Maximum Yield Australia/New Zealand July/August 2020 | Page 14

bare
ROOTS
Featured Contributors
MM
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Monica Mansfield owned an
indoor garden store for 5½ years
before selling the business to
start a seven-acre homestead
with her husband, Owen. Monica
is passionate about gardening,
sustainable living, and holistic
health. She writes about these topics
and her homestead adventures on
her blog, thenaturelifeproject.com.
Contributors
Chris Bond
Philip McIntosh
Rich Hamilton
LM
Dr. Lynette Morgan holds a
B. Hort. Tech. degree and a
PhD in hydroponic greenhouse
production from Massey
University, New Zealand.
Lynette is a partner with Suntec
International Hydroponic
Consultants and has authored
several hydroponic technical
books. Visit suntec.co.nz
for more information.
AUS/NZ EDITION • VOL.18 NO.4
July/August 2020
Maximum Yield is published bi-monthly by Maximum
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A
CLOSED SYSTEM
Nutrifield
nutrifield.com.au
Stealth Garden Supplies
stealth-garden.com
Way to Grow
way2grow.com.au
A closed system refers to a hydroponic setup where nutrients (or a nutrient solution)
are recirculated, either continually or intermittently, Closed systems are cost-effective
and ideal for hydroponic growing and thus represent most popular hydroponic
systems. Closed systems that recirculate the nutrient solution include but are not
limited to: Nutrient film technique (NFT); Deep float technique (DFT), float/raft/pond/
Deep Water Culture systems, aeroponics, aquaponics, and ebb and flow. In these
systems the nutrient EC and pH are adjusted, amended, and the solution is recirculated.
The most ideal type of closed system depends on a number of factors, such as the
plant’s type, size, water requirements, the size of the growing containers, the type of
growing medium, and the nutrient requirements. The key factor for success in each
of these systems is that in a closed system, the nutrient solution needs to be closely
monitored and adjusted to maintain efficiency and efficacy. Correct monitoring and
management technique is essential in optimising plant nutrition in a closed system.
Systems in which nutrients are not recirculated are termed open systems. In open
systems, nutrients are applied only once and the resulting run-off is disposed of or
utilised elsewhere on other crops.
Check out Dr. Lynette Morgan's article on page 34 for more information.
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