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NEW Chikamasa Spring Scissors!
The second principal of float systems or DFT is nutri-
ent solution management. The large volume of nutrient
solution in the system acts as a buffer to slow changes in
temperature, electrical conductivity (EC), pH, and elemen-
tal levels, but they still need monitoring and adjustment.
As with any system that continually recirculates the nutri-
ent solution, the ratio of elements can become unbalanced
over time as the crop takes up some nutrients in larger
amounts than others. The accumulation of unwanted
salts such as sodium can also occur. Larger commercial
systems normally carry out regular nutrient solution moni-
toring and adjustment, but it’s possible to manage smaller
indoor float systems with an occasional partial or complete
replacement of the nutrient solution. Management of the
nutrient solution may, in some environments, include
temperature control. Under warm, tropical conditions, the
nutrient solution pond is chilled to grow crops, such as
lettuce, that would otherwise struggle to develop and yield
well in excessive heat. In cooler climates, the nutrient pool
can be heated to improve nutrient uptake and growth rates.
The depth or volume of the nutrient pool is also of
importance. Crops produced in nutrient pools with an
average depth of 2.5 to three inches have been found to
perform less consistently than those grown at depths
of 4.5 to nine inches. Deeper pools offer more buffering
capacity to changes in solution variables and thus are
likely to be more productive.
FLOAT SYSTEM DRAWBACKS
With float systems, there is a risk of rapid disease spread.
Root rot pathogens such as pythium, which produce
free-swimming zoospores, can be transported around
recirculating systems via the nutrient solution, potentially
infecting a large number of plants in the process. To help
prevent this, commercial growers can construct smaller
individual ponds that isolate disease outbreak and minimize
plant losses. Ensuring temperatures are within range, EC
levels are optimal, and sufficient oxygenation is provided
for root health also helps. Other approaches, similar to those
used in other types of recirculating nutrient systems, include
using microbial inoculants to assist in suppressing disease
pathogens and using nutrient sterilization techniques such
as ozone, heat, slow sand filtration, or UV treatment.
With custom soft & flexible
stainless steel springs
for less hand fatique.
• Same hand finished
to perfection blades
• Same ergonomical handles
• Same high quality,
razor-sharp steel
4 NEW Spring
Loaded Styles
Available!
• Straight blade, stainless steel
(TP-500S)
• Straight blade, fluorine coated,
stainless steel (TP-500SF)
• Curve d blade, stainless steel (TP-500SR)
• Curved blade, fluorine coated,
stainless steel (TP-500SRF)
100% EMPLOYEE OWNED
Left: A large-scale raceway system constructed from concrete.
Maximum Yield
71