Article 4-1
Commercial Systems
I'm interested in
setting up a small commercial hydroponic system for
strawberries. An NFT seems to be the way to go. Can a strawberry crown with
roots, like what you get from a nursery, be placed directly into an NFT
system to start it? Can an NFT system be set up outside in warm weather?
Any info/pictures would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Dirk Marshall
Dirk,
Yes, strawberries can do very well in an outdoor N.F.T. system. There are
many commercial growers using this technique in Australia, you may consider
locating them and contacting them for particular advice via the internet. To
help keep the plants and the nutrient solution from overheating, shade cloth
is suspended and secured over the growing area. Depending on the intensity
of light and heat, shade cloth from 30 to 70% shading may be used.
Aluminized materials help reflect more heat away from the crop, and can help
retain warm air on cooler, clear nights. The cloth also protects the berries
from hail, reduces wind, can discourage birds and other pests, and will
reduce the size of rain droplets, reducing fruit losses. Look for a
professionally designed shade enclosure.
The nutrient solution can be heated and chilled to extend and modify the
growing season.
I would not recommend starting the crowns directly into the system. They may
begin to rot if not in an actively growing state. Keep them in trays (likely
in net pots) and irrigate occasionally until they begin to grow, before
transplanting them into the system.
An "A-Frame" layout for the troughs will make the most efficient use of space
within the enclosure. Planting densities of greater than 100% may be
achieved. Vertical columns take advantage of the strawberries natural growth
habits.
Research the varieties available, as some will be better suited to hydroponic
cultivation than others. You may experience higher root temperatures
growing hydroponically outdoors, so disease resistance is a factor to
consider when selecting a variety.
Hydroponic University is brought to you as a service of Simply
Hydroponics and Organics On-line as part of our consumer education program. We welcome
your feedback, your ideas are what makes this site work for you. Contact
Us with any ideas or questions.
|