Bag culture systems requires the use of large tanks to store the nutrient mixture. The tanks are important because: The nutrients are mixed and stored in the tanksThe exact amount of nutrients can be added to a specific volume of water since the size of the tank is known.The exact [...]
The basis on which to choose a small nutrient tank or large nutrient tank will be: The relative volume circulating at any given time in the whole systemThe rate at which the solution formulation must be changedThe estimated risk that diseases can enter the system and how effectively it can [...]
Hydroponic nutrient tanks can be made from any type of material as long as it does not react or cause a reaction with the nutrient solution. For instance, galvanized tanks are not suitable if the nutrient solutions come in direct contact with the metal. If galvanized tanks are used, the [...]
Efficiently design dripper irrigation systems will ensure long term durability with minimum maintenance. The ideal requirements for efficient operation of dripper systems are: The delivery must be uniform and drippers must not stop easily (Capillary tubes or PC-drippers give the best results)Installing drip limiters such as PC-drippers that limit flow [...]
Plastic gullies (or also called hydro-liners) are made from thick durable plastic with a thickness between 125 micron and 500 micron. The recommended thickness to use is the 500 micron plastic. Although it is much more expensive, it is also more durable especially during the building phase where people tend [...]
Blocked drippers is a cause of frustration. It happens all the time and is something all growers must be wary of. Blockages occur due to physical matter in the water, black algae or salt build-up at the tip of the dripper system. There is no cure for blockages. The main [...]
Over the years, closed hydroponic systems have been criticized quite often for their high initial capital cost and the perception that these systems have a high disease risk. During the initial development of the closed system in 1961, these criticisms might have been true since little scientific knowledge was available. [...]
Open hydroponic systems, or bag culture systems, are the most widely used hydroponic systems in Africa. They are used for the production of crops such as tomatoes, peppers, melons, brinjals, roses etc. Any crop that can be trellised or that grows at least 1 m high is suitable for bag [...]
Solar radiation is the most important factor affecting plant growth. Without light plants will not grow. Plants require a very narrow spectrum of solar light to grow. All other light that falls on plants are transformed into heat and has to be removed by the plant which uses up energy. [...]
