Sicily has seen a lot of his tomato growers transition from traditional open field crops towards indoor greenhouse production. The island is home to a very dense concentration of protected cropping per square kilometer and the acreage is still growing every year. Tomato grower Guiseppe Ottone is one of the first growers to use the spacer gutter system from Hydroponic Systems in Sicily.
From a better drainage and less disease pressure, to an optimal rootsystem and increased yield, many growers around the world have become aware of the importance of a good water drain capture and recirculation system.
Also Guiseppe Otono, an Italian grower that cultivates hydroponic cherry plum truss tomatoes at his company Azienda Agricola Guiseppe Ottone on the Island of Sicily. He got in touch with local greenhouse consultant Dr. Francesco Furnari of Laurus S.r.l. Furnari consulted him with options to increase his yield, which included the installation of the Hydroponic Systems gutter, including the spacer and drain system and the clips to organize the irrigation tubes.
As a result of the installation the nursery of Guiseppe Ottone is better organized, less algae, weeds and fungi are formed in the near presence of the substrate slabs and the plants have started to create a stronger and healthier root system.
Ottone said that the system was very easy to install and that he enjoys the benefits of producing from the ground. "The roots of the plants do no longer feel the need to leave the growbags anymore. The greenhouse remains dry and clean, with a healthier environment and increased yields as a result."
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Dott. Francesco Furnari