Improving System performance

It is very important to us that growers get the best from our systems. To this end we spend a lot of time training and following up on installations. 

We all know about the 'bells and whistles' and how these are often not used. Some features of systems are very specific and may not apply to all growing practices. However there are many fine tuning features in our systems that do require training input from us to make the most of.

We do offer a service whereby we come to your site, update your system with latest software and firmware. And then train you in new features and carry out diagnostic testing and setting changes via special tools for analysis that we have.

These changes will mean a better understanding for you and potentially improved system efficiency. For example we may find that vent settings are allowing to much relative humidity to escape, small adjustments, with monitoring can improve the climate.

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Re-Blending Crop Runoffs into Fertigation Saves Thousands!

Re-Blending crop runoff back into fertigation has always been a difficult challenge. Runoff EC's change often and runoff sometimes runs out. Some growers have traditionally set up systems that just 'top up' their systems water supply tank to a set level. This works well until the runoff EC changes and many fertigation systems cannot cope with a fluctuating EC of incoming water supply.

The NutriBlend system from Grower Technology controls a modulating valve a mixes 'fresh' water online with runoff. The system has various sensors, particularly EC and automatically adjusts the re-blend % based on the growers targeted EC re-blend requirements.

The system also has various sensors in tanks and automatically reverts to fresh water only when runoff water is unavailable.

Typically some form of runoff treatment occurs, prior to re-blending, for example the Grower technology Biological Filter system.

The cost savings in such systems are enormous with less water used and nutrient use reduced by up to 35%. Such systems do require runoff testing monthly to ensure that any imbalances in nutrient are adjusted for.

pH correction

To correct pH either acid (pH lower) or alkali (pH raise) is added to the nutrient solution. The acid or alkali should be diluted before addition to the solution to prevent a localized chemical reaction from occurring as it enters the water. Any reaction here can gradually precipitate out vital nutrients and alter the nutrient balance. It is normal to dilute to below 5% for this purpose.

Normally the acids used are Phosphoric acid or Nitric acid. Note that besides correcting the pH these acids will add either Phosphorus or Nitrogen to the solution. These are both plant nutrients which is good but if large amounts are added then the P-N nutrient balance can be altered. Commercial growers will often mix the Nitric acid and Phosphoric acids together in a particular ratio to match the nutrient requirements. If you wish to do this we can advise you on suitable ratios. Note that working with acids and alkalis is very dangerous and suitable precautions and protective equipment (especially face shield and gloves) must always be used.

Recently I was contacted by a grower who had moved to a different area. He was perplexed by the fact that previously he had used about 2Ltrs per day of acid to drop his pH from about 6.5pH to 5.8pH. Now, suddenly, he needs over 5Ltrs to achieve the same result. Also, he noticed that when adding acid the pH would rapidly fall but then would soon climb back up again. The difference is that in his new location the water is harder and contains more bicarbonates. As compared with his previous soft water the bicarbonates take much more acid to break them down and this also takes time. You will notice a similar effect if you switch between rain water and bore water. The bore water will usually take a lot more acid to lower its pH.

In situations where the water is very hard it is often wise to "pre-treat" the water in a large standing tank prior to using it. Here it can be dosed with acid and because of the long standing time the chemical reaction has plenty of time to neutralize the bicarbonates and gas off the CO2 resulting from the reaction. The Autogrow Mini pH controller is often used in this application.

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