Overhead irrigation, with its downward action, leaches fertilizer from potting media.  Hand watering produces even greater leaching losses because the water is applied at a much higher rate than can be absorbed by the potting mix.  Loss of fertilizer through leaching generally exceeds 50%.

By contrast, with KISSS Ebb and Flow MAT, there is minimal leaching during irrigation as water moves upward from the mat to the root zone.  The drainage which takes place when the system is switched off is also gentle and involves very small amounts of water greatly reducing leaching.

The savings in fertilizer achieved by growers will depend on their individual conditions and practices.  However, the suppliers of Ebb and Flow MAT confidently expect savings over a prolonged period.

Ebb and Flow MAT may also be used for fertigation, with liquid fertilizer added to irrigation water. (Below)