Abstract:
Two designs for rooftop irrigation apparatus are provided. The apparatus employ sub-irrigation and wicking technology to nourish vegetation supported by the apparatus. The apparatus may be placed on outdoor surfaces such as roofs. The first apparatus comprises interlocking modules. The use of sub-irrigation technology enables the modules to sustain a wide variety of plant-life. In addition, the plants may be removed and replaced easily by other plants, including hydroponic plants and vegetables. The second apparatus is a tray that contains an array of wicked protrusions that may hold plant roots and nourish the plants through sub-irrigation. Both apparatus may utilize control systems to control the level of water underneath the vegetation. Excess water may be stored in an auxiliary tank for later use or discharged from the system to decrease apparatus load.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention generally relates to an apparatus for housing vegetation. More particularly, the present invention generally relates to a module that uses sub-irrigation and wicking technology to nourish vegetation that may be displayed on outdoor surfaces. 
         [0002]    The concept of green roofs, or roof gardens, traces all the way back to the Hanging Gardens of Babylon in the seventh century B.C. However, green roofs have become more prevalent in the last few decades. Rising concern for the environment, stemming in part from the increasing acceptance of the phenomenon of global warming, has paved the way for increased initiative to use green roofs. Green roofs reduce the urban heat island effect. Urban areas are significantly wanner than surrounding areas because the buildings absorb heat. Green roofs mitigate this problem in two ways. First, the vegetation provides shade that prevents sunlight from reaching and subsequently heating the roof surface. Second, the green roof&#39;s vegetation absorbs heat directly from the atmosphere. The heat is used to evaporate water within the plant. 
         [0003]    Green roofs also reduce energy losses. The vegetation serves as a layer of insulation that limits heat loss. This is beneficial during cold periods such as winter. In addition, the vegetation may absorb heat and therefore reduce cooling needs during the warmer months. In addition, the ability of a green roof to insulate the underlying roof maintains a more uniform roof temperature throughout the course of a day. Ordinarily, roofs experience thermal cycling. That is, the temperature of the roof varies substantially from day to night. Thermal cycling is known to cause damage to roof integrity. By mitigating thermal cycling, green roofs prolong roof life. Major cities, including Chicago, have sought to take advantage of these benefits and feature green roofs in their cityscapes. 
         [0004]    Current green roofing techniques fall under one of two main categories. First, some green roofs are permanent designs that require significant investment. Second, there are also cheaper green roofs that are essentially plastic boxes that house vegetation. 
         [0005]    Permanent green roofs are typically composed of several layers, including adhesives, barriers, and retention mats. The layers are constructed on the roof top and ensure that the roof is not damaged by the increased load placed on its surface. These bulky systems are difficult to repair when leaks or other problems arise. They also require an initial commitment to transform a roof so that it may accommodate a green roof. 
         [0006]    Conversely, cheap, modular green roof systems are very basic in design. For example, a modular green roof system may comprise plastic structures that house a plant and necessary nutrients. The modules in such a system are often scattered on a roof in a non-uniform manner. As a result of the lack of an overarching design, the system is not aesthetically pleasing. When water is provided to the modules, the water travels downwards through the soil that is housed within the module. As the water travels, it extracts nutrients from the soil. These nutrients are thus leached from the soil and transported to the base of the module where the water collects. As a result of this leaching process, the plant itself is deprived of necessary nutrient. The plant is therefore less healthy. Furthermore, such modules are usually packed fully with nutrient. The modules are therefore heavy and place a large load on the surface on which it is placed. Prior art systems suffer from these drawbacks. 
         [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,862,842, (Mischo) discloses a modular green roof system with pre-seeded modular panels. The panels may be filled with soil to sustain the vegetation. However, water travels through the soil from the top surface down towards the bottom and therefore suffers from nutrient leaching that occurs as the water passes down through the system. 
         [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,926,586 (Nagamatsu) discloses a module for housing a plant. The invention discloses a box that may accommodate a plant. The box features drainage grooves along its base to aid in draining water. This design does nothing to prevent nutrient leaching. 
         [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,673,513 (Casinaty) discloses a turf product. The product is composed of several layers that give the product stability. The product is typical of green roofs that utilize a layered structure to increase life-span. However, these structures are difficult to construct and may not be easily manipulated. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    One or more embodiments of the present invention provide a modular apparatus for an irrigation system. The system is portable and may be installed on outdoor surfaces such as roofs. The apparatus contains piping to control the flow of water on the apparatus. Rather than flowing through vegetation located at the surface of the module, water flows down a water pipe or channel located at the perimeter of the module. 
         [0011]    The water collects at the base of the module, where it comes into contact with a wick. The water travels along the length of the wick. The wick is in contact with the soil base that nourishes the vegetation. The soil absorbs water from the wick and the water is then transferred to the plant roots. This sub-irrigation method nourishes vegetation while eliminating the leaching of soil nutrients that occurs when water passes through soil from the top surface. Control systems may be installed to control the water levels within the modules and therefore the weight of the modules. The water level may also be controlled through the use of exit pipes. The modules may be interlocked with one another but may also be removed and added from the apparatus as needed. Within each module, the plant may be easily replaced when desired. The module may sustain plants originally grown outside the module, such as hydroponically grown plants. 
         [0012]    One or more embodiments of the present invention provide a tray template that supports vegetation. The tray is portable and may be placed on outdoor surfaces such as roofs. The tray contains vertical protrusions along its length that act as holders. The protrusions house the roots of plants. The interiors of the protrusions are lined with a wick to enable sub-irrigation as with the modular apparatus. Plants may be added or removed from individual holders as desired. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]      FIG. 1  illustrates a modular irrigation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  illustrates a flow chart of an embodiment of the sub-irrigation process within the modular irrigation apparatus. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  illustrates a flow chart of an embodiment of the wicking process within the modular irrigation apparatus. 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  illustrates a modular irrigation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  illustrates a flow chart of an embodiment of the sub-irrigation process within the modular irrigation apparatus. 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  illustrates a modular irrigation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  illustrates a flow chart of an embodiment of the sub-irrigation process within the modular irrigation apparatus equipped with a control system and storage tank. 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  illustrates a block diagram of a control system for a modular irrigation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  illustrates a flow chart of an embodiment of the system for controlling the water level within a modular irrigation apparatus equipped with a control system and storage tank. 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  illustrates a modular irrigation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 11  illustrates a flow chart of an embodiment of the system for controlling the water level within a modular irrigation apparatus equipped with a control system and exit pipe. 
           [0024]      FIG. 12  illustrates a tray apparatus for holding vegetation according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 13  illustrates a modular irrigation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0026]      FIG. 14  illustrates a flow chart of a method for installing a roof irrigation system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0027]      FIG. 15  illustrates an array of irrigation modules according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0028]      FIG. 16  illustrates a flow chart of a method for maintaining a modular irrigation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0029]      FIG. 17  illustrates a modular irrigation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0030]      FIG. 18  illustrates a modular irrigation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0031]      FIG. 19  illustrates a tray apparatus for holding vegetation according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0032]      FIG. 20  illustrates a modular irrigation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0033]      FIG. 21  illustrates a modular irrigation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0034]      FIG. 1  illustrates a modular apparatus for an irrigation system  100  according to an embodiment of the present invention. The modular apparatus for an irrigation system  100  includes a base floor  110 , a left side wall  120 , a right side wall  125 , a connecting clasp  123 , a receiving clasp  128 , a top surface  130 , a water pipe  140 , a wick  150 , a nutrient bag  160 , a plant  170 , and surface hooks  180 . The nutrient bag  160  further includes bag hooks  165 . 
         [0035]    The base floor  110  is adjoined to left side wall  120  along its left edge and is adjoined to right side wall  125  along its right edge. A connecting clasp  123  is affixed to the left side wall  120 . A receiving clasp  128  is affixed to the right side wall  125 . The top surface  130  intersects with the left side wall  120  and the right side wall  125 . The base floor  110 , left side wall  120 , right side wall  125 , and top surface  130  form a water retention chamber, within which water may be stored. The receiving end of the water pipe  140  is located on the top surface  130 . The water pipe  140  may be connected to the inside of a side wall  120 . The water pipe  140  extends down towards the base floor  110 . The delivering end of the water pipe  140  is located slightly above the base floor  110 . The tip of the wick  150  rests on the base floor  110 . The wick  150  extends vertically from the base floor  110  into the nutrient bag  160 . The nutrient bag encases nutrient  162 . Bag hooks  165  are attached to the surface of the nutrient bag  160 . Surface hooks  180  are attached to the underside of the top surface  130 . The bag hooks  165  and the surface hooks  180  are oriented in opposite directions. The bag hooks  165  are oriented in an inverted-J fashion. The surface hooks  180  are oriented in a normal-J fashion. The orientations of the bag hooks  165  and the surface hooks  180  allow the hooks to link together. The ends of the bag hooks  165  rest on the ends of the surface hooks  180 . The roots  175  of the plant  170  are embedded in the nutrient  162 . The trunk of the plant  170  extends vertically from within the nutrient  162  through an aperture in the top surface  130 . The vegetation of the plant  170  is situated above the top surface  130 . 
         [0036]    The vegetation of the plant  170  receives light from an external light source such as the sun. The vegetation of the plant  170  is also visible to observers of the modular apparatus for an irrigation system  100 . Water from an external source such as the atmosphere descends onto the top surface  130  and the vegetation of the plant  170 . The top surface  130  is impermeable. The water rests on the top surface  130  and flows down the water pipe  140 . The water exits the water pipe  140  and collects on the base floor  110 . The wick  150  absorbs water that has collected on the base floor  110 . The wick  150  continues to absorb water from the base floor  110  until the wick  150  is saturated. The water within the wick  150  travels upwards along the wick  150  until it reaches the interface between the top end of the wick  150  and the nutrient  162 . The nutrient  162  absorbs water from the wick  150 . The water percolates through the nutrient  162  and reaches the interface between the roots  175  and the nutrient  162 . The roots  175  then absorb water from the nutrient  162 . The modular apparatus for an irrigation system  100  thus houses a plant that is nourished with light, nutrient, and water. The water is provided to the plant through sub-irrigation and wicking technology. 
         [0037]    In an embodiment of the present invention, there is a plurality of apertures on the top surface  130 . Plants  170  may be placed through each of these apertures. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the water may travel down towards the base floor  110  via a channel rather than the water pipe  140 . In this embodiment, there remains an aperture on the top surface where the receiving end of the water pipe  140  is ordinarily situated. The water pipe  140  is replaced by a chute that guides the water down towards the base floor  110 . Alternatively, there may be neither a water pipe  140  nor a chute. The water enters an aperture located on the top surface  130  where the receiving end of the water pipe  140  is ordinarily situated. The water then drops directly onto the base floor  110 . 
         [0038]    The connecting clasp  123  may connect with the receiving clasp  128  of a second modular apparatus for an irrigation system  100 . Several modular apparatuses for an irrigation system  100  may be connected together in this way. 
         [0039]    In one embodiment of the modular apparatus for an irrigation system  100 , the left side wall  120  and right side wall  125  are made of plastic. Alternatively, the left side wall  120  and right side wall  125  may be made of a biodegradable material. The nutrient  162  is preferably soil. The nutrient  162  may also contain fertilizer. The water pipe  140  may be made of various materials such as plastic or metal. The plant  170  may be a small tree, bush, or vegetable. The top surface  130  may be constructed so that it is parallel to the surface on which the modular apparatus for an irrigation system  100  rests. Alternatively, the top surface  130  may be slanted relative to the resting surface so that water on the top surface  130  travels more quickly to the opening of the water pipe  140 . 
         [0040]    In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, there is a plurality of wicks  150 . There may also be a plurality of water pipes  140 . The base floor  110 , left side wall  120 , right side wall  125 , and top surface  130  may be adjoined so as to form a cube. Alternatively, the base floor  110 , left side wall  120 , right side wall  125 , and top surface  130  may form a three-dimensional rectangle, trapezoid or other shape. The base floor  110 , left side wall  120 , right side wall  125 , and top surface  130  may also be curved so that the modular apparatus  100  is spherical. 
         [0041]    The use of the connecting clasp  123  and the receiving clasp  128  to interconnect modular apparatuses for an irrigation system  100  may be replaced by various alternative connecting mechanisms. For example, the left side wall  120  and right side wall  125  may feature grooves along their surfaces that allow modules to fit together. Alternatively, the left side wall  120  and right side wall  125  may contain lips along their edges that would enable the modules to hook together. 
         [0042]      FIG. 2  illustrates a method for irrigating water  200  within a modular apparatus for an irrigation system  100  according to an embodiment of the present invention. First, in step  210 , water descends onto the top surface of the module  130 . The water may be intentionally sprayed onto the surface  130  by a watering can. Alternatively, the water may arrive naturally in the form of rainfall. The water then flows along the top surface  130  towards the perimeter of the surface  220 . The top surface  130  may be slanted and therefore the water would flow towards the perimeter under the force of gravity. The water flow may alternatively result from the drag caused by water flowing down through the water pipe  140 . As the water reaches the perimeter of the module, it enters the water pipe  140  through the pipe opening located at the module perimeter  230 . The water then flows down the pipe  140  and exits at the bottom of end of the pipe  240 . As the water flows out of the water pipe  140 , it collects on the base floor  110  of the module. In the final step,  300 , the water flows upwards along a wick  150  into the nutrient  162  and plant roots  175 . 
         [0043]      FIG. 3  illustrates a method for delivering water to the roots of a plant within a module via a wick  300 . Initially, water collects on the base floor of the module  310 . The wick is in contact with the base floor of the module and therefore is in contact with any water that has collected on the base floor. The wick absorbs water, which then travels along the wick  320 . The wick continues to absorb water until it becomes saturated  330 . The wick extends into a bed of soil. At the interface between the soil and the wick, water is transferred from the wick to the soil  340 . The soil continues to absorb water until it is saturated. The water then travels throughout the soil as dry regions of the soil absorb water from wetter regions of the soil. As the water travels through the soil, it extracts nutrients from the soil  350 . The roots of the plant are embedded in the soil. The roots of the plant absorb water from the soil at the interface between the roots and the soil  360 . Water has thus traveled from the surface of the module to the roots of the plant. The nutrients of the soil are carried to the roots of the plant. The upward movement of the water prevents the leaching of soil nutrients that would occur if the water passed downwards through the soil. 
         [0044]      FIG. 4  illustrates a modular apparatus for an irrigation system  400  according to an embodiment of the present invention. The modular apparatus for an irrigation system  400  includes a base floor  410 , a left side wall  420 , a right side wall  425 , a connecting clasp  423 , a receiving clasp  428 , a top surface  430 , a water pipe  440 , a nutrient layer  450 , a plant  460 , and the roots of the plant  470 . 
         [0045]    The base floor  410  is adjoined to left side wall  420  along its left edge and is adjoined to right side wall  425  along its right edge. A connecting clasp  423  is affixed to the left side wall  420 . A receiving clasp  428  is affixed to the right side wall  425 . The top surface  430  intersects with the left side wall  420  and the right side wall  425 . The base floor  410 , left side wall  420 , right side wall  425 , and top surface  430  form a water retention chamber, within which water may be stored. The receiving end of the water pipe  440  is located on the top surface  430 . The water pipe  440  may be connected to the inside of the left side wall  420 . The water pipe  440  extends down towards the base floor  410 . The delivering end of the water pipe  440  is located slightly above the nutrient layer  450 . The nutrient layer  450  rests on the base floor  410 . The roots  470  of the plant  460  are embedded in the nutrient layer  450 . The trunk of the plant  460  extends vertically from within the nutrient layer  450  through an aperture in the top surface  430 . The vegetation of the plant  460  is situated above the top surface  430 . 
         [0046]    The vegetation of the plant  460  receives light from an external light source such as the sun. The vegetation of the plant  460  is also visible to observers of the modular apparatus for an irrigation system  400 . Water from an external source such as the atmosphere descends onto the top surface  430  and the vegetation of the plant  460 . The top surface  430  is impermeable. The water rests on the top surface  430  and flows down the water pipe  440 . The water exits the water pipe  440  and flows onto the nutrient layer  450 . The water flows down through the nutrient layer  450 . As the water percolates through the nutrient layer  450 , it extracts nutrient from the soil. The plant roots  470  absorb water from the nutrient layer  450 . 
         [0047]    If the nutrient layer  450  is saturated with water, water flowing out from the water pipe  440  collects at the surface of nutrient layer  450 . The water does not flow down through the soil until the soil is no longer saturated. Water resting on the nutrient layer  450  gradually evaporates. Some of the water vapor is absorbed by the trunk of the plant  460 . 
         [0048]    In an embodiment of the present invention, there is a plurality of apertures on the top surface  430 . Plants  460  may be placed through each of these apertures. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the water may travel down towards the base floor  410  via a channel rather than the water pipe  440 . In this embodiment, there remains an aperture on the top surface where the receiving end of the water pipe  440  is ordinarily situated. The water pipe  440  is replaced by a chute that guides the water down towards the base floor  410 . Alternatively, there may be neither a water pipe  440  nor a chute. The water enters an aperture located on the top surface  430  where the receiving end of the water pipe  440  is ordinarily situated. The water then drops directly onto the base floor  410 . 
         [0049]    The connecting clasp  423  may connect with the receiving clasp  428  of a second modular apparatus for an irrigation system  400 . Several modular apparatuses for an irrigation system  400  may be connected together in this way. 
         [0050]    In one embodiment of the modular apparatus for an irrigation system  400 , the left side wall  420  and right side wall  425  are made of plastic. Alternatively, the left side wall  420  and right side wall  425  may be made of a biodegradable material. The nutrient layer  450  is preferably soil. The nutrient layer  450  may also contain fertilizer. The water pipe  440  may be made of various materials such as plastic or metal. The plant  470  may be a small tree, bush, or vegetable. The top surface  430  may be constructed so that it is parallel to the surface on which the modular apparatus for an irrigation system  400  rests. Alternatively, the top surface  430  may be slanted relative to the resting surface so that water on the top surface  430  travels more quickly to the opening of the water pipe  440 . 
         [0051]    In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, there is a plurality of water pipes  440 . The base floor  410 , left side wall  420 , right side wall  425 , and top surface  430  may be adjoined so as to form a cube. Alternatively, the base floor  410 , left side wall  420 , right side wall  425 , and top surface  430  may form a three-dimensional rectangle, trapezoid or other shape. The base floor  410 , left side wall  420 , right side wall  425 , and top surface  430  may also be curved so that the modular apparatus  400  is spherical. 
         [0052]    The use of the connecting clasp  423  and the receiving clasp  428  to interconnect modular apparatuses for an irrigation system  400  may be replaced by various alternative connecting mechanisms. For example, the left side wall  420  and right side wall  425  may feature grooves along their surfaces that allow modules to fit together. Alternatively, the left side wall  420  and right side wall  425  may contain lips along their edges that would enable the modules to hook together. 
         [0053]      FIG. 5  illustrates a method for irrigating water  500  within a modular apparatus for an irrigation system  400  according to an embodiment of the present invention. First, in step  510 , water descends onto the top surface of the module  430 . The water may be intentionally sprayed onto the surface  430  by a watering can. Alternatively, the water may arrive naturally in the form of rainfall. The water then flows along the top surface  430  towards the perimeter of the surface  520 . The top surface  430  may be slanted and therefore the water would flow towards the perimeter under the force of gravity. The water flow may alternatively result from the drag caused by water flowing down through the water pipe  440 . As the water reaches the perimeter of the module, it enters the water pipe  440  through the pipe opening located at the module perimeter  530 . The water then flows down the pipe  440  and exits at the bottom of end of the pipe  540 . As the water exits the water pipe  440 , it flows onto the nutrient layer  450 . In the final step,  550 , the water travels down through the soil under the force of gravity. The plant roots  470  absorb water from the nutrient layer  450  at the interface between the nutrient layer  450  and the plant roots  470 . 
         [0054]      FIG. 6  illustrates a modular apparatus for an irrigation system  600  according to an embodiment of the present invention. The modular apparatus for an irrigation system  600  includes a base floor  610 , a left side wall  620 , a right side wall  625 , a connecting latch  623 , a receiving latch  628 , a top surface  630 , a water pipe  640 , a nutrient layer  650 , a plant  660 , a tank inlet pipe  670 , a storage tank  680 , a tank outlet pipe  690 , a water level controller  810 , a control valve  820 , a water level measurement device  830 , and a tank outlet valve  840 . 
         [0055]    The base floor  610  is adjoined to left side wall  620  along its left edge and is adjoined to right side wall  625  along its right edge. A connecting clasp  623  is affixed to the left side wall  620 . A receiving clasp  628  is affixed to the right side wall  625 . The top surface  630  intersects with the left side wall  620  and the right side wall  625 . The base floor  610 , left side wall  620 , right side wall  625 , and top surface  630  form a water retention chamber, within which water may be stored. The receiving end of the water pipe  640  is located on the top surface  630 . The water pipe  640  may be connected to the inside of the left side wall  620 . The water pipe  640  extends down towards the base floor  610 . The delivering end of the water pipe  640  is located slightly above the nutrient layer  650 . The nutrient layer  650  rests on the base floor  610 . The roots  655  of the plant  660  are embedded in the nutrient layer  650 . The trunk of the plant  660  extends vertically from within the nutrient layer  650  through an aperture in the top surface  630 . The vegetation of the plant  660  is situated above the top surface  630 . 
         [0056]    The water pipe  640  is installed with a control valve  820  at a point towards the middle of the pipe  640 . The control valve  820  is in electronic communication with the water level controller  810 . The water level controller  810  is in electronic communication with the water level sensor  830 . The tank inlet pipe  670  is connected to the control valve  820 . The tank inlet pipe  670  feeds into the storage tank  680 . The tank outlet pipe  690  is connected to the base of the storage tank  680 . The tank outlet valve  840  is installed on the tank outlet pipe  690 . The tank outlet valve  840  is in electronic communication with the water level controller  810 . The tank outlet pipe  690  is connected to the water pipe  640 . 
         [0057]    The vegetation of the plant  660  receives light from an external light source such as the sun. The vegetation of the plant  660  is also visible to observers of the modular apparatus for an irrigation system  600 . Water from an external source such as the atmosphere descends onto the top surface  630  and the vegetation of the plant  660 . The top surface  630  is impermeable. The water rests on the top surface  630  and flows down the water pipe  640 . The water flowing down the water pipe  640  reaches the water control valve  820 . 
         [0058]    The water level sensor  830  measures the level of water resting on the nutrient layer  650 . The water level sensor  830  sends the data representing the water level to the water level controller  810 . The water level controller  810  manipulates the control valve  820  so that water flows either through the tank inlet pipe  670  or continues down the water pipe  640 . This determination is made by the water level controller  810  in accordance with the method for controlling water flow in a modular apparatus  900 , as described later. 
         [0059]    If the water level controller  810  manipulates the control valve  820  so that water flows down the water pipe  640 , the water exits the water pipe  640  and flows onto the nutrient layer  650 . The water flows down through the nutrient layer  650 . As the water percolates through the nutrient layer  650 , it extracts nutrient from the soil. The plant roots  655  absorb water from the nutrient layer  650 . 
         [0060]    If the water level controller  810  manipulates the control valve  820  so that water flows through the tank inlet pipe  670 , the water flows into the storage tank  680 . The water collects in the storage tank  680 . The water level controller  810  further decides whether to open the tank outlet valve  840  to send water from the storage tank  680  to the water pipe  640  through the tank outlet pipe  690 . This decision is also made in accordance with the method for controlling water flow in a modular apparatus  900 , as described later. The control system setup between the valve controller  810 , the control valve  820 , the water level sensor  830 , and the tank exit valve  840  is explained further in  FIG. 8 . The water level within the modular apparatus is thus regulated and kept below a maximum desired level. Excess water is stored and may be fed to the plant as necessary at a later time. 
         [0061]    In an embodiment of the present invention, there is a plurality of apertures on the top surface  630 . Plants  660  may be placed through each of these apertures. 
         [0062]    The connecting clasp  623  may connect with the receiving clasp  628  of a second modular apparatus for an irrigation system  600 . Several modular apparatuses for an irrigation system  600  may be connected together in this way. 
         [0063]    In one embodiment of the modular apparatus for an irrigation system  600 , the left side wall  620  and right side wall  625  are made of plastic. Alternatively, the left side wall  620  and right side wall  625  may be made of a biodegradable material. The nutrient layer  650  is preferably soil. The nutrient layer  650  may also contain fertilizer. The water pipe  640  may be made of various materials such as plastic or metal. The plant  660  may be a small tree, bush, or vegetable. The top surface  630  may be constructed so that it is parallel to the surface on which the modular apparatus for an irrigation system  600  rests. Alternatively, the top surface  630  may be slanted relative to the resting surface so that water on the top surface  630  travels more quickly to the opening of the water pipe  640 . In a particular embodiment of the modular apparatus for an irrigation system  600 , the storage tank  680  is made of plastic. The tank may alternatively be made of stainless steel. 
         [0064]    In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, there is a plurality of water pipes  640 . The base floor  610 , left side wall  620 , right side wall  625 , and top surface  630  may be adjoined so as to form a cube. Alternatively, the base floor  610 , left side wall  620 , right side wall  625 , and top surface  630  may form a three-dimensional rectangle, trapezoid or other shape. The base floor  610 , left side wall  620 , right side wall  625 , and top surface  630  may also be curved so that the modular apparatus  600  is spherical. 
         [0065]    The use of the connecting clasp  623  and the receiving clasp  628  to interconnect modular apparatuses for an irrigation system  600  may be replaced by various alternative connecting mechanisms. For example, the left side wall  620  and right side wall  625  may feature grooves along their surfaces that allow modules to fit together. Alternatively, the left side wall  620  and right side wall  625  may contain lips along their edges that would enable the modules to hook together. 
         [0066]      FIG. 7  illustrates a method for irrigating water  700  within a modular apparatus for an irrigation system  600  according to an embodiment of the present invention. First, in step  710 , water descends onto the top surface of the module  630 . The water may be intentionally sprayed onto the surface  630  by a watering can. Alternatively, the water may arrive naturally in the form of rainfall. The water then flows along the top surface  630  towards the perimeter of the surface  720 . The top surface  630  may be slanted and therefore the water would flow towards the perimeter under the force of gravity. The water flow may alternatively result from the drag caused by water flowing down through the water pipe  640 . As the water reaches the perimeter of the module, it enters the water pipe  640  through the pipe opening located at the module perimeter  730 . 
         [0067]    The water level control valve  820  then sends the water in one of two directions. The water is sent either to the storage tank,  760 , or to the remainder of the water pipe  640 ,  740 . The determination of where the water is sent is made by the water level controller  810 . The method  900  by which this determination is made is shown in  FIG. 9  and described in detail below. If the water is sent to the remainder of the water pipe  640 , the water flows onto the nutrient layer  650  and then travels down through the soil into the plant roots  655 . Through this method  700 , water is transported from the surface of the module to the roots of the plant and the level of water within the module is kept under a predetermined maximum level. 
         [0068]      FIG. 8  illustrates a block diagram of a water level control system  800 . The water level control system  800  includes a valve controller  810 , a control valve  820 , a water level sensor  830 , and a tank exit valve  840 . 
         [0069]    The valve controller  810  is in electronic communication with the control valve  820 . The valve controller  810  is also in electronic communication with the tank exit valve  840 . The valve controller  810  and the water level sensor  830  are in bi-directional electronic communication. 
         [0070]    In operation, the water level sensor  830  continuously measures the level of water within a module. The sensor  830  then sends data representing the water level to the valve controller  810 . The valve controller  810  processes the data that it receives and creates instructions to send to the control valve  820  and the tank exit valve  840 . The instructions are created through the process described in  FIG. 9  below. The valve controller  810  then sends the respective instructions that it has created to the control valve  820  and the tank exit valve  840 . The instructions command the valves to either open or close. By opening and closing valves, the valve controller  810  may direct the flow of water within the module. 
         [0071]      FIG. 9  illustrates a method  900  for controlling the water level within a modular apparatus for an irrigation system  600 . First, in step  910 , the water level sensor  830  measures the water level within the modular apparatus for an irrigation system  600 . The water level sensor  830  then sends data representing the water level measurement to the valve controller  810 . The controller  810  possesses data within its memory representing the maximum water level desired within the module  600 . The controller  810  then computes whether the actual water level within the module is equal to or above the maximum desired level within the module  930 . If the actual water level is greater than or equal to the maximum desired level, the controller  810  sends a signal to the control valve  820  to block passage down the water pipe  640 . The water is thus directed, in step  940 , through the tank inlet pipe  670  and subsequently flows into the storage tank  680 . If the actual water level is less than the maximum desired level, the controller  810 , in step  950 , then determines whether water is present in the water pipe  640  above the control valve  820 . If there is water above the control valve  820 , the controller  810 , in step  960 , sends instructions to the control valve  820  to allow water to pass down through the water pipe  640 . If there is no water present in the water pipe  640  above the control valve  810 , the controller sends instructions to the tank exit valve  840  to open  970 . In step  980 , water from the storage tank  680  exits the tank and flows onto the nutrient layer  650 . The water level sensor  830  then takes a new measurement of the water level within the module  600  and the method  900  for controlling the water level within the modular apparatus for an irrigation system  600  is repeated. 
         [0072]      FIG. 10  illustrates a modular apparatus for an irrigation system  1000  according to an embodiment of the present invention. The modular apparatus for an irrigation system  1000  includes a base floor  1010 , a left side wall  1020 , a right side wall  1025 , a connecting clasp  1023 , a receiving clasp  1028 , a top surface  1030 , a water pipe  1040 , a wick  1050 , a nutrient bag  1060 , a plant  1070 , surface hooks  1080 , an exit pipe  1090 , an exit valve  1092 , a exit controller  1094 , and a water level measurement device  1096 . The nutrient bag  1060  further includes bag hooks  1065 . 
         [0073]    The base floor  1010  is adjoined to left side wall  1020  along its left edge and is adjoined to right side wall  1025  along its right edge. A connecting clasp  1023  is affixed to the left side wall  1020 . A receiving clasp  1028  is affixed to the right side wall  1025 . The top surface  1030  intersects with the left side wall  1020  and the right side wall  1025 . The base floor  1010 , left side wall  1020 , right side wall  1025 , and top surface  1030  form a water retention chamber, within which water may be stored. The receiving end of the water pipe  1040  is located on the top surface  1030 . The water pipe  1040  may be connected to the inside of a side wall  1020 . The water pipe  1040  extends down towards the base floor  1010 . The delivering end of the water pipe  1040  is located slightly above the base floor  1010 . The tip of the wick  1050  rests on the base floor  1010 . The wick  1050  extends vertically from the base floor  1010  into the nutrient bag  1060 . The nutrient bag encases nutrient  1062 . Bag hooks  1065  are attached to the surface of the nutrient bag  1060 . Surface hooks  1080  are attached to the underside of the top surface  1030 . The bag hooks  1065  and the surface hooks  1080  are oriented in opposite directions. The bag hooks  1065  are oriented in an inverted-J fashion. The surface hooks  1080  are oriented in a normal-J fashion. The orientations of the bag hooks  1065  and the surface hooks  1080  allow the hooks to link together. The ends of the bag hooks  1065  rest on the ends of the surface hooks  1080 . The roots  1075  of the plant  1070  are embedded in the nutrient  1062 . The trunk of the plant  1070  extends vertically from within the nutrient  1062  through an aperture in the top surface  1030 . The vegetation of the plant  1070  is situated above the top surface  1030 . The exit pipe  1090  is connected to the right side wall  1025 , preferably towards the base of the right side wall  1025 . The exit valve  1092  is installed on the exit pipe  1090 . The exit controller  1094  is in electrical communication with the exit valve  1092 . The exit controller  1094  is also in electrical communication with the water level sensor  1094 . 
         [0074]    The vegetation of the plant  1070  receives light from an external light source such as the sun. The vegetation of the plant  1070  is also visible to observers of the modular apparatus for an irrigation system  1000 . Water from an external source such as the atmosphere descends onto the top surface  1030  and the vegetation of the plant  1070 . The top surface  1030  is impermeable. The water rests on the top surface  1030  and flows down the water pipe  1040 . The water exits the water pipe  1040  and collects on the base floor  1010 . The wick  1050  absorbs water that has collected on the base floor  1010 . The wick  1050  continues to absorb water from the base floor  1010  until the wick  1050  is saturated. The water within the wick  1050  travels upwards along the wick  1050  until it reaches the interface between the top end of the wick  1050  and the nutrient  1062 . The nutrient  1062  absorbs water from the wick  1050 . The water percolates through the nutrient  1062  and reaches the interface between the roots  1075  and the nutrient  1062 . The roots  1075  then absorb water from the nutrient  1062 . The controller  1094  controls the level of water within the module  1000  by controlling the flow of water exiting the module through the exit pipe  1090 . The method by which the controller regulates the water level within the module  1000  is explained further in  FIG. 11 . The modular apparatus for an irrigation system  1000  thus minimizes the weight of the module by draining excess water out of the system. 
         [0075]    In an embodiment of the present invention, there is a plurality of apertures on the top surface  1030 . Plants  1070  may be placed through each of these apertures. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the water may travel down towards the base floor  1010  via a channel rather than the water pipe  1040 . In this embodiment, there remains an aperture on the top surface where the receiving end of the water pipe  1040  is ordinarily situated. The water pipe  1040  is replaced by a chute that guides the water down towards the base floor  1010 . Alternatively, there may be neither a water pipe  1040  nor a chute. The water enters an aperture located on the top surface  1030  where the receiving end of the water pipe  1040  is ordinarily situated. The water then drops directly onto the base floor  1010 . 
         [0076]    The connecting clasp  1023  may connect with the receiving clasp  1028  of a second modular apparatus for an irrigation system  1000 . Several modular apparatuses for an irrigation system  1000  may be connected together in this way. 
         [0077]    In one embodiment of the modular apparatus for an irrigation system  1000 , the left side wall  1020  and right side wall  1025  are made of plastic. Alternatively, the left side wall  1020  and right side wall  1025  may be made of a biodegradable material. The nutrient  1062  is preferably soil. The nutrient  1062  may also contain fertilizer. The water pipe  1040  may be made of various materials such as plastic or metal. The plant  1070  may be a small tree, bush, or vegetable. The top surface  1030  may be constructed so that it is parallel to the surface on which the modular apparatus for an irrigation system  1000  rests. Alternatively, the top surface  1030  may be slanted relative to the resting surface so that water on the top surface  1030  travels more quickly to the opening of the water pipe  1040 . 
         [0078]    In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, there is a plurality of wicks  1050 . There may also be a plurality of water pipes  1040 . The base floor  1010 , left side wall  1020 , right side wall  1025 , and top surface  1030  may be adjoined so as to form a cube. Alternatively, the base floor  1010 , left side wall  1020 , right side wall  1025 , and top surface  1030  may form a three-dimensional rectangle, trapezoid or other shape. The base floor  1010 , left side wall  1020 , right side wall  1025 , and top surface  1030  may also be curved so that the modular apparatus  1000  is spherical. 
         [0079]    The use of the connecting clasp  1023  and the receiving clasp  1028  to interconnect modular apparatuses for an irrigation system  1000  may be replaced by various alternative connecting mechanisms. For example, the left side wall  1020  and right side wall  1025  may feature grooves along their surfaces that allow modules to fit together. Alternatively, the left side wall  1020  and right side wall  1025  may contain lips along their edges that would enable the modules to hook together. The exit pipe  1090  may alternatively be connected to the left side wall  1020  rather than the right side wall  1025 . In another embodiment, the exit pipe  1090  may be connected to the base floor  1010 . 
         [0080]      FIG. 11  illustrates a flow diagram of a method  1100  for controlling the water level within the modular apparatus for an irrigation system  1000  according to an embodiment of the present invention. First, in step  1110 , the water level sensor  1096  measures the water level within the module  1000 . In step  1120 , the sensor  1096  sends data representing the water level measurement to the controller  1094 . The controller has stored in its memory data representing the maximum allowable water level within the module  1000 . The controller  1094  compares the actual water level to the maximum allowable water level  1130 . If the actual water level exceeds the maximum allowable level, the controller  1092  sends instructions to the exit valve  1094  to open  1140 . Water then exits the module through the exit pipe  1090 . If the actual water level does not exceed the maximum water level, the controller  1092  sends instructions to the exit valve  1094  to close  1160 . In this instance, no water leaves the system. The sensor  1096  then measures the water level again and the method for controlling the water level within the modular apparatus  1000  is repeated. 
         [0081]      FIG. 12  illustrates a tray apparatus for an irrigation system  1200  according to an embodiment of the present invention. The tray apparatus  1200  includes a base floor  1210 , a left side wall  1220 , a right side wall  1225 , a top surface  1230 , a plurality of vertical protrusions  1240 , a plurality of plants  1250 , a water pipe  1260 , an upper base floor  1270 , and a nutrient layer  1280 . 
         [0082]    The base floor  1210  is adjoined to left side wall  1220  along its left edge and is adjoined to right side wall  1225  along its right edge. The upper base floor  1270  intersects with the left side wall  1220  and the right side wall  1225 . The upper base floor  1270  is located between the base floor  1210  and the top surface  1230 . The top surface  1230  intersects with the left side wall  1220  and the right side wall  1225 . The receiving end of the water pipe  1260  is located on the top surface  1230 . The water pipe  1260  may be connected to the inside of left side wall  1220  or right side wall  1225 . The water pipe  1260  extends down towards the base floor  1210 . The delivering end of the water pipe  1260  is located slightly above the base floor  1210  and below the upper base floor  1270 . The vertical protrusions  1240  are connected to the upper base floor  1270 . The vertical protrusions  1240  and the upper base floor  1270  are part of a single mold. The nutrient layer  1280  rests on the base floor  1210 . The roots of a plant  1250  are housed within a vertical protrusion  1240 . The roots of a plant  1250  extend down into the nutrient layer  1280 . 
         [0083]    The vegetation of the plants  1250  receives light from an external light source such as the sun. The vegetation of the plants  1250  is also visible to observers of the tray apparatus for an irrigation system  1200 . The plants  1250  are held fixed in place by the vertical protrusions  1240 . The trunks of the plants  1250  extend vertically from within the vertical protrusions  1240  through apertures on the top surface  1230 . Water from an external source such as the atmosphere descends onto the top surface  1230  and the vegetation of the plants  1260 . The top surface  1230  is impermeable. The water rests on the top surface  1230  and flows down the water pipe  1260 . The water exits the water pipe  1260  and flows onto the nutrient layer  1280 . The water flows down through the nutrient layer  1280 . As the water percolates through the nutrient layer  1280 , it extracts nutrient from the soil. The plant roots absorb water from the nutrient layer  1280 . 
         [0084]    If the nutrient layer  1280  is saturated with water, water flowing out from the water pipe  1260  collects at the surface of nutrient layer  1280 . The water does not flow down through the soil until the soil is no longer saturated. Water resting on the nutrient layer  1280  gradually evaporates. Some of the water vapor is absorbed by the trunk of the plant  1250 . 
         [0085]    The nutrient layer  1280  is preferably soil. The nutrient layer  1280  may also contain fertilizer. The water pipe  1260  may be made of various materials such as plastic or metal. The plant  1250  may be a small tree, bush, or vegetable. The top surface  1230  may be constructed so that it is parallel to the surface on which the tray apparatus for an irrigation system  1200  rests. Alternatively, the top surface  1230  may be slanted relative to the resting surface so that water on the top surface  1230  travels more quickly to the opening of the water pipe  1260 . 
         [0086]    In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the enclosure formed by the left side wall  1220 , right side wall  1225 , upper base floor  1270 , and top surface  1230  is hollow space. Alternatively, the enclosure may be packed with filler material such as gravel or sand to make the module heavier. 
         [0087]      FIG. 13  illustrates a modular apparatus for an irrigation system  1300  according to an embodiment of the present invention. The modular apparatus for an irrigation system  1300  includes a base floor  1310 , a left side wall  1320 , a right side wall  1325 , a connecting clasp  1323 , a receiving clasp  1328 , a top surface  1330 , a water pipe  1340 , a wick  1350 , a nutrient layer  1360 , a plant  1370 , and a nutrient tray  1380 . 
         [0088]    The base floor  1310  is adjoined to left side wall  1320  along its left edge and is adjoined to right side wall  1325  along its right edge. A connecting clasp  1323  is affixed to the left side wall  1320 . A receiving clasp  1328  is affixed to the right side wall  1325 . The top surface  1330  intersects with the left side wall  1320  and the right side wall  1325 . The base floor  1310 , left side wall  1320 , right side wall  1325 , and top surface  1330  form a water retention chamber, within which water may be stored. The receiving end of the water pipe  1340  is located on the top surface  1330 . The water pipe  1340  may be connected to the inside of a side wall  1320 . The water pipe  1340  extends down towards the base floor  1310 . The delivering end of the water pipe  1340  is located slightly above the base floor  1310 . The tip of the wick  1350  rests on the base floor  1310 . The wick  1350  extends vertically from the base floor  1310  into the nutrient layer  1360  through an opening in the nutrient tray  1380 . The nutrient layer  1360  rests on the nutrient tray  1380 . The roots  1375  of the plant  1370  are embedded in the nutrient layer  1360 . The trunk of the plant  1370  extends vertically from within the nutrient layer  1360  through an aperture in the top surface  1330 . The vegetation of the plant  1370  is situated above the top surface  1330 . 
         [0089]    The vegetation of the plant  1370  receives light from an external light source such as the sun. The vegetation of the plant  1370  is also visible to observers of the modular apparatus for an irrigation system  1300 . Water from an external source such as the atmosphere descends onto the top surface  1330  and the vegetation of the plant  1370 . The top surface  1330  is impermeable. The water rests on the top surface  1330  and flows down the water pipe  1340 . The water exits the water pipe  1340  and collects on the base floor  1310 . The wick  1350  absorbs water that has collected on the base floor  1310 . The wick  1350  continues to absorb water from the base floor  1310  until the wick  1350  is saturated. The water within the wick  1350  travels upwards along the wick  1350  until it reaches the interface between the top end of the wick  1350  and the nutrient  1360 . The nutrient  1360  absorbs water from the wick  1350 . The water percolates through the nutrient  1362  and reaches the interface between the roots  1375  and the nutrient  1360 . The roots  1375  then absorb water from the nutrient  1360 . The modular apparatus for an irrigation system  1300  thus houses a plant that is nourished with light, nutrient, and water. Water and nutrient are provided to the plant through sub-irrigation and wicking technology. 
         [0090]    In an embodiment of the present invention, there is a plurality of apertures on the top surface  1330 . Plants  1370  may be placed through each of these apertures. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the water may travel down towards the base floor  1310  via a channel rather than the water pipe  1340 . In this embodiment, there remains an aperture on the top surface where the receiving end of the water pipe  1340  is ordinarily situated. The water pipe  1340  is replaced by a chute that guides the water down towards the base floor  1310 . Alternatively, there may be neither a water pipe  1340  nor a chute. The water enters an aperture located on the top surface  1330  where the receiving end of the water pipe  1340  is ordinarily situated. The water then drops directly onto the base floor  1310 . 
         [0091]    The connecting clasp  1323  may connect with the receiving clasp  1328  of a second modular apparatus for an irrigation system  1300 . Several modular apparatuses for an irrigation system  1300  may be connected together in this way. 
         [0092]    In one embodiment of the modular apparatus for an irrigation system  1300 , the left side wall  1320  and right side wall  1325  are made of plastic. Alternatively, the left side wall  1320  and right side wall  1325  may be made of a biodegradable material. The nutrient  1360  is preferably soil. The nutrient  1360  may also contain fertilizer. The water pipe  1340  may be made of various materials such as plastic or metal. The plant  1370  may be a small tree, bush, or vegetable. The top surface  1330  may be constructed so that it is parallel to the surface on which the modular apparatus for an irrigation system  1300  rests. Alternatively, the top surface  1330  may be slanted relative to the resting surface so that water on the top surface  1330  travels more quickly to the opening of the water pipe  1340 . 
         [0093]    In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, there is a plurality of wicks  1350 . There may also be a plurality of water pipes  1340  through which water may travel to the water retention chamber. The base floor  1310 , left side wall  1320 , right side wall  1325 , and top surface  1330  may be adjoined so as to form a cube. Alternatively, the base floor  1310 , left side wall  1320 , right side wall  1325 , and top surface  1330  may form a three-dimensional rectangle, trapezoid or other shape. The base floor  1310 , left side wall  1320 , right side wall  1325 , and top surface  1330  may also be curved so that the modular apparatus  1300  is spherical. 
         [0094]    The use of the connecting clasp  1323  and the receiving clasp  1328  to interconnect modular apparatuses for an irrigation system  1300  may be replaced by various alternative connecting mechanisms. For example, the left side wall  1320  and right side wall  1325  may feature grooves along their surfaces that allow modules to fit together. Alternatively, the left side wall  1320  and right side wall  1325  may contain lips along their edges that would enable the modules to hook together. 
         [0095]      FIG. 14  illustrates a flow chart for a method for installing modular apparatuses for an irrigation system on a surface  1400 . First, a competent professional such as a structural engineer assesses the load-bearing capacity of the surface  1410 . The modular apparatuses are then designed to be in conformance with both the load-bearing capacity of the surface as well client needs  1420 . The modular apparatuses may be any of the embodiments of the present invention that have been discussed above in  FIGS. 1 ,  4 ,  6 ,  10 , and  13 . The size of the modules is influenced by the load-bearing capacity of the surface. The modules may be larger where the surface is able to support large loads. Furthermore, a particular embodiment may be more appropriate for a given surface. For example, a surface may receive water only through rare, large deliveries. For such a surface, a module that comprises a storage tank, such as the module described by  FIG. 6 , is more suitable. The modules are then laid out in an array along the surface  1430 . The modules may be connected by fastening means available on the modules as illustrated in  FIG. 15 . Finally, plants are inserted into the modules  1440 . An array of modules with vegetation that may be easily maintained is now installed on the surface. 
         [0096]    In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the surface on which the modules are installed is a roof. Alternatively, the surface may be a balcony, porch, or other outdoors surface. The plants inserted into the modules may be standard plants, hydroponic plants, or vegetables. 
         [0097]      FIG. 15  illustrates a block diagram of an array of modular apparatuses for an irrigation system  1500 . The array of modules  1500  includes modules  1510 ,  1520 ,  1530 ,  1540 ,  1550  and  1560 . The array further includes connecting clasps  1515  and receiving clasps  1565 . These clasps are included on each module. 
         [0098]    The modules are placed adjacent to one another on a given surface as illustrated in  FIG. 15 . The connecting clasp  1515  of one module connects to the receiving clasp  1565  of an adjacent module. The adjacent modules are thereby interconnected. 
         [0099]      FIG. 15  illustrates a small sample array that may be constructed using the modular apparatuses of the present invention. The array may be larger or smaller depending on the size and integrity of the surface on which the modules rest. The modules within the array may be of different sizes. The array of modules may comprise a combination of different embodiments of the modular apparatus for an irrigation system that are described by the present invention. For example, the array may comprise modular apparatuses for an irrigation system  100 ,  600 , and  1000 . As a result, the array may include modules that do not have a storage tank and accompanying control system, other modules that do have a storage tank and control system, and modules that have an exit pipe and control system and others that do not. 
         [0100]      FIG. 16  illustrates a method for maintaining a modular irrigation system with vegetation. Modular apparatuses for an irrigation system are first installed on the desired surface as described by  FIG. 14 . At a later time, unwanted plants may be removed from any of the modules  1610 . New plants may then be placed in those modules where plants have been removed  1620 . In addition to removing particular plants, entire modules may be detached from its neighboring modules and removed from the array  1630 . New modules may also be added to the existing array  1640 . 
         [0101]    In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the surface on which the modules are installed is a roof. Alternatively, the surface may be a balcony, porch, or other outdoors surface. The plants inserted into the modules may be standard plants, hydroponic plants, or vegetables. Hydroponic plants may be grown year-round and may be added to modules at any time of the year regardless of the season. Plants may be removed from a module without disturbing the health of other plants. The removal of a plant from a module does not harm the health of that module and a newly added plant continues to grow healthily within the module. 
         [0102]      FIG. 17  illustrates a modular apparatus for an irrigation system  1700  according to an embodiment of the present invention. The modular apparatus for an irrigation system  1700  includes a base floor  1710 , a left side wall  1720 , a right side wall  1725 , a connecting clasp  1723 , a receiving clasp  1728 , a top surface  1730 , a water pipe  1740 , a nutrient bag  1760 , a plant  1770 , and surface hooks  1780 . The nutrient bag  1760  further includes bag hooks  1765 . 
         [0103]    The base floor  1710  is adjoined to left side wall  1720  along its left edge and is adjoined to right side wall  1725  along its right edge. A connecting clasp  1723  is affixed to the left side wall  1720 . A receiving clasp  1728  is affixed to the right side wall  1725 . The top surface  1730  intersects with the left side wall  1720  and the right side wall  1725 . The base floor  1710 , left side wall  1720 , right side wall  1725 , and top surface  1730  form a water retention chamber, within which water may be stored. The receiving end of the water pipe  1740  is located on the top surface  1730 . The water pipe  1740  may be connected to the inside of a side wall  1720 . The water pipe  1740  extends down towards the base floor  1710 . The delivering end of the water pipe  1740  is located slightly above the base floor  1710 . The nutrient bag  1760  encases nutrient  1762 . Bag hooks  1765  are attached to the surface of the nutrient bag  1760 . Surface hooks  1780  are attached to the underside of the top surface  1730 . The bag hooks  1765  and the surface hooks  1780  are oriented in opposite directions. The bag hooks  1765  are oriented in an inverted-J fashion. The surface hooks  1780  are oriented in a normal-J fashion. The orientations of the bag hooks  1765  and the surface hooks  1780  allow the hooks to link together. The ends of the bag hooks  1765  rest on the ends of the surface hooks  1780 . The roots  1775  of the plant  1770  are embedded in the nutrient  1762 . The trunk of the plant  1770  extends vertically from within the nutrient  1762  through an aperture in the top surface  1730 . The vegetation of the plant  1770  is situated above the top surface  1730 . 
         [0104]    The vegetation of the plant  1770  receives light from an external light source such as the sun. The vegetation of the plant  1770  is also visible to observers of the modular apparatus for an irrigation system  1700 . Water from an external source such as the atmosphere descends onto the top surface  1730  and the vegetation of the plant  1770 . The top surface  1730  is impermeable. The water rests on the top surface  1730  and flows down the water pipe  1740 . The water exits the water pipe  1740  and collects on the base floor  1710 . The water gradually evaporates off the base floor  1710  in the form of water vapor  1776 . The water vapor  1776  rises and comes into contact with the nutrient bag  1760 . The water vapor  1776  passes through the nutrient bag  1760  and is absorbed by the nutrient  1762 . The water percolates through the nutrient  1762  and reaches the interface between the roots  1775  and the nutrient  1762 . The roots  1775  then absorb water from the nutrient  1762 . The modular apparatus for an irrigation system  1700  thus houses a plant that is nourished with light, nutrient, and water. The water is provided to the plant through sub-irrigation without the need for wicking technology. 
         [0105]    In an embodiment of the present invention, there is a plurality of apertures on the top surface  1730 . Plants  1770  may be placed through each of these apertures. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the water may travel down towards the base floor  1710  via a channel rather than the water pipe  1740 . In this embodiment, there remains an aperture on the top surface where the receiving end of the water pipe  1740  is ordinarily situated. The water pipe  1740  is replaced by a chute that guides the water down towards the base floor  1710 . Alternatively, there may be neither a water pipe  1740  nor a chute. The water enters an aperture located on the top surface  1730  where the receiving end of the water pipe  1740  is ordinarily situated. The water then drops directly onto the base floor  1710 . 
         [0106]    The connecting clasp  1723  may connect with the receiving clasp  1728  of a second modular apparatus for an irrigation system  1700 . Several modular apparatuses for an irrigation system  1700  may be connected together in this way. 
         [0107]    In one embodiment of the modular apparatus for an irrigation system  1700 , the left side wall  1720  and right side wall  1725  are made of plastic. Alternatively, the left side wall  1720  and right side wall  1725  may be made of a biodegradable material. The nutrient  1762  is preferably soil. The nutrient  1762  may also contain fertilizer. The water pipe  1740  may be made of various materials such as plastic or metal. The plant  1770  may be a small tree, bush, or vegetable. The top surface  1730  may be constructed so that it is parallel to the surface on which the modular apparatus for an irrigation system  1700  rests. Alternatively, the top surface  1730  may be slanted relative to the resting surface so that water on the top surface  1730  travels more quickly to the opening of the water pipe  1740 . 
         [0108]    In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, there is a plurality of water pipes  1740  through which water may travel to the water retention chamber. The base floor  1710 , left side wall  1720 , right side wall  1725 , and top surface  1730  may be adjoined so as to form a cube. Alternatively, the base floor  1710 , left side wall  1720 , right side wall  1725 , and top surface  1730  may form a three-dimensional rectangle, trapezoid or other shape. The base floor  1710 , left side wall  1720 , right side wall  1725 , and top surface  1730  may also be curved so that the modular apparatus  1700  is spherical. 
         [0109]    The use of the connecting clasp  1723  and the receiving clasp  1728  to interconnect modular apparatuses for an irrigation system  1700  may be replaced by various alternative connecting mechanisms. For example, the left side wall  1720  and right side wall  1725  may feature grooves along their surfaces that allow modules to fit together. Alternatively, the left side wall  1720  and right side wall  1725  may contain lips along their edges that would enable the modules to hook together. 
         [0110]      FIG. 18  illustrates a modular apparatus for an irrigation system  1800  according to an embodiment of the present invention. The modular apparatus for an irrigation system  1800  includes a base floor  1810 , a left side wall  1820 , a right side wall  1825 , a connecting clasp  1823 , a receiving clasp  1828 , a top surface  1830 , a water pipe  1840 , a wick  1850 , a nutrient bag  1860 , nutrient  1862 , a plant  1870 , plant roots  1875 , and a nutrient tray  1880 . 
         [0111]    The base floor  1810  is adjoined to left side wall  1820  along its left edge and is adjoined to right side wall  1825  along its right edge. A connecting clasp  1823  is affixed to the left side wall  1820 . A receiving clasp  1828  is affixed to the right side wall  1825 . The top surface  1830  intersects with the left side wall  1820  and the right side wall  1825 . The base floor  1810 , left side wall  1820 , right side wall  1825 , and top surface  1830  form a water retention chamber, within which water may be stored. The receiving end of the water pipe  1840  is located on the top surface  1830 . The water pipe  1840  may be connected to the inside of a side wall  1820 . The water pipe  1840  extends down towards the base floor  1810 . The delivering end of the water pipe  1840  is located slightly above the base floor  1810 . The tip of the wick  1850  rests on the base floor  1810 . The wick  1850  extends vertically from the base floor  1810  into the nutrient bag  1860  through an opening in the nutrient tray  1880 . The nutrient bag  1860  rests on the nutrient tray  1880 . The roots  1875  of the plant  1870  are encased in the nutrient bag  1860 . The trunk of the plant  1870  extends vertically from within the nutrient bag  1860  through an aperture in the top surface  1830 . The vegetation of the plant  1870  is situated above the top surface  1830 . 
         [0112]    The vegetation of the plant  1870  receives light from an external light source such as the sun. The vegetation of the plant  1870  is also visible to observers of the modular apparatus for an irrigation system  1800 . Water from an external source such as the atmosphere descends onto the top surface  1830  and the vegetation of the plant  1870 . The top surface  1830  is impermeable. The water rests on the top surface  1830  and flows down the water pipe  1840 . The water exits the water pipe  1840  and collects on the base floor  1810 . The wick  1850  absorbs water that has collected on the base floor  1810 . The wick  1850  continues to absorb water from the base floor  1810  until the wick  1850  is saturated. The water within the wick  1850  travels upwards along the wick  1850  until it reaches the interface between the top end of the wick  1850  and the nutrient  1862 . The nutrient  1862  absorbs water from the wick  1850 . The water percolates through the nutrient  1862  and reaches the interface between the roots  1875  and the nutrient  1862 . The roots  1875  then absorb water from the nutrient  1862 . The modular apparatus for an irrigation system  1800  thus houses a plant that is nourished with light, nutrient, and water. Water and nutrient are provided to the plant through sub-irrigation and wicking technology. 
         [0113]    In an embodiment of the present invention, there is a plurality of apertures on the top surface  1830 . Plants  1870  may be placed through each of these apertures. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the water may travel down towards the base floor  1810  via a channel rather than the water pipe  1840 . In this embodiment, there remains an aperture on the top surface where the receiving end of the water pipe  1840  is ordinarily situated. The water pipe  1840  is replaced by a chute that guides the water down towards the base floor  1810 . Alternatively, there may be neither a water pipe  1840  nor a chute. The water enters an aperture located on the top surface  1830  where the receiving end of the water pipe  1840  is ordinarily situated. The water then drops directly onto the base floor  1810 . 
         [0114]    The connecting clasp  1823  may connect with the receiving clasp  1828  of a second modular apparatus for an irrigation system  1800 . Several modular apparatuses for an irrigation system  1800  may be connected together in this way. 
         [0115]    In one embodiment of the modular apparatus for an irrigation system  1800 , the left side wall  1820  and right side wall  1825  are made of plastic. Alternatively, the left side wall  1820  and right side wall  1825  may be made of a biodegradable material. The nutrient  1862  is preferably soil. The nutrient  1862  may also contain fertilizer. The water pipe  1840  may be made of various materials such as plastic or steel. The plant  1870  may be a small tree, bush, or vegetable. The top surface  1830  may be constructed so that it is parallel to the surface on which the modular apparatus for an irrigation system  1800  rests. Alternatively, the top surface  1830  may be slanted relative to the resting surface so that water on the top surface  1830  travels more quickly to the opening of the water pipe  1840 . 
         [0116]    In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, there is a plurality of wicks  1850 . There may also be a plurality of water pipes  1840 . The base floor  1810 , left side wall  1820 , right side wall  1825 , and top surface  1830  may be adjoined so as to form a cube. Alternatively, the base floor  1810 , left side wall  1820 , right side wall  1825 , and top surface  1830  may form a three-dimensional rectangle, trapezoid or other shape. The base floor  1810 , left side wall  1820 , right side wall  1825 , and top surface  1830  may also be curved so that the modular apparatus  1800  is spherical. 
         [0117]    The use of the connecting clasp  1823  and the receiving clasp  1828  to interconnect modular apparatuses for an irrigation system  1800  may be replaced by various alternative connecting mechanisms. For example, the left side wall  1820  and right side wall  1825  may feature grooves along their surfaces that allow modules to fit together. Alternatively, the left side wall  1820  and right side wall  1825  may contain lips along their edges that would enable the modules to hook together. 
         [0118]      FIG. 19  illustrates a tray apparatus for an irrigation system  1900  according to an embodiment of the present invention. The tray apparatus  1900  includes a base floor  1910 , a left side wall  1920 , a right side wall  1925 , a top surface  1930 , a plurality of vertical protrusions  1940 , a plurality of plants  1950 , plant roots  1955 , a water pipe  1960 , an upper base floor  1970 , a plurality of nutrient bags  1980 , and a plurality of wicks  1990 . The nutrient bags  1980  contain nutrient  1982 . 
         [0119]    The base floor  1910  is adjoined to left side wall  1920  along its left edge and is adjoined to right side wall  1925  along its right edge. The upper base floor  1970  intersects with the left side wall  1920  and the right side wall  1925 . The upper base floor  1970  is located between the base floor  1910  and the top surface  1930 . The top surface  1930  intersects with the left side wall  1920  and the right side wall  1925 . The receiving end of the water pipe  1960  is located on the top surface  1930 . The water pipe  1960  may be connected to the inside of left side wall  1920  or right side wall  1925 . The water pipe  1960  extends down towards the base floor  1910 . The delivering end of the water pipe  1960  is located slightly above the base floor  1910  and below the upper base floor  1970 . The vertical protrusions  1940  are connected to the upper base floor  1970 . The vertical protrusions  1940  and the upper base floor  1970  are part of a single mold. The wicks  1990  are attached to the base floor  1910 . The wicks  1990  extend vertically from the base floor  1910  into the nutrient bags  1980 . The nutrient bags  1980  sit within the interior of the vertical protrusions  1940 . The nutrient bags  1980  are supported by the upper base floor  1970 . The roots  1955  are housed within a nutrient bag  1980 . 
         [0120]    The vegetation of the plants  1950  receives light from an external light source such as the sun. The vegetation of the plants  1950  is also visible to observers of the tray apparatus for an irrigation system  1900 . The plants  1950  are held fixed in place by the vertical protrusions  1940 . The trunks of the plants  1950  extend vertically from within the vertical protrusions  1940  through apertures on the top surface  1930 . Water from an external source such as the atmosphere descends onto the top surface  1930  and the vegetation of the plants  1960 . The top surface  1930  is impermeable. The water rests on the top surface  1930  and flows down the water pipe  1960 . The water exits the water pipe  1960  and flows onto the base floor  1910 . The wicks  1990  absorb water. The water travels along the wicks  1990  and reaches the interface between the wicks  1990  and the nutrient  1982 . The water is absorbed by the nutrient  1982 , and travels through the nutrient. The water extracts nutrient from the nutrient  1982 . The plant roots absorb water from the nutrient  1982 . 
         [0121]    The nutrient  1982  is preferably soil. The nutrient  1982  may also contain fertilizer. The water pipe  1960  may be made of various materials such as plastic or metal. The plants  1950  may be small trees bushes, or vegetables. The top surface  1930  may be constructed so that it is parallel to the surface on which the tray apparatus for an irrigation system  1900  rests. Alternatively, the top surface  1930  may be slanted relative to the resting surface so that water on the top surface  1930  travels more quickly to the opening of the water pipe  1960 . 
         [0122]      FIG. 20  illustrates a modular apparatus for an irrigation system  2000  according to an embodiment of the present invention. The modular apparatus for an irrigation system  2000  includes a base floor  2010 , a left side wall  2020 , a right side wall  2025 , a connecting clasp  2023 , a receiving clasp  2028 , a top surface  2030 , a water channel  2040 , a wick  2050 , a nutrient bag  2060 , nutrient  2062 , a plant  2070 , plant roots  2075 , a nutrient bag stand  2080 , and a nutrient bag cup  2090 . 
         [0123]    The base floor  2010  is adjoined to left side wall  2020  along its left edge and is adjoined to right side wall  2025  along its right edge. A connecting clasp  2023  is affixed to the left side wall  2020 . A receiving clasp  2028  is affixed to the right side wall  2025 . The top surface  2030  intersects with the left side wall  2020  and the right side wall  2025 . The base floor  2010 , left side wall  2020 , right side wall  2025 , and top surface  2030  form a water retention chamber, within which water may be stored. The receiving end of the water channel  2040  is located on the top surface  2030 . The water channel  2040  extends down towards the base floor  2010 . The delivering end of the water channel  2040  is located slightly above the base floor  2010 . The wick  2050  rests on the base floor  2010 . The wick  2050  extends vertically from the base floor  2010  into the nutrient bag  2060  through an opening in the nutrient bag cup  2090 . The nutrient bag  2060  rests within the nutrient bag cup  2090 . The roots  2075  of the plant  2070  are encased in the nutrient bag  2060 . The trunk of the plant  2070  extends vertically from within the nutrient bag  2060  through an aperture in the top surface  2030 . The vegetation of the plant  2070  is situated above the top surface  2030 . The nutrient bag stand  2080  rests on the base floor  2010 . The nutrient bag cup  2090  rests on the nutrient bag stand  2080 . The nutrient bag cup  2090  extends vertically through an aperture in the top surface  2030 . 
         [0124]    The vegetation of the plant  2070  receives light from an external light source such as the sun. The vegetation of the plant  2070  is also visible to observers of the modular apparatus for an irrigation system  2000 . Water from an external source such as the atmosphere descends onto the top surface  2030  and the vegetation of the plant  2070 . The top surface  2030  is impermeable. The water rests on the top surface  2030  and flows down the water channel  2040 . The water exits the water channel  2040  and collects on the base floor  2010 . The wick  2050  absorbs water that has collected on the base floor  2010 . The wick  2050  continues to absorb water from the base floor  2010  until the wick  2050  is saturated. The water within the wick  2050  travels upwards along the wick  2050  until it reaches the interface between the top end of the wick  2050  and the nutrient  2062 . The nutrient  2062  absorbs water from the wick  2050 . The water percolates through the nutrient  2062  and reaches the interface between the roots  2075  and the nutrient  2062 . The roots  2075  then absorb water from the nutrient  2062 . The modular apparatus for an irrigation system  2000  thus houses a plant that is nourished with light, nutrient, and water. Water and nutrient are provided to the plant through sub-irrigation and wicking technology. 
         [0125]    In an embodiment of the present invention, there is a plurality of apertures on the top surface  2030 . Nutrient bag cups  2090  housing plants  2070  may be placed through each of these apertures. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the water may travel down towards the base floor  2010  via a water pipe rather than the water channel  2040 . In this embodiment, the receiving end of the water pipe is located where the receiving end of the water channel  2040  is ordinarily situated. Alternatively, there may be neither a water channel  2040  nor a water pipe. The water enters an aperture located on the top surface  2030  where the receiving end of the water channel  2040  is ordinarily situated. The water then drops directly onto the base floor  2010 . 
         [0126]    The connecting clasp  2023  may connect with the receiving clasp  2028  of a second modular apparatus for an irrigation system  2000 . Several modular apparatuses for an irrigation system  2000  may be connected together in this way. 
         [0127]    In one embodiment of the modular apparatus for an irrigation system  2000 , the left side wall  2020  and right side wall  2025  are made of plastic. Alternatively, the left side wall  2020  and right side wall  2025  may be made of a biodegradable material. The nutrient  2062  is preferably soil. The nutrient  2062  may also contain fertilizer. The water channel  2040  may be made of various materials such as plastic or steel. The plant  2070  may be a small tree, bush, or vegetable. The top surface  2030  may be constructed so that it is parallel to the surface on which the modular apparatus for an irrigation system  2000  rests. Alternatively, the top surface  2030  may be slanted relative to the resting surface so that water on the top surface  2030  travels more quickly to the opening of the water channel  2040 . In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the top of the nutrient bag cup  2090  may include a lip along its perimeter. The lip rests on the top surface  2030 . The nutrient bag cup  2090  is thereby held aloft and the nutrient bag stand  2080  is no longer needed. 
         [0128]    In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, there is a plurality of wicks  2050 . There may also be a plurality of water channels  2040  through which water may travel to the water retention chamber. The base floor  2010 , left side wall  2020 , right side wall  2025 , and top surface  2030  may be adjoined so as to form a cube. Alternatively, the base floor  2010 , left side wall  2020 , right side wall  2025 , and top surface  2030  may form a three-dimensional rectangle, trapezoid or other shape. The base floor  2010 , left side wall  2020 , right side wall  2025 , and top surface  2030  may also be curved so that the modular apparatus  2000  is spherical. 
         [0129]    The use of the connecting clasp  2023  and the receiving clasp  2028  to interconnect modular apparatuses for an irrigation system  2000  may be replaced by various alternative connecting mechanisms. For example, the left side wall  2020  and right side wall  2025  may feature grooves along their surfaces that allow modules to fit together. Alternatively, the left side wall  2020  and right side wall  2025  may contain lips along their edges that would enable the modules to hook together. 
         [0130]      FIG. 21  illustrates a modular apparatus for an irrigation system  2100  according to an embodiment of the present invention. The modular apparatus for an irrigation system  2100  includes a base floor  2110 , a left side wall  2120 , a right side wall  2125 , a connecting clasp  2123 , a receiving clasp  2128 , a top surface  2130 , a water channel  2140 , a left exit pipe  2143 , a right exit pipe  2148 , a wick  2150 , a nutrient bag  2160 , nutrient  2162 , a plant  2170 , plant roots  2175 , a nutrient bag stand  2180 , and a nutrient bag cup  2190 . 
         [0131]    The base floor  2110  is adjoined to left side wall  2120  along its left edge and is adjoined to right side wall  2125  along its right edge. A connecting clasp  2123  is affixed to the left side wall  2120 . A receiving clasp  2128  is affixed to the right side wall  2125 . The top surface  2130  intersects with the left side wall  2120  and the right side wall  2125 . The base floor  2110 , left side wall  2120 , right side wall  2125 , and top surface  2130  form a water retention chamber, within which water may be stored. The receiving end of the water channel  2140  is located on the top surface  2130 . The water channel  2140  extends down towards the base floor  2110 . The delivering end of the water channel  2140  is located slightly above the base floor  2110 . The wick  2150  rests on the base floor  2110 . The wick  2150  extends vertically from the base floor  2110  into the nutrient bag  2160  through an opening in the nutrient bag cup  2190 . The nutrient bag  2160  rests within the nutrient bag cup  2190 . The roots  2175  of the plant  2170  are encased in the nutrient bag  2160 . The trunk of the plant  2170  extends vertically from within the nutrient bag  2160  through an aperture in the top surface  2130 . The vegetation of the plant  2170  is situated above the top surface  2130 . The nutrient bag stand  2180  rests on the base floor  2110 . The nutrient bag cup  2190  rests on the nutrient bag stand  2180  and extends vertically though an aperture in the top surface  2130 . The left exit pipe  2143  extends perpendicular to the left side wall  2120  and originates at an aperture in the left side wall  2120 . The right exit pipe  2148  extends perpendicular to the right side wall  2125  and originates at an aperture in the right side wall  2125 . 
         [0132]    The vegetation of the plant  2170  receives light from an external light source such as the sun. The vegetation of the plant  2170  is also visible to observers of the modular apparatus for an irrigation system  2100 . Water from an external source such as the atmosphere descends onto the top surface  2130  and the vegetation of the plant  2170 . The top surface  2130  is impermeable. The water rests on the top surface  2130  and flows down the water channel  2140 . The water exits the water channel  2140  and collects on the base floor  2110 . The water level within the water retention chamber eventually reaches the height where the left exit pipe  2143  and the right exit pipe  2148  are located. The water then flows out of the water retention chamber through the left exit pipe  2143  and the right exit pipe  2148 . The water may then flow into adjacent modules. The water level within the water retention chamber thereby never exceeds the height at which the left exit pipe  2143  and right exit pipe  2148  are located. 
         [0133]    The wick  2150  absorbs water that has collected on the base floor  2110 . The wick  2150  continues to absorb water from the base floor  2110  until the wick  2150  is saturated. The water within the wick  2150  travels upwards along the wick  2150  until it reaches the interface between the top end of the wick  2150  and the nutrient  2162 . The nutrient  2162  absorbs water from the wick  2150 . The water percolates through the nutrient  2162  and reaches the interface between the roots  2175  and the nutrient  2162 . The roots  2175  then absorb water from the nutrient  2162 . The modular apparatus for an irrigation system  2100  thus houses a plant that is nourished with light, nutrient, and water. Water and nutrient are provided to the plant through sub-irrigation and wicking technology. 
         [0134]    In an embodiment of the present invention, there is a plurality of apertures on the top surface  2130 . Nutrient bag cups  2090  housing plants  2170  may be placed through each of these apertures. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the water may travel down towards the base floor  2110  via a water pipe rather than the water channel  2140 . In this embodiment, the receiving end of the water pipe is located where the receiving end of the water channel  2140  is ordinarily situated. The delivering end of the water pipe is located where the delivering end of the water channel  2140  is located. Alternatively, there may be neither a water channel  2140  nor a water pipe. The water enters an aperture located on the top surface  2130  where the receiving end of the water channel  2140  is ordinarily situated. The water then drops directly onto the base floor  2110 . 
         [0135]    The connecting clasp  2123  may connect with the receiving clasp  2128  of a second modular apparatus for an irrigation system  2100 . Several modular apparatuses for an irrigation system  2100  may be connected together in this way. 
         [0136]    In one embodiment of the modular apparatus for an irrigation system  2100 , the left side wall  2120  and right side wall  2125  are made of plastic. Alternatively, the left side wall  2120  and right side wall  2125  may be made of a biodegradable material. The nutrient  2162  is preferably soil. The nutrient  2162  may also contain fertilizer. The water channel  2140  may be made of various materials such as plastic or steel. The plant  2170  may be a small tree, bush, or vegetable. The top surface  2130  may be constructed so that it is parallel to the surface on which the modular apparatus for an irrigation system  2100  rests. Alternatively, the top surface  2130  may be slanted relative to the resting surface so that water on the top surface  2130  travels more quickly to the opening of the water channel  2140 . 
         [0137]    In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the top of the nutrient bag cup  2190  may include a lip along its perimeter. The lip rests on the top surface  2130 . The nutrient bag cup  2190  is thereby held aloft and the nutrient bag stand  2180  is no longer needed. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, there is neither a left exit pipe  2143  nor a right exit pipe  2148 . Rather, there are apertures where the pipes are ordinarily located. Water then flows down the exterior of the side walls  2120  and  2125  rather than through exit pipes. 
         [0138]    In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, there is a plurality of wicks  2150 . There may also be a plurality of water channels  2140  through which water may travel to the water retention chamber. The base floor  2110 , left side wall  2120 , right side wall  2125 , and top surface  2130  may be adjoined so as to form a cube. Alternatively, the base floor  2110 , left side wall  2120 , right side wall  2125 , and top surface  2130  may form a three-dimensional rectangle, trapezoid or other shape. The base floor  2110 , left side wall  2120 , right side wall  2125 , and top surface  2130  may also be curved so that the modular apparatus  2100  is spherical. 
         [0139]    The use of the connecting clasp  2123  and the receiving clasp  2128  to interconnect modular apparatuses for an irrigation system  2100  may be replaced by various alternative connecting mechanisms. For example, the left side wall  2120  and right side wall  2125  may feature grooves along their surfaces that allow modules to fit together. Alternatively, the left side wall  2120  and right side wall  2125  may contain lips along their edges that would enable the modules to hook together. 
         [0140]    The foregoing embodiments provide a modular apparatus that accommodate the sustenance of vegetation through sub-irrigation. The design of the modules prevents the leaching of nutrient that occurs when water runs straight down through soil. In the present invention, water travels upwards along a wick into the nutrient that houses the vegetation. The modules may be easily installed on outdoor surfaces such as roofs. The modules may be connected together to form an array. Once installed, the plants housed in the modules may be replaced year-round by, for example, hydroponic plants. The modules utilize a single layer of nutrient and so are lighter than typical structures used to grow vegetation. The modules may also be equipped with control systems to regulate the amount of water present within the modules. The water may be stored for later use or purged from the module to reduce the weight of the module. 
         [0141]    While particular elements, embodiments, and applications of the present invention have been shown and described, it is understood that the invention is not limited thereto because modifications may be made by those skilled in the art, particularly in light of the foregoing teaching. It is therefore contemplated by the appended claims to cover such modifications and incorporate those features which come within the spirit and scope of the invention.