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Commercial
Hydroponic Horticulture
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HydroGarden is a leader in the hydroponics market We have assisted
an ever increasing number of growers develop their business.
We have access to a network of experts and consultants in all
topics including Plant Biochemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Commercial
Growers with crop specific experience, Commercial installation
knowledge and much more.
There has been massive growth in hydroponic cultivation in a
number of forward thinking countries. For instance, in Australia,
the area under hydroponic crop production went from 155 to 500
hectares from 1990 to 1996. This is just the beginning. The
world commercial hydroponics industry has grown 4 to 5 fold
in the last 10 years and is currently estimated at between 20,000
and 25,000 hectares with a farm gate value of US$6 to 8 Billion.
HydroGarden believes that the future lies in locally grown and
sold produce, limiting the ‘road miles’ applied
to todays food supplies. Whilst export opportunities will occur,
the main development will be that smaller niche of locally based
growers who will sell to supermarkets or to farmers’ markets,
florists, local restaurants or wholesale operations, perhaps
even supplying to the consumer direct. This method of growing
our food is a more sustainable model than those currently practised.
The consumer is becoming increasingly concerned over health
issues, environmental issues, even water consumption cost and
availability……… these are all drivers for
the further development of hydroponic growing techniques.
As a company we can assist you to identify the most suitable
system for your crop, location, skills or needs. We understand
that different plants needs different systems in different locations
and, as such, can offer those systems to suit those needs……. |
| Benefits of Commerial
Hydroponics |
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There are 5 forces threatening long term crop and food production
in open field situations:
1. Increasing ultraviolet radiation.
2. Decreasing fresh water supplies and water quality.
3. Increasing top soil erosion and soil degradation.
4. Increasing resistance of insect pests and plant diseases
to traditional chemical controls.
5. A convergence of natural cycles leading to extreme weather
conditions.
Further, open field production is hindered because the grower
has no control over the growing environment. The result is that
the grower cannot predict yields and is unable to budget effectively.
The field grower cannot always ensure adequate aeration of the
rootzone during periods of extended rainfall.
Hydroponic nutrient solutions can be tailored to the plant’s
requirements, whereas in the field there is a tendency to over
or under-fertilise. Nutrients in the soil are often fixed as
insoluble compounds that are not available to plants and therefore
a loss to the grower.
Irrigation water in field grown operations cannot be effectively
recycled. Hydroponics can reduce irrigation water usage by 70%
to 90% by recycling the run-off water. As water becomes scarce,
and important as a resource, the use of hydroponics and other
water saving technologies will increase in time.
Fungal disease can be significantly reduced through controlled
humidity. Hydroponic systems will reduce the amount of exposed
moisture in the growing environment. Hydroponics will effectively
prevent wetting of the leaf surfaces which, in normal agriculture,
provides the fungal spores with the perfect medium to proliferate.
All labour inputs associated with soil management, such as digging
and weeding are reduced with hydroponics.
The use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in protected environments
is ideally suited to hydroponic growing techniques, especially
when carried out in a protected environment such as a glasshouse
or plastic/polythene tunnels. The use of IPM can virtually eliminate
the need to use toxic and expensive chemical insecticides.
Taking all the above into account, it is easy to see why protecting
cropping in general and hydroponics especially is becoming increasingly
important. A hydroponically grown greenhouse plant:
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Can
be protected from increasing and damaging UV radiation. |
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Offers
the possibility of safe biological control of insect pests
and diseases. |
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Uses
Water that is reclaimed and reused. |
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Allows
nutrients to be reclaimed, re-balanced and re-used. |
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Can be protected from unpredictable weather patterns. |
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Have a good root system that is not at risk from contaminants
and diseases. |
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Make very efficient use of labour, which is increasingly
expensive. |
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Can
be grown to take full advantage of their genetic potential
and produce outstanding crops by using optimum nutrient
formulations. |
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Can be producing at times when market prices are highest.
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Combine these factors with increasing public concern over food
safety, pesticide residues and fungicide use; it is easy to
see that the future of crop production favours hydroponic and
greenhouse production. Especially so when premium prices can
be obtained and the demand is sustainable.
To summarise, the benefits include: -
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Reduced water consumption
– a must for the 21st Century. 90% saving in some
instances ! |
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Improved Produce Quality
– Hydroponically grown produce is often clean and
blemish free and full of flavour. A higher price is therefore
achievable. |
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Increased Yields and
Growth Rates – Grow more produce in less time ! |
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Longer Shelf Life -
Hydroponically grown produce tends to have a longer shelf
life. |
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Less labour inputs
– All labour associated with soil management, such
as digging and weeding, is eliminated. |
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Higher Value Crops
– Clean, healthy produce will more likely command
premium prices. |
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Extended Growing Season
– Grow high value crops out of season or deliver
early ! |
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Happier Workers –
Many systems can be run at waist height eliminating bending
down. |
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Lower Labour Costs
– Once established, a hydroponic system uses less
labour compared to soil based agriculture for harvesting,
growing and planting. |
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Pests and Diseases
– any problems are more easily controlled. |
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No Soil – No
Problem – It is possible to grow things where it
would normally be impossible, i.e. in areas of poor or
no soil, in rocky areas, on roof tops or even at the South
Pole ! |
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Control – With
hydroponics it is simpler to manipulate the crop to maximise
growth and yields. |
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Market Control –
Create and target new market niches. |
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| HydroGarden Support Services |
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As a company, we realise that a relationship starts, not ends,
with a purchase of a system. We are able to assist from the
business or system planning stage, all the way through to on-going
grower support.
HydroGarden can assist you prior to starting growing with:
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Water Analysis. |
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Crop Specific Nutrients. |
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Location Specific Nutrients. |
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Location and Natural
Environmental Considerations. |
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Crop Considerations
as well as Yield Forecasts and Predictions. |
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System Layout, Specification
and Considerations. |
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Environmental Control
and Protective Structural Considerations. |
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Production Factors
and Operating Costs. |
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Management and Grower
Considerations. |
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Additional Resources
that may be required. |
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Supplementary Lighting
Layout (if necessary). |
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Equipment Supply. |
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Business Planning. |
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Marketing Advice. |
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Once the system is operational, we can advise, or obtain advice
on:
Crop Specific Problems or Issues.
Plant Tissue Analysis.
Nutrient Analysis/Monitoring/Tissue Analysis and Nutrient Adjustment
and Replenishment.
Equipment Supply or Upgrades.
Latest Technical Information and Innovations.
Equipment Supply.
Marketing Advice. |
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Whether you are an existing commercial grower, or someone who
is looking to start growing commercially, we can help. Contact
us for a copy of our FREE Commercial Hydroponics Brochure, an
in-depth look at Commercial Hydroponics.
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