Prof Gert Venter explains the benefits of a static hydroponic system, which can be grouped into ‘open’ or ‘closed’ categories, and broadly subdivided into three main groups: static, dynamic and aero systems.
Hydroponic systems can be categorised as either ‘open’ or ‘closed’ types. In the former, the nutrient solution is fed to the plant roots, but excess water and nutrients are lost due to drainage or seepage into the ground. The nutrient solution in a closed system, on the other hand, is circulated in a closed loop to be reused repeatedly.
Closed systems require less water and fertiliser than open hydroponic systems, but need slightly more inputs from the grower. The nutrient solution has to be replenished from time to time, as well as purified to prevent the build-up of disease.
It is also necessary to adjust the chemical content of the nutrient solution periodically, to ensure that the various chemical elements are kept in balance to meet the plant’s requirements for optimal growth.
The various kinds of hydroponic systems can be broadly subdivided into three main groups: static, dynamic and aero systems, including aeroponics.
STATIC AERATION TECHNIQUE (SAT)
Most children become acquainted with SAT hydroponics at school when they are shown how to suspend an avocado or mango pip above water in an open bottle or other container to study the basics of plant growth. They are often amazed to see how roots start to develop and grow into the water, with a little shoot then starting to sprout.
Denne historien er fra 10 March 2017-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
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Denne historien er fra 10 March 2017-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
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Syngenta Seedcare celebrates a decade of innovation
Syngenta's ambition is to enable their customers' investments to grow in healthy soil from treated seeds to young plants through innovation and collaboration, writes Magda du Toit.
Agri workers shine at Western Cape awards
Lindie-Alet van Staden, a garden and olive orchard manager at L’Ormarins Wine Estate in Franschhoek, was crowned as the Western Cape Prestige Agri-Worker of 2024 at a gala event recently held near Paarl.
Small and large farmers recognised at grain awards
The annual Grain SA/Syngenta awards ceremony bears testimony to the quality of farmers in the grain industry.
Growing partnerships: Fedgroup's flexible and innovative approach
Janine Ryan spoke to Warren Winchester, general manager of impact investing at Fedgroup, about why the company became involved in agriculture, and what it offers farmers and their immediate communities.
Why fish farms fail, and how to avoid becoming a statistic
The popularity of launching fish farms is not matched by their success. Leslie Ter Morshuizen, owner of Aquaculture Solutions, explores the factors that cause most of these businesses to go under.
Where history and modernity meet in a luxurious setting
Brian Berkman kept his eyes peeled for ghosts in the oldest continuously run hotel in South Africa, but all he found was a fabulous two-night stay.
THE HITCHING POST
I'm a stylish elderly lady with a radiant glow and a good sense of humour that keeps me young at heart.
Cutworms: check the weeds on your fields!
Zunel van Eeden explains why understanding the ecological interplay between cutworms and weeds is crucial for effective pest management. Producers should disrupt the life cycle of cutworms to minimise crop damage.
Does high-density grazing mimic grazing patterns of game?
In their paper on high-density grazing in Southern Africa, professors Angelinus Franke and Elmarie Kotzé from the Department of Soil, Crop and Climate Sciences at the University of the Free State say high-density grazing systems may not accurately reflect natural ecosystems. Roelof Bezuidenhout reports.
Global grain outlook: 2024/25 marketing season
In its latest summer crops report, the Crop Estimates Committee says South African farmers intend to plant 4,47 million hectares of summer grains and oilseeds in the 2024/25 season, up 1% from the previous season. As South Africa exports maize and soya bean, Annelie Coleman reports on the latest trends in the international grain and oilseed markets, amid fluctuations in weather conditions and ongoing armed conflicts.
