Considering the problems of water in the arid and semi arid regions in the world, our team (lead by senior scientific researchers specialized in water economy and efficient use of hydraulic resources), spent more than 25 years experimenting new techniques for irrigation and for the injection of retention water or natural sources water to be conserved in the deep soil. These researches results are an innovative technique which is called: The Buried Diffuser. This worldwide patented (PCT) invention was awarded multiple times.

1. Dr. Bellachheb CHAHBANI
CEO & Founder
December 2013
www.chahtech.com

2. Introduction
The Buried
Diffuser
The Draining
Floater
R&D next
steps
Markets
&
Partners
Conclusion
www.chahtech.com
2

3. Introduction
The Buried
Diffuser
The Draining
Floater
R&D next
steps
Markets
&
Partners
Conclusion
www.chahtech.com
3

4. Introduction
 CHAHTECH SA is a Tunisian company specialized in inventing and manufacturing innovative
irrigation systems.
 More than 25 years spent studying and experimenting new techniques for the irrigation and for the
water conservation.
 Lead by Dr. Bellachheb CHAHBANI (senior scientific researcher specialized in water economy and
efficient use of hydraulic resources) - PhD in Agronomy from Gent University in Belgium.
 Won many prestigious awards:
 Laureate of The African Forum - 100 innovations for sustainable development, Elysée Summit for
Peace and Security in Africa, France. 2013
 Grand Prix INNOVATEC 2012/2013, MIFFEL, Avignon, France. 2012
 TOP 20 Innovative SME of InfoDev, World Bank, Helsinki, Finland. 2011
 UNESCO International Water Prize, Budapest, Hungary. 2009
 Maghreb union combating desertification Technologies Prize. 2007
…
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4

5. Services
CHAHTECH studies any request and establishes a concrete short, mid
and long-term plan in order to achieve goals.
Better water management (efficiency, productivity, economy, saving…)
Friendly environment irrigation (responsible water consumption)
Techniques to combat desertification, hunger, famine and food scarcity
Sustainable agriculture (irrigated and rain fed) although the climate
change and the droughts
…
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5

6. Innovative and Efficient Technologies
The sustainability of Water Resources
The sustainability of crops in rain fed and irrigated
agriculture
Drought and desertification mitigation
Climate change adaptation
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6

7. Introduction
The Buried
Diffuser
The Draining
Floater
R&D next
steps
Markets
&
Partners
Conclusion
www.chahtech.com
7

8. The Buried Diffuser
New solution for underground irrigation
0% water waste by evaporation
2 times less water than drip irrigation
3 to 5 times more yields than drip irrigation
Different models for various uses
Worldwide patented Technologie (PCT)
…
www.chahtech.com
8

9. Uses of The Buried Diffuser
1. Permanent and complementary irrigation of orchard
2. Permanent irrigation of vegetables in fields and in green
3.
4.
5.
6.
houses
Irrigation of plants in containers
Landscaping
Injection and storage of water (from rivers water, springs,
dams…) in the deep soil layers
Anticipated irrigation for orchard or forestry plantations
and annual crops
www.chahtech.com
9

10. Uses of The Buried Diffuser
1. Permanent and complementary irrigation of orchard
2. Permanent irrigation of vegetables in fields and in green
3.
4.
5.
6.
houses
Irrigation of plants in containers
Landscaping
Injection and storage of water (from rivers water, springs,
dams…) in the deep soil layers
Anticipated irrigation for orchard or forestry plantations
and annual crops
www.chahtech.com
10

11. The Trees Buried Diffuser can be used for all
kind of trees such as banana, mango, papaya,
litchi,
guava,
avocado,
ficus
indica,
pomegranate, date palm, oil palm, apple,
apricot, grape, olive, orange, citrus, almond, nut,
pear, fig, etc.
11

12. Distribution water pipe
(PEHD 16 or 20 mm)
Cork 16 mm
Water flow regulator
Flexible tube 6mm
PEHD pipe (16mm)
Diffuser
15x30 Tree Model
15x15 Tree Model
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12

13. Distribution water
pipe
(PEHD 16 or 20 mm)
Buried diffusers at 50/60
cm below the soil surface
Soil Surface
Irrigation Water distribution in the deep soil layers
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13

14. Gravel Filter
Tape
Water
reservoir
Deep roots system
using infiltrated
water of The Buried
Diffuser
Moistered (wetted) soil
layers after the irrigation
by Buried Diffusers
Gravity irrigation of trees using Diffusers connected to low pressure
(0,2 bar) water distribution network using water of a reservoir
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14

15. Masonry water reservoir
(max height 2m)
Main water distribution
plastic tube (diameter
50/75mm)
Water tap
Gravel
filter
Water distribution Plastic
tube (diameter 16/20mm)
Trees with
3 buried
diffuser
Plan view of trees irrigation with buried diffusers using gravity water flowing (from a
reservoir built on the topographic soil level) and low water pressure (0,1bar)
15

16. Installing The Buried Diffuser for Almonds Trees
- Montpellier (France)
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16

17. Installing The Buried Diffuser for citrus and orange trees
- Beni Khalled (Tunisia)
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17

18. Installing The Buried Diffuser for Olive trees
- Sfax (south of Tunisia)
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18

19. Adult Olive trees plantation irrigated using Buried Diffusers
- North of Tunisia
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19

20. When The Buried Diffuser
works with gravity:
•No needed energy
•No CO2 emission
•No maintenance
Gravity (0.2 bar) irrigation of an Olive tree
equipped with 3 Buried Diffusers. The water
comes from a plastic reservoir of 1000 litters.
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20

21. Installing The Buried Diffuser for Date
palm trees – Douz Oasis
(Tunisian Desert)
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21

22. Installing The Buried Diffuser for Date palm trees
- Douz oasis (Tunisian Desert)
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22

23. Young Orange Trees irrigated using Buried Diffusers
- Private garden in Djerba (South of Tunisia)
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23

24. Ornamental plant and grapes irrigated with Buried Diffusers
- Zagora (South of Morocco)
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24

25. Important water saving
Important Energy saving
The water saving reaches
100% (0% evaporation), thus
the irrigation frequency is
considerably reduced.
The pumping time is less
important
because
of
the
reduction of needed irrigation
water. In addition to that the
energy saving is higher when the
diffuser works with gravity.
Less weeds pulling out, less
irrigation
frequency,
less
mulching actions, etc.
Important reduction of
fertilizers amounts
Longer life for water
distribution pipes
Important reduction of
Herbicides and pesticides
All the network could be totally
buried (20 cm below the
topographic surface).
No weeds for vegetable fields and
trees plantations, this is a great
contribution in the protection of
the environment.
Less degradation of
fertilizers and less loss
leaching. Fertilizers
directly delivered to
roots
the
by
are
the
www.chahtech.com
Important reduction of
labour for the maintenance of
soil
25

26. The Buried Diffuser
1. Permanent and complementary irrigation of orchard
2. Permanent irrigation of vegetables in fields and in green
3.
4.
5.
6.
houses
Irrigation of plants in containers
Landscaping
Injection and storage of water (from rivers water, springs,
dams…) in the deep soil layers
Anticipated irrigation for orchard or forestry plantations
and annual crops
www.chahtech.com
26

27. The Vegetables Buried Diffuser can be
used for many vegetables such us
pimentos,
melon,
water
melon,
cucumber, tomatoes, marrow, courgette,
gumbo, potatoes…
27

28. Distribution water pipe
(PEHD 16 or 20 mm)
Flexible tube 6mm
Cork 16 mm
Water flow regulator
PEHD pipe (16mm) 10 cm
Diffuser
15x30 Vegetables Model
Plant emplacement
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15x15 Vegetables Model
28

29. Plant (Tomatoes, Melon, pimentos…)
Distribution water pipe
(PEHD 16 or 20 mm)
15x15 Buried
Diffuser at
10/15 cm
below the soil
surface
Water
distribution
area
Soil
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29

30. 15x30 Diffuser for 2 plants
Soil Surface
Gravity irrigation of vegetables using 15x30 Buried Diffusers connected to low
pressure (0.2 bar) water distribution network using the water of a reservoir
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30

31. 15x15 Diffuser for 1 plant
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31

32. Plan view of vegetables irrigation with Buried Diffusers using gravity water flowing (from a
reservoir built on the topographic soil level) and low water pressure (0,1bar)
50cm
Mean water distribution plastic
tube (diameter 50/75mm)
30c
m
Flexible PVC
pipe (diameter
6mm)
Water
distribution
Plastic tube
(diameter
16/20mm)
30c
m
Masonry
water
reservoir
(Max
height 3m)
Gravel
filter
Water tap
Trench 10 cm deep
receiving the diffusers
Diffuser for 2 vegetable
plants
32

33. www.chahtech.com
33

34. Trial results of comparison of irrigation by drip and by Buried Diffusers in the greenhouse of
farmer field in Region Maatoug (Desert of south of Tunisia)
 The Buried Diffuser produces 3 to 5 times more
yield than the drip method.
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34

35. www.chahtech.com
35

36. Decreased water cost
The water saving reaches 100%
(0% evaporation), thus the
irrigation
frequency
is
considerably reduced.
Healthier plants and better
quality crops
Soil and foliage are kept dry,
reducing fungal diseases caused
by
surface
or
overhead
irrigation. Eliminates fruit and
vegetable spotting.
Increased revenues
from increased yields
Crop productivity increasing 3 to
5 times more than when using
the drip while reducing 2 times
less the irrigation water.
Decreased Labor cost
Less irrigation tasks, easier
fertilizer application, less weeds
and diseases control…
Decreased pesticides and
herbicides amounts
Reduction of water vapor
inside the greenhouses
No weeds in the irrigation by
buried diffuser (for vegetable
fields and trees plantations), this
is a great contribution in the
protection of the environment.
This has a good impact by
reducing the development of
diseases. This low rate of water
vapor inside the greenhouses,
facilitates the movement of pollen
and increase the rate of flowers
producing fruits.
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36

37. The Buried Diffuser
1. Permanent and complementary irrigation of orchard
2. Permanent irrigation of vegetables in fields and in green
3.
4.
5.
6.
houses
Irrigation of plants in containers
Landscaping
Injection and storage of water (from rivers water, springs,
dams…) in the deep soil layers
Anticipated irrigation for orchard or forestry plantations
and annual crops
www.chahtech.com
37

38. The Buried Diffuser (with reservoir) for plants in containers, pots and
boxes can be used indoor or outdoor for ornamental plants and
vegetables in administration, houses, nurseries…
38

39. The Buried Diffuser for potted plants
Buried Diffusers of potted plants include
small water reservoirs.
The moisture of the container soil, after the
irrigation, is sufficient for several days or
weeks.
The duration between 2 irrigations is at least 3
times longer than the existing irritation
irrigation
methods
(capillarity,
surface,
dripping…).
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39

40. Easy installation and use
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40

41. Outdoor
Indoor
Different ornamental plants in containers irrigated with
Buried Diffuser with reservoir indoor and outdoor
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41

42. The
Buried
Diffusers
for
containers can also be used to
produce vegetables in the
balcony of apartments or
individual houses.
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42

43. The Buried Diffuser
The Buried Diffuser
with reservoir for pot
with reservoir for pot
reduces the irrigation
reduces the irrigation
frequency  Only
frequency  Only
one irrigation per
one irrigation per
month instead of one
month instead of one
irrigation every week
irrigation every week
Evolution of water amounts in ornamental plants containers
irrigated with surface irrigation, drip and buried diffuser,
outdoor on the roof of a building – Medenine (South of Tunisia)
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43

44. The Buried Diffuser
1. Permanent and complementary irrigation of orchard
2. Permanent irrigation of vegetables in fields and in green
3.
4.
5.
6.
houses
Irrigation of plants in containers
Landscaping
Injection and storage of water (from rivers water, springs,
dams…) in the deep soil layers
Anticipated irrigation for orchard or forestry plantations
and annual crops
www.chahtech.com
44

45. Landscaping
All Buried Diffuser models are highly recommended for landscaping. The benefits are
huge:
Water saving
Energy saving (can be automated using gravity)
Better look (pipelines are buried)
No weeds
…
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45

46. Landscaping
Buried Diffuser models can be used for personal gardens, roundabouts, public gardens,
parks…
www.chahtech.com
46

47. The Buried Diffuser
1. Permanent and complementary irrigation of orchard
2. Permanent irrigation of vegetables in fields and in green
3.
4.
5.
6.
houses
Irrigation of plants in containers
Landscaping
Injection and storage of water (from rivers water, springs,
dams…) in the deep soil layers
Anticipated irrigation for orchard or forestry plantations
and annual crops
www.chahtech.com
47

48. www.chahtech.com
48

49. During 2012 north of Tunisia got exceptional heavy rains. This generated
catastrophic floods in many cities.
The water flow of Medjerda River reached 300 cubic meters per second
during 10 days (none stop).
According to this flow 10 800 000 cubic meters have been evacuated to the
Mediterranean Sea.
This big amount of lost water, if injected in the deep soil layers of the
plantations, is sufficient to maintain 540 000 adult olive trees in good
production conditions during 3 successive dry years.
www.chahtech.com
49

50. The water flowing from the natural
springs and not used during the autumn,
winter and the beginning of spring is lost
in the rivers. This lost water is estimated
23 328 m3 (from September till May) for a
spring with a flow of 1 litter/second.
If this volume is injected in the soil
horizons, using buried diffusers, it is
sufficient for the water needs of about 518
adult olive trees during 3 dry years
(without any rain).
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50

51. Drought 2002 in Center Tunisia
hills lakes are empty and the
irrigated agriculture based on
the water of these lakes is in
crisis:
no
production
of
vegetables and fruits.
Drought
Tunisia
2002
in
South
starving olive tree (95% of the
aerial biomass is dry) during a
long period of successive dry
years.
www.chahtech.com
Drought in China Summer 2007
Farmers in Wangcheng (center of
China) transporting water from a
lake, during long and severe
drought.
51

52. Rainfall during
normal year 300 mm
Rainfall during rainy
year 300 mm
Rainfall during
normal year 600 mm
Annual Runoff
60 mm (20%)
155 mm (33%)
200 mm (66%)
Potential water to be
stored
420 000 Cubic meters
1 050 000 Cubic meters 1 400 000 Cubic meters
Effective stored water
420 000
450 000
450 000
Lost water
0
600 000
950 000
Data for a hill lake with watershed covering 700 hectares and 300 000
Cubic meters as retention capacity
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52

53. The lost water during 1 rainy and 1 very rainy year is 1
550 000 Cubic meters.
This volume can be injected and stored in deep layers
of the soil using The Buried Diffuser.
The injection of 1 550 000 Cubic meters is sufficient to
maintain in good conditions of production 34 444 adult
olive trees during 3 dry years (each tree has 15 Cubic
meters per year)
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53

54. The Buried Diffuser
1. Permanent and complementary irrigation of orchard
2. Permanent irrigation of vegetables in fields and in green
3.
4.
5.
6.
houses
Irrigation of plants in containers
Landscaping
Injection and storage of water (from rivers water, springs,
dams…) in the deep soil layers
Anticipated irrigation for orchard or forestry plantations
and annual crops
www.chahtech.com
54

55. Anticipated Irrigation
Instead of irrigation during the hot or the dry season, the irrigation
using Buried Diffusers is done during the autumn and winter or during
the rainy season.
The amount of water of the Anticipated Irrigation should cover the
total need of the crop during the hot or dry season (spring and
summer).
This water amount is stored in the deep soil layers will be used by the
deep or sub surface roots systems of the crops.
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55

56. Cross section of Anticipated Irrigation or Water Injection
system using Buried Diffusers
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56

57. Olive tree suffering from drought: 75% of the leaves are
completely dried - February 15th 2013
Re greening of the Olive tree during 2 months
(February 15th - April 15th 2013) with 2 Buried
Diffusers
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57

58. Introduction
The Buried
Diffuser
The Draining
Floater
R&D next
steps
Markets
&
Partners
Conclusion
www.chahtech.com
58

59. The Draining Floater
Pump and distribute water without any
energy
No C02 emission
No maintenance cost
Easy installation and use
 Different models for different uses
 Worldwide patented Technology (PCT)
…
www.chahtech.com
59

60. Gravity pumping and distribution of the
natural spring’s water and rivers, the
retention Water of the hill lakes, dams
and other similar (small Sized) Runoff
water retention managements.
Middle sized Draining Floater for middle
dams (1000 till 10000 cubic meters)
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60

61. Components of draining floater using the
siphon principle
Siphon priming
Orifice
Water flowing
regulation tap
Gravity water
flowing
Inclined pipe
Part of the siphon in connection
with the atmosphere
Draining
Floater
Topographic
surface
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Siphon priming tap
Water reservoir
Part of the siphon
immerged in the
liquid
Horizontal line
61

62. Small sized draining floater for small
water rain water storage concrete
reservoirs
Big sized draining floater for big dams and
rivers
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62

63. Hill lake
Draining
Floater
Draining Floater pipes
Storage Reservoir
Buried mean pipes for water
distribution to HDPE pipes
(16 or 20 mm diameter) network
Schematic design of river’s water pumping and distribution using The Draining
Floater
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63

64. Draining Floater
Connection of tubes to the floater and the tubes
collector
Attaching The Draining Floater to a fixing system
(attached to a footbridge)
Fixing the handrail to footbridge
Water is flowing from a tap after priming The
Draining Floater
Installation and stating up The Draining Floater in a hill lake –
Sidi Bouzid (center of Tunisia)
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64

65. The Draining Floater installed for natural springs – Bejaia (Algeria)
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65

66. Introduction
The Buried
Diffuser
The Draining
Floater
R&D next
steps
Markets
&
Partners
Conclusion
www.chahtech.com
66

67. R&D next steps
Our R&D team is preparing new innovative products
(available in 2014) :
Mini Buried Diffuser for landscaping
Crops Buried Diffuser (corn, sunflower, wheat,
millet, sorghum…)
Different sizes of The potted plant Buried Diffuser
Complete ready-for-use gravity irrigation system
for vegetables and landscaping
Special pots with draining system
….
www.chahtech.com
67

68. Introduction
The Buried
Diffuser
The Draining
Floater
R&D next
steps
Markets
&
Partners
Conclusion
www.chahtech.com
68

69. Markets and partners (1/2)
The Buried Diffuser and The Draining Floater may interest any person, group,
organization, company, country, etc. which is looking for:
 A better water management (efficiency, productivity, economy, saving…)
 A friendly environment irrigation (long-sightedness and responsible water consumption)
 An ultimate technique to combat desertification
 A sustainable agriculture (irrigated and rain fed) although the climate change and the
droughts
 An intelligent and easy way to combat desertification, to combat hunger and famine, poverty
and food scarcity
…
www.chahtech.com
69

70. Markets and partners (2/2)
The market of The Buried Diffuser and The Draining Floater is huge and
the potential users are worldwide:
Farmers
Governmental structures (municipalities, ministries of agricultures…)
Landscaping companies
Administrations
Hotels
NGOs
…
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70

71. Partners/Customers
Our products are distributed in more than 15 countries:
Middle-East: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Yemen…
America: USA
Europe: Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, France
Africa: South Africa, Morocco, Mauritania, Kenya, Nigeria, Zimbabwe,
Zambia…
Soon: Pakistan, Portugal, Spain, Mexico, Brazil, …
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71

72. Introduction
The Buried
Diffuser
The Draining
Floater
R&D next
steps
Markets
&
Partners
Conclusion
www.chahtech.com
72

73. Conclusion
Highly innovative products to increase yields and decrease costs
(water, energy, fertilizers, pesticides)
High quality products: The Buried Diffuser can be used for more than
30 years
Innovative with high commercial potential
Very simple installation and no maintenance
Not expensive
Allows Anticipated Irrigation
Allows The injection and the conservation of water in the deep soil
layers
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73

74. Dr. Bellachheb CHAHBANI
CEO & Founder
Email: bchahbani@chahtech.com
Skype: lachheb25
Tel: +216 98 25 43 83
www.chahtech.com
74