Maximum Yield Australia/New Zealand July/August 2020 | Page 44

2Select components that can be constantly
submerged in water
Not all probes that are meant to take wet readings are
designed to withstand constant moisture. Ensure the probes
and monitoring equipment you have chosen are always
intended to be underwater. Additionally, make sure all
meters are placed at appropriate levels in your system so
measurements are not gleaned at the bottom of the tank
where sediment can build, and temperatures are different
than at crop level. Place the meters and probes at or around
the root level of your crops if possible.
3
“These surgical and calculated
introductions of the plants’
needs can result in healthier
and more robust plants.”
Perform regular checks on the various systems
in your autodosing array
This should occur no less frequently than once per week.
This includes checking, cleaning and lubricating (where
appropriate moving parts are located) the probes, monitors,
and lines. This last step is often overlooked but is important
as nutrient sediment can get clogged in the lines. This can
have detrimental effects on the crops as sediment can block
the water flow entirely. If not caught in
a timely fashion, none of the plants will
get any of their needed nutrition and
will suffer accordingly. To clear out any
buildup of salt in your lines, it is advisable
to run a cleaning solution throughout the
autodosing system as per manufacturer’s
recommendations and guidelines. The
system’s filters should also be opened
and inspected routinely to clean out any
debris that may have built up over time.
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Maximum Yield