Gravimetric Cost-Reduced Redundancy Optimized Hydroponics!
© a.k.a.. MBR
The troughs were constructed from wooden planks and plastic liner in such a manner as to accommodate being filled with a mixture of Pearlite, Dolomitic limestone, and Vermiculite. A complete hydroponics fertilizer nutrient solution formula was intermittently mixed and cycled through the troughs to feed and moisturize (hydrate) the plants. This was accomplished using gravity alone by having one end of the trough raised slightly higher than the other end. At the elevated end, a reservoir was situated which was refilled with the fertilizer solution by hand once a day by carrying it from the collection reservoir fixed at the lower end where the excess solution would gather by means of a through-hull fitting inserted into the trough.
The solution was delivered to the plants using an array of intertwining poly. pipes and accompanying fittings that had holes drilled in them accordingly.
While gains are achieved in operating a system that is very technologically minimalist and easy to manage, you are forced to compromise for lack of precise control over the nutrient solution delivery. Powered pumps allow for continuously applied uniform pressure distribution, but having to rely on gravity introduces pressure loss according to the water mass present in the elevated reservoir which obviously fluctuates according to cycling frequencies.
It can be argued that the expense of purchasing a continuous-duty water pump would be negated by the ensuing reduction in physical labor requirements and production increase possibilities attainable through nutrient solution dispersal optimization capabilities. However, in regions where lack of pump availability is a problem, gravimetric hydroponics methods can be extremely advantageous.
Go To Page: 1
