the substrate and the porous wall. The clay used is fired at a precise temperature (between 950°C and 1000°C) to maintain an open molecular structure.
When the soil reaches a certain level of dryness, a hydraulic tension is exerted on the ceramic wall, causing water molecules to seep out. As long as the soil is saturated, the water remains confined within the reservoir. This process prevents root asphyxiation often caused by manual watering that saturates the soil with air. By eliminating overhead watering, the Olla also prevents the formation of a surface crust, that hardened layer of soil that impedes gas exchange.
As water is distributed deeply, roots are encouraged to grow vertically to surround the moisture source, which strengthens the plant's anchorage and robustness against temperature variations. Tests show a 50 to 70% reduction in water consumption compared to traditional watering with a watering can.
💧Installation and Growth Management
For maximum efficiency, the 12 cm spike should be inserted into pre-loosened soil. It is advisable to saturate the potting mix during initial setup to initiate capillarity. In a 25 cm diameter pot, a single central Olla is sufficient. For larger containers, such as grow beds, a 25 cm spacing between each unit ensures a continuous moisture zone.
This system is particularly effective for short-cycle plants such as herbs or fruit vegetables (cherry tomatoes, peppers) that cannot tolerate irregular water supply.
🔧 Technical Maintenance and Durability
- Limescale Management : The accumulation of carbonates can obstruct the clay pores over the long term. Annual descaling by immersion in a 50% acetic acid solution (white vinegar) for 12 hours is necessary to restore initial porosity.
- Thermal Resistance : Although terracotta is dense, frozen water inside the walls can cause micro-cracks due to expansion. Removing Oyas and storing them in a dry place is imperative as soon as temperatures consistently drop below 0°C.
- Precise Dimensions : Total height of 18 cm, reservoir diameter of 5 cm, capacity of 150 ml. The format is designed not to reduce the available soil volume in small containers.
