You like dry feet, and so does your crop

"Depending to the technical level of a hydroponic operation, savings of up to 30% and 45% in fertilizers have been achieved by some of our North American growers", said Vahid Bagheri of Hydroponic Systems. He explained that the gutter systems that his company has developed have become a very important part of the solution for growers to reduce the environmental impact and decrease their operational costs. 

However, while many growers emphasize drainage and recirculation, the actual savings are often much lower then anticipated due to technical malfunctioning. Bagheri: "Growers often face problems with clogged drainage canals as most of the systems do not manage to keep the substrate material in a dry environment, separated from the drainage channel. Roots and substrate material directly end up in the canals, with clogged systems, wet spots, with the crop being at risk for a higher disease pressure. 

For this reason, Hydroponic Systems developed a patented spacer system that improves the ventilation between the drainage gutter canal and the substrate bag. "This results in no more clogging and a faster, optimized drainage flow. The spacer can be used for any hydroponic crop, whether placed at surface level or at an elevated or hanging system."

"Thanks to the spacer system, the disease pressure is lowered as less botrytis is formed, the roots are in a dry environment and the roots will stay inside the growing bags as they are less attracted to the drainage water that is running below them. Therefore disease contagion risk such as fusarium will be reduced significantly. By the other side, substrate hydration will be uniform and a healthier roots system development, with a better production as result."

For more information:
Hydroponic Systems
Vahid Bagheri
bagheri@hydroponicsystems.es
www.hydroponicsystems.es