"Fewer root diseases since the roots are no longer in contact with the drain water"

"Since the substrate slab is raised, the humidity in the slab is lower and the drainage is better. The roots remain in the slab and are not in contact with the gutter's drainage, resulting in fewer root diseases. To us, those are the main benefits of the Spacer Premium piece, which raises the substrate slab," says Ottone Marco with the Italian tomato growing company Az. Agr. Ottone Marco.  

Premium System
In the deep south of Italy, in Sicily, Ottone Marco grows tomatoes. The produce is sold directly to Italian companies and they value high quality and strong taste. In order to reach this, Ottone has been using the products from the Spanish company Hydroponic Systems in his greenhouse. He started with the Premium System four years ago. 

The Premium System incorporates the patented Spacer developed by Hydroponic Systems. The Spacer lifts the substrate slab and ensures ventilation between the bag and the drain water. "We saw that with the system we could achieve cleaner and drier growing rows, avoiding water stagnation and puddles," he explains.

The technical sheet sent with that was sent with the system enabled the team to install it quickly. "First time it took a bit longer since we had to find out how to install it, but with the team and the instructions it all turned out fine." 

According to Ottone, the main advantage remains the reduction of the humidity in the slab. "The Spacer Premium Piece raises the substrate slab, after what the roots no longer leave the bag, preventing them from getting in contact with the drain and the drainage water. This results in fewer root diseases and when they occur, they can be controlled more easily. Since the roots are not in contact with the drainage, also the spread of diseases in the same line can be avoided." 

"The Spacer Premium piece lifts the substrate bag from the drainage that flows over the gutter and allows the roots to aerate, allowing, as I mentioned above, that the installation is cleaner and that the roots grow healthier. I'm very happy," he adds. "In new installations I would definitely rebuy it and in the future we will also replace the old one with a new system."