Hydroponics systems consist of two parts, the structure and irrigation system. Structures can be made of various materials such as glass, shade net etc. The irrigation system is either ‘open’ or ‘closed’.
The protected greenhouse environment The greenhouse environment is designed to allow plants to perform close to their genetic optimum so that the grower achieves maximum...
Heating the nutrient solution of a NFT hydroponic system may sound like a lucrative option for early yields. Tampering with the nutrient solution temperature is...
Proportioner systems Open hydroponic systems lend themselves to two different automation systems i.e. proportioner and injector systems. First let look at what a proportioner does....
Most automated systems installed in closed hydroponic systems use injectors rather than proportioners. A simplified diagram of where to install such a system is provided...
Greenhouse heating can be very expensive, especially if you greenhouse is not optimally set up for heating. There are factors that can be taken into account in...
Mechanical filtration is not an effective tool to prevent water borne diseases in NFT hydroponic nutrient solutions. It has been found that the total organic...
Nutrient removal is quite often neglected in closed hydroponic systems since it is difficult to measure and control. The reason is that not all nutrients are...
Refilling nutrient solutions are only required when a closed (NFT) system is used. With open hydroponic systems the nutrient solution is not re-used so no refill solution is...
Insect screens or thermal screens are designed to reduce heat in summer and increase temperatures during the night, but also to reduce the number of insects entering the...
Heat is always a problem in greenhouses during summer months and even during winter in some areas. Extreme high temperatures cause stress in plants and...
The installation of new evaporative pads is expensive. The material should last at least two years if not more. With good regular maintenance, evaporative pads...