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 below. Many advanced injectors such as the Priva® and Volmatic® systems use much more complex configurations. Most of the systems use two pH probes and two EC probes in case [...]
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 carbon content can reach 20 mg.L-1 for 2-3 months without affecting plant growth. There are many other compounds that attribute to the total carbon mass such as chelates and the [...]
The correct flow rate of closed hydroponic systems is critical for optimal growth of plants. The flow rates are important for all types of closed hydroponic systems such as pure NFT systems, gravel cultures and ebb-and-flow systems. Inadequate flow rate will result in: Reduced oxygen levels at root surfacesIncreased susceptibility of diseasePlants are under stress [...]
The pythium fungus is one of the serious diseases that growers can encounter in hydroponic systems. The disease can be kept at bay if the irrigation system can be closed of from the environment. The best method to control pythium and phytophtera is by maintaining a 2.5% concentration of hydrogen peroxide. It has been determined [...]
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 removed at an equal rate by plant roots. The essential nutrients can be grouped into 3 categories based on the rate of uptake from the nutrient solution. Elements are actively [...]
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 required. Very little information is available on the subject and methods should be developed according to system design. Each system will have unique requirements because of factors such as: plant growth [...]
LDPE HDPE Difference is crucial when designing a good system. You can either save a lot of money initially and waste a lot later when your irrigation system starts popping. The irrigation pipes ensure that water is supplied to the plants. The most common used pipes are the LDPE types. They range between 1 and [...]
Hydroponic pumps are at the heart of your irrigation system. Many people tend to neglect this area just because they do not understand what is involved in selecting the right hydroponic pump and the requirements for pumps used in hydroponic conditions. It must be emphasized that the pumps used in hydroponic systems have different requirements [...]
Installing a sump on small closed hydroponic systems is also easy. The same basic concrete sump can be build but a simple ‘T-piece’ as described in the figure below can also be as effective. However, floating particles in the water will not be removed with this method. The water in the ‘inline sump’ must not [...]
