Irrigating from below with Ebb and Flow MAT causes a dry highly aerated barrier to form at the top of the pots. The surface of pots is drier so fewer airborne seeds are established because there is no water to germinate them. The surface of the Ebb and Flow capillary Mat remains dry at all times except in the immediate area of pots being irrigated.

A dry highly aerated barrier will form at the top of pots irrigated on the Ebb and Flow Mat due to bottom up capillary irrigation. This acts like a shield for the plant protecting it from weeds, algae, mold, pest and the diseases that come with them.