Maximum Yield USA September 2018 | Page 46

Do you utilize soilless mediums with your aquaponics projects? How is your choice of medium related to water retention? My primary method is deep water culture troughs with a dissolved oxygen level at eight parts per million. The plants are started in small (stone wool) cubes then transplanted into two-inch net pots that float on rafts. I use (stone wool to start) simply because it’s a good place to sprout seeds and it holds together well. Obviously, the deep water culture troughs have excellent water holding capacity. You are based in California, a state with obvious issues concerning water shortages. Looking at horticulture from a conservationist’s stance, would you say that soilless cultivation practices waste more water than traditional soil growing? “ AS different soilless media retain water at different capacities, these irregularities must be accounted for in the development of successful irrigation and fertigation regimes.” In my aquaponics operation, I was using about 10 per cent of the water it takes to grow a head of lettuce in the field. I think aquaponics may be the most efficient way to grow plants, but a well- designed hydroponic system is probably similar. Soilless growing is a great tool for society. Water-wise farming can be PROACTIVE PROTECTION FOR YOUR PLANTS! ✔ AzaMax® is a systemic Botanical Insecticide with multi modes of action ✔ Controls Aphids, Spider mites, Fungus Gnats, Thrips, caterpillars and more ✔ No Pest Resistance and Resurgence. Great tool in IPM ✔ Safe to Honey Bees, People and Pets ✔ Zero day PHI Visit us online at www.parryamerica.com or #bePROactive #useAzaMax® 46 Maximum Yield generalhydroponics.com/azamax