"New 6 cm gutter spacer improves drainage and circulation"

Quite often the effect on plant health, due to the design of a hydroponic gutter, is underestimated. The newly developed plastic gutters system of Spanish technology developer Hydroponic Systems is specially designed to deal with the problems of root diseases and pest pressure at the substrate level.

Growers that prefer cost effective plastic drainage gutters above the more costly high tech hanging metal gutters, often face problems with clogged drainage canals. In order to improve this, Hydroponic Systems has developed a new spacer that keeps the substrate material in a high and dry environment.

"Our new hydroponic spacer is 6 cm high, 3.5 cm higher than the current offer", said Vahid Bagheri of Hydroponic Systems. "It is a simple solution that has big influences; a better ventilation between the drainage gutter and the substrate, no more clogging and faster drainage flow. As a result of this, the disease pressure is lowered because less botrytis is formed in a dry environment. This will eventually increase the netto yield as well."

Normally a gutter spacer is 1.5-2.5 cm high. Thanks to the higher spacer, the roots will stay inside the growing bags as they are less attracted to the drainage water that is running below them. "The first growers that used our new 6 cm spacer were quite happy with it; they experienced better crops due to the improved air circulation and better drainage; the roots are fresher and the temperature distribution is better."

Another improvement on the new gutter system from Hydroponic Systems, are the clips to mount the dripper line on the gutter. When leaks, or any errors occur to the dripper line, the gutter will always transport the leaking water away, so no more water is leaking into the greenhouse.

The gutters and new spacers come in different sizes, according to the preferences of the grower and crop. The length is always 1 meter, and the gutters can be connected very easily. On the end pieces, the new out-flow allows to recirculate the water properly.

Hydroponic Systems has installed various installations already. According to Vahid Bagheri, the system is popular by growers of all kinds of crops in Canada, Mexico, New Zealand, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, France, Italy and Greece.

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