hydroponics manual
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Technical manual of hydroponics vegetable production and management in rural areas
of Dry Zone in Myanmar
Mr. Nicola Michelon
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Index Introduction 31. SOIL‐LESS MICRO‐GARDENS: THE GREENHOUSE 41.1 COVERING MATERIAL 41.2 GREENHOUSE DESCRIPTION 41.2.1 Material 51.2.2 How to build the greenhouse 62. MICRO‐GARDEN HYDROPONICS SISTEM 72.1 SOIL‐LESS SYSTEM PRINCIPLES 72.2 BOTTLES/BAMBOO SYSTEM DESCRIPTION 82.2.1 Technical characteristics and design 82.2.2 Material 92.2.3 How to build a Garrafas pet system 102.2.4 How the dry zone bottles (garrafas) system work 142.2.5 O&M of Bottles system 152.3 THE BOX SYSTEM 172.3.1 Material 172.3.2 How to build a box system 182.3.3 How the dry zone box (caixa) system work 193. TECHNICAL ASPECTS OF MICRO‐GARDEN CULTIVATION 203.1 Plant nutrition 203.2 NUTRIENT SOLUTION (N.S.) 223.3 SUBSTRATE 244. NURSERY AND SEEDLING DEVELOPMENT 254.1 Seedling preparation in the nursery 254.2 Transplant 264.3 Crop management 274.4 Integrate pests and diseases managements 28Annex 1: Lettuce 29Annex 2: Tomate 30Annex 3: Cucumber 31Annex 4: Main pests and diseases 33Bibliografia 35
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Introduction Hydroponics is a technology characterized by the absence of soil. It needs less space, labor, external inputs and time, but needs proper management. Usually, in traditional horticulture system is often difficult to control or quantify nutrient availability in the soil. Hydroponic systems provide a convenient means to control plant uptake of nutrients. An additional advantage of water culture is its secondary effects such as accumulation of soil toxins are likely to be reduced. Another advantage of growing without soil is that it reduces some soil‐borne diseases. The basic concept of hydroponics is that roots suspended in moving water absorb food and oxygen rapidly. Of special concern is the availability of oxygen. The grower’s task is to balance the combination of water, nutrients and oxygen with the plants’ needs in order to maximize yield and quality. The use of water and inputs is optimized: the exact amount needed by the plants is provided. For the best results, a few important parameters need to be taken into account: temperature, humidity and CO2 levels, light intensity, ventilation and the plant’s genetic make‐up. In order to fix the crop roots in the required position, some inert substrata may be used (sponges, artificial mineral marbles, rock wool, rice hulls carbonized, coconut fiber etc). Water quantity and quality are key factors in hydroponic systems. Water quality depends mainly on the source used. Growers use water from different sources, such as surface water (lakes, natural and artificial ponds), groundwater (wells), municipal tap water, rainwater and combinations of these. Rainwater has a low ionic strength and usually low micro‐organism and algal densities; it conforms to water quality guidelines and is often better than other sources. A common practice is to collect rainwater from greenhouse roofs into ponds. However, as these ponds are fed by atmospheric precipitation, they are vulnerable to changes in the environment, eg. eutrophication and acidification. Hydroponics allows production in abundance of healthy fresh vegetables, ornamentals, aromatic and medicinal plants and suits the requirements of poor urban farmers. When the technique is well controlled, the productivity generated by hydroponic systems is greater than that from traditional gardening systems. It is a perfect technology for urban/ periurban and sub‐arid areas where the soil is poor or polluted. In many countries of South America, hydroponics is a technique that is fast gaining importance. Small hydroponic units can be operated by families. This may help in meeting their food needs and in getting an additional income. Some special hydroponic techniques have been developed, especially for limited spaces and to suit people in developing countries. Such simplified hydroponic systems often use recycled materials and are easier to understand, learn and implement (Gianquinto et al. 2006). Simplified hydroponics is well suited to fresh vegetables and fruits (with a high water content) such as lettuces, tomato, bell pepper, basil, celery and radish. The following manual describe the different technical needed to grow quality vegetables adopting land‐less system. Besides, the manual is based on the first experimentation carried out in Sa Khan Khan Village located in Yenanchaung Township. However, further studies are required to match yield and quality improvement and water use efficiency, and the possible future developments would regard: cultivars, plant density, water volumes and nutrient solution composition.
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1. SOIL‐LESS MICRO‐GARDENS: THE GREENHOUSE 1.1 COVERING MATERIAL The greenhouse covering material has the following characteristics:
Cheap Locally available Good ventilation Protection from excess sunlight radiation (50% decrease) Protection from strong rainfall Resilience to violent winds and rainfalls
1.2 GREENHOUSE DESCRIPTION
The greenhouse has been designed by Horticity S.r.l (http://www.horticity.it/en/). A standard greenhouse is 6 x 6 m (36m2) and contains two hydroponics modules. Since the design is modular, additional units will bring the greenhouse dimension to 6.0 x 12.0 m (72m2) or 6.0 x 18.0 m (108 m2) or more. It is important to ensure good ventilation, therefore the height has to be at least 3.5 m.. The greenhouse sides are open, and only if necessary they can be closed with nets (for protection from birds or insects). The roof is constituted of small wood timbers and on the top there is a ventilation opening.
Tropical greenhouse design
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Fig.?. Estufa adapta para áreas tropicais
Greenhouse 6 x 6 m (36 m2)
1.2.1 Material The building material has been chosen following several considerations:
Local availability Cost
In our case wood and bamboo provided the best choice. Prior to use, it is best to treat the wood/bamboo with a protective substance (i.e. burned oil) to prevent insect attacks and therefore guarantee durability. Table 1 shows the necessary material for a standard 6.0 x 6.0 m greenhouse. Table 1: greenhouse material
Item N°, weight, linear m
Material (stretch)
1 6 Timber 6 x 6 cm (2,5m)/ row wood 3‐ 4 inch diameter2 3 Timber 6 x 6 cm (3,5) / row wood 3‐ 4 inch diameter3 3 Timber 6 x 6 cm (4.0 m) / row wood 3‐ 4 inch diameter4 10 Small timber 3 x 6 cm (3,5)/ row wood 3 inch diameter5 10 Small timber 3 x 6 cm (4.0m)/ bamboo 2.5 inch diameter6 3 Wooden pole 5 x 1 (6.0 m)/ ½ bamboo 2.5 inch diameter 24 m Shadow net 50‐75 % 0,5 kg Nails 3 – 3 ½ diameter
3
2
1
6
6
2
1
4 5
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1.2.2 How to build the greenhouse 1. Observe the soil rise. Usually the long side of the greenhouse should to be oriented north
south. 2. Observe the soil slope. We are assuming that the soil is not perfectly leveled, but also that
we are not dealing with high inclines 3. Identify the higher soil point and begin measuring from that point. 4. Once the first point is marked, proceed and mark a square of 6 m of side. 5. Begin to dig the post holes, which should be least 50 cm deep. 6. Place one post in the soil at the highest point. Then place the other posts along the same
side, making sure their height is set at the same level (step 6). Continue in the same way for the central posts
7. Settle first the horizontal timbers (2 x 3.5 m) connecting the posts (step 7). Continue with two other horizontal elements connecting the central posts and the posts at the opposite side of the greenhouse.
8. Put each sloping element of the roof 1,5 m apart, perpendicularly to the greenhouse axis (step 8)
9. Finish the roof structure, settling the 6 m wooden row to the extremities of the roof (step 9)
10. Lay out the shadowing net and fasten it accurately (step 10).
Step 6: front view Step 6: from on high view
Step 7 Step 8
Step 9 Step 10
north
south
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2. MICRO‐GARDEN HYDROPONICS SISTEM 2.1 SOIL‐LESS SYSTEM PRINCIPLES The micro‐garden systems used are called “Bottles/bamboo Hydroponics System” and “Box Hydroponics System”. Both have been chosen taking into account negative climate features witch obstacle a normal vegetable development:
Superficial flooding during the rainy season, with increases possibility of diseases and pathogen problems;
Water scarcity during the dry season; High soil erosion due to an intensive humus decomposition as well as to violent rainfalls;
High disease index due to high temperatures and high humidity, frequent rainfalls and storms during the rainy season, bringing to low harvest quality;
Weed infestation; There are other principles to follow in order to achieve good results with hydroponics systems:
Set the micro‐garden (therefore the greenhouse) in areas that receive at least 6 hours of directly sunlight per day. It is advisable to use a space with good illumination, orienting the micro‐garden longer side to the North. Avoid shadowy zones, areas near houses or other buildings, as well as areas exposed to strong winds;
Choose an area with adequate and easy‐to‐access water supply to facilitate irrigation;
Fence the micro‐garden to limit bird attacks and avoid domestic animal access (poultries, dogs, pigs, etc…). This will also deter the entry of irresponsible persons and acts of vandalism;
Keep the areas around the micro‐garden free from weeds, which can host fungus and insects that can damage the vegetables.
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2.2 BOTTLES/BAMBOO SYSTEM DESCRIPTION 2.2.1 Technical characteristics and design This system was designed by Agronomist Mario Calheiros of Maceiò, and it permits the recycling of discarded material like plastic bottles or rice hulls and the reutilization of excess nutrient solution. The Bottles module is a structure of 2, 7 x 6 m, occupying an area of about 18 m2. It can be built with either raw or refined wood. A standard greenhouse, as previously described, can contain two Bottles/bamboo modules (Gianquinto et al. 2006).
Hydroponics Garrafas pet system design and photo
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2.2.2 Material The Bottles system is built with locally available material. Tables 2, 3 and 5 list the material needed to build two Bottles/bamboo modules. Table 2: wood material for two Garrafas pet modules
Item N°, weight, linear m Material
7 12 Small timber 3 x 6 cm (3,0)/ row woods 3 inch diameter 8 2 Small timber 3 x 6 cm (4.0m)/ bamboo 3 inch diameter 9 25 Wooden pole 5 x 1 (6.0 m)/ bamboo 5 inch diameter 0,5 kg Wire 0,5 kg Nail
Table 3: hydraulic material for one Bottles modules
N°, weight, linear m Material 2 Water tank (200 l) 2 AB glue package 200 Plastic bottle (2 liters)/ or 25 bamboo 5 inch diameter 25 Drippers 10 m Hose (12 mm diameter) 5 m Polyethylene hose (25 mm) 10 m Micro‐pipe (8 mm) 2 Cap’s pipe 3 Reduction system 32 to 25 mm 2 Polyethylene pipe 32 mm (6m) 4 Reduction system 25 to 20 mm 1 20 mm Flange 1 20 mm Valve 2 20 mm Elbow 1 m 25 mm Pipe 1 Glue stick 12 Carbonized hulls rice bags (substrate) 2 10 liter Bucket
7
8
9
7
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2.2.3 How to build a Bottles system Wooden structure:
1. Begin to build from the higher point and make the upper base of Garrafas pet module;
2. Place the upper wooden support of the module at 70 – 90 cm along the central posts of the greenhouse;
3. The lower support of the module is 5 – 20 cm high, along the external side of the greenhouse. In this way, the slope of the module will be 17 ‐18%
4. The structure needs support in the middle, at 32.5 – 35 cm of height and this one is possible to make using bamboo with 2.5 inch diameter;
5. Each wooden cluster is composed by 5‐6 rods or 5 inch diameter bamboo with a gap of 25 cm in between each rod, while 40 cm in between clusters allow easy upkeep and harvest
6. At the end, fasten the plastic bottle lines to the wooden clusters with wire (if are not using 5 inch diameter bamboo)
7. At the greenhouse extremity, build one wooden platform with an area of 1m2 and a height of 2 m for the upper reservoir with the nutrient solution. The reservoir that collects the overflowing solution will be placed at the bottom, at the opposite side of the greenhouse structure. If possible, in order to facilitate the diary work, the hole should be done at the same extremity where the platform has been built (see yellow arrow and circle).
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Bottles tie on wood structure
The bottle lines are placed on the wooden structure
The bottles are pierced, conneced and filled with carbonized rice hulls
With Bottles The bottles are joined together in lines of 8 bottles each. To join the bottles, holes are made with a heated iron rod. Two bigger holes (5 ‐6 cm of diameter) are made along the bottle body. The first bottle at the top has an additional hole where the feeding line is inserted, while the last bottle is capped and has the outlet tubing to permit the drainage of the excess nutrient solution. The bottles are filled with the substrate, in our case carbonized rice hulls.
Dripper Hose’ cap (12 mm diameter)
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With Bamboo
Instead of bottles, in dry zone will be possible use the bamboo poles with 5 inch diameter. The follow pictures are showing how to set up the bamboo system.
A small hole (10 mm) in each bamboo internodes (in the center of internode) should be made in order to permit the constant nutrient solution flow.
Hole in the middle of internode
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Hydraulic system
The nutrient solution is put into a reservoir and it gets to the bottles trough a hydraulic system. In this way the plants can uptake the needed nutrient solution for their growth. The excess of nutrient solution is collected from the last bottle into the lower reservoir. The main feeding line along the axis of the greenhouse has to have a 2‐3% slope to permit the flow of the nutrient solution. This tubing can be supported by a light wooden structure.
This closed‐cycle production system reduces water loss from evaporation and limits excessive entry of rainy water during the wet season, avoiding excessive nutrient solution dilution.
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2.2.4 How the dry zone Bottles (Garrafas) system work… As mentioned, the Bottles system is composed of a wood/bamboo structure and based on gravity flow. The nutrient medium falls from a tank of about 200 litres volume, placed above the system at about 2.0 m height. Hydraulic pipes (emitter flow rate of about 2 l h‐1) direct the flux into the declined garden (slope of 22‐24%) which is composed by connecting plastic drinking bottles (by using incandescent iron bars to make holes and then connecting them while hot) and 5 inch bamboo rods, where substrate and plants are sited. Excess nutrient solution is then directed through a drainage pipe systems to another thank placed below. This flux continues from sunrise until dusk. Actually, three times per day (at 7:30 – 11:00 am and 3:00 pm), the drained water is put back in the upper tank. At this time fresh nutrient solution is added, according with crop consumption. Manual labour for refilling tanks is taking about 15 to 20 minutes to two people. A Garrafas garden is 6 m per 3 m broad and counts sixteen lines of plastic bottles (8 bottles line‐1) and 5 lines made by 5 inch bamboo rods. Each bottle has two litres volume and two growing holes instead the bamboo rods has 8‐9 holes. The substrate adopted is carbonized rice hull. It is very important to use carbonized rice hull in order to overtaken the substrate fermentation. Rice hulls are feasibly and cheaply available in the Township. At regime, the system may accommodate 320 plants.
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2.2.5 Diary operational and maintenance of Bottles System
Step by step
1. At 7:30 a.m. close the tap of “A” tank; 2. Using the ph and EC meters check the pH and the EC values of the water contained
in the tank drainage. The data collected have to be recorder. 3. To move the drained water from “B” tank to “A” tank by bucket and to recorder
the nutrient solution consumption.
2.5 0.8
0.1
6.0
3.0
Upper tank
Drainage tank
22-24%
Bottle
(A)
(B)
(C)
(B)
(A)
(E)
(D)
(F)
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4. Fill the upper tank with new nutrient solution contained in “C” tank up to achieved the level of 200 litres in “A” tank;
5. Open the tap of “A” tank and check all the dripper starting from the last one;
Those operations have to be done every day at 7:30 a.m., 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Other O&M activities 1. Once a week to clean all the drippers; 2. Once a week we need to clean the drainage system in order to avoid alga growth
inside the pipe. The photo shows the pipe that has to be kept clean. A simple bamboo stake can be used for this operation (1);
3. Take off the wild weeds that could to grow in the system and around the system; 4. Monitoring the eventual presence of pest and disease in the system; 5. The substrate inside the bottles, bamboo end box needs to be removed and replaced
with a fresh one; 6. The hydraulic system needs to be washed with bleach. This operation can be simplified
capping the pipe extremity (2 ‐ 3) at least once a month;
(D) (E) (F)
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Box system in tropical areas. System not suitable in tropical area.
2.3 THE BOX SYSTEM The box type and dimension depend on different factors: available space, technical and economic means as well as needs and aspirations of the family or group involved in the activities.
Past research and experience suggest a size of about 2 m2 with sides 30 cm high. In the tropics, boxes must have 4 or more supports to permit a good air circulation and avoid an excessive heating exchange from the soil, in order to avoid root overheating as well as poor oxygenation of the water.
2.3.1 Material Tab. 4: Material for building one 2m2 box
Item N°, weight, linear m
Material
4 Wooden plank (2m x 0,30m) 2 Wooden plank (2m x 0,23m) 2 Wooden plank (1,2m x 0,23m) 6 Small timber 6 x 3 cm (0,80 m) 0,5 kg Nail 2,6 m linear Nylon 20 cm 20 mm hose 1 Bucket Washed coconut fiber Newspapers sheets
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box building steps
2.3.2 How to build a box system Wooden planks (23 cm width) are joined to form a rectangular box. It is important to support the box. The box should be painted with burned oil to give it more durability. Wait 2 ‐3 days for the wood to dry and place the box under the shading net. The box has to have 1 cm slope. This permits the excess nutrient solution to go out trough a 20 mm hose which collects it in a bucket. The nutrient solution then can be recycled. A black nylon sheet lines the box to waterproof it. Newspapers sheets are put under the
nylon to form a pad and prevent rips. The coconut fiber placed in the box needs to be washed to remove excess salt. Every day the water pH is checked with an electric conductimeter. Generally, three days are needed to remove excess salt. The plants are transplanted directly in the substrate and they are wet two – three times per day, depending on the season as well as the plant cultivated.
Different steps of box building
Tomato transplant, irrigation and growth
This system is more suitable for vegetables like tomato, okra, pepper, cucumber, eggplant, and chilli pepper, witch need more space for root development but also for lettuce is suitable.
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2.3.3 How the dry zone box (Caixa) system work… As mentioned the box system is composed by a wood/bamboo container of about 1 square meter, waterproof with plastic film and filled up with carbonized rice halls. Plants are transplanted directly on the system and watered directly with nutrient solution twice a day (about 20 l Caixa‐1 day‐1). The base is slightly declined and the exceeding solution drained to a tank below to be recycled.
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3. TECHNICAL ASPECTS OF MICRO‐GARDEN CULTIVATION 3.1 Plant nutrition In order to grow and produce, plants need nutrients, which in hydroponics system have to be solubilized in the nutrient solution in the right quantity and proportion. The essential nutrients required are 13. Macronutrients are needed in high quantity: Nitrogen (N) Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), Sulfur (S). Micronutrients are the nutrients that the plant needs in lower quantity: Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Boron (B), Cupper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), Molybdenum (Mo) and Chlorine (Cl). Carbon (C) and Oxygen (O) are supplied by air, while Hydrogen (H) by water. Each element is utilized in different proportions, and each one has specific functions in the plant development. Table 5: shows the principal functions of macro‐nutrient elements in the plant.
MACRONUTRIENTChemical Element Functions Symptoms
Nitrogen (N) It is the element that the plants require in higher quantity. It gives the green color to the plants, it promotess rapid growth, it favors vegetative production, and it improves vegetable and fruit quality raising proteins content. N deficiency shows with green‐yellow leave color, and a slow and limited development. Extreme pH contributes to N deficiency.
Phosphorus (P) It stimulates root and flowers formation and development, it speeds maturation and promotes fruit color, and it helps seed formation and plant vegetative vigor. Purple color of the leaves, branches and trunk, rachitic aspect, low fruit count, and seeds productivity are all symptoms of P deficiency.
Potassium (K) It gives vigor and resistance against disease, it helps protein protection, it raises seed size, it improves fruit quality, and it furthers red coloration of the leaves and fruits. It is also very important for stomata opening. K deficiency shows as limited burns on leaves (?)
Calcium (Ca) It activates and small root formation and development, improves the general plant vigor, and it stimulates seed production. The deficiency shows burn in the leaves confine and tip fruits show apical rot.
Magnesium (Mg) It is the fundamental component of the chlorophyll, it is necessary for sugar formations, and it stimulates fat and oil formation. The deficiency shows the weak green color of the young leaves and excessive roots ramification.
Sulfur (Z) It helps to preserve an intensive green color, it stimulates seed production and it
helps vigorous plant development. Deficiency produces short shafts, weak, yellow color and slow and rachitic development.
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MICRONUTRIENTS
Chemical element
Functions Symptom
Cupper (Cu) It is for 70% concentrated in the chlorophyll. .
Boron (B) It helps fruit and vegetable formation and quality. It is important for good legume seeds.
Iron (Fe) It is involved in chlorophyll biosynthesis.
Manganese (Mn)
It speeds up germination and maturation; it improves calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium uptake. It has photosynthetic functions.
Zinc (Zn) It is necessary for chlorophyll formation and for plant growth. It is an important enzyme activator. Plants deficient in Zinc have low protein content.
Molybdenum It is fundamental for nitrogen fixation in legumes...
Tab. 6: principals functions of micro‐nutrient plants elements (Source: Calheiros M., 2004).
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3.2 NUTRIENT SOLUTION (N.S.) The nutrient solution is constituted by water and minerals salts. Is very important to prepare the nutrient solution correctly, using high quality minerals salts which can be easily dissolved in water.
The best results have been obtained with a nutrient solution called “Solution MYA 1”, which is made from 5 stock solutions: Armo 15‐15‐15+7S; Ca Clorite; Armo 15‐15‐30+6 ME; Mg Sulfate and Fetrilon (Microelements).
In order to get 200 liters of prepared nutrient solution, the preparations of it consist in prepare 4 small bags:
• One bag with 100 gr of Armo 15‐15‐15+7S • One bag with 50 gr of Ca Clorite; • One bag with 50 gr of Armo 15‐15‐30+6 ME; • One bag with 100 gr of Mg Sulfate;
For the mentioned mineral salt, the preparation is as following:
1. To weigh the right amount of mineral salt; 2. Regarding Armo 15‐15‐15 + 7S, it has to be crumbled (could to be used the mortar)
in order to facilitate the dissolution in the water. 3. To put the mineral salt propped weighted in own bags;
Natural Armo 15‐15‐15 + 7S; The mortar Armo 15‐15‐15 + 7S after crushing
Armo 15‐15‐15 + 7S in the bag The four mineral salt in the own bag
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• One liter bottles with concentrate Fetrilon nutrient solution: to put in 20 liters of water 500 gr of Fetrilon. Measure 10 liters of water in a big plastic bucket. Weigh salt minerals and dissolve him in the water. Adjust the final volume to 20 liters adding water and continue mixing for 10 minutes, until all solid residues disappear.
Notes
The nutrient solution (4 bags and 20 liter recipient), labeled and stored in a cool and dark room.
It is very important to measure accurately each component, in order to avoid nutrient problems in the crop and precipitations in the nutrient solution.
Use common water at room temperature. How to prepare the nutrient solution ready to the use Each component should be added to water and diluted, so to avoid precipitations. The nutrient solution can be prepared in a 200 liter tank. In this case:
1) fill half the tank with water and at the same time dissolve only Armo 15‐15‐15+7S (1 bag with 100 gr);
2) add more water and at the same time dissolve in this order the bags contain Ca Clorite (50 gr), Armo 15‐15‐30+6 ME (50 gr), Mg Sulfate (100 gr);
3) dissolve the Fetrilon (50 ml); Now the nutrient solution is ready for use in the hydroponic vegetable system. The nutrient solution management needs pH (min 6 – max 8) and EC (between 1100 – 1600 µS) periodic checking.
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Rice hulls carbonization process
3.3 Substrate Primary function of the substrate is to support the plants, while allowing a uniform flow of nutrient solution. The substrate does not provide a nutritional function and should be inert in this regard. Suitable substrates can be constituted by different materials, like small stones, sand, pumice, vermiculite, carbonized rice hulls and coconut fiber, and combinations of the above A good substrate has degradation resistance (durability); it does not contains soluble mineral substances; it does not contains any macro and micro organisms (to decrease disease risks); it has good water retention, but at the same time drains easily; it does not maintain high surface moisture; it has a dark color; it is easily available in local contest; it is affordable, it is light and easily transportable. In Dry Zone, some substrates with these features are rice hulls (carbonized). This substrate has been tested in San Khan Khan Village experimental plot and was found suitable for the soil less system utilized. Rice hulls (carbonized) Rice hulls are left‐over material of rice production. In order to be used as a plant substrate in our systems, it has to be carbonized. In this way the substrate is made pathogen free (virus, fungus and bacteria), fermentation is avoided, as well as secondary germination of viable rice seed left in the mixture. The dark coloration of the hulls promotes root development and inhibits algae formation. Both substrates have good chemical and physical features: low decomposition index, good drainage, high aeration. Furthermore, they are light, locally abundant and very affordable.
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4. NURSERY AND SEEDLING DEVELOPMENT The planting is done in nursery. Young plants are then transplanted into the bottles. Direct planting is preferable for vegetables like carrot, turnip, pea or bean to preserve the root structure. 4.1 Seedling preparation in the nursery Sowing is done in plastic trays with a substrate constitutes by 50% carbonized rice hulls and 50% goat/cow manure. Goat/cow manure has to be washed putting it in a water tank for 4‐5 days. When the trays are ready, put one or more seeds in each hole. Then cover the seeds (planting depth depends on the species). Shade the trays and wet two times per day. Don’t allow the substrate to dry. After germination the trays are moved to the nursery where they still need protection from direct strong sun (shadow nets reduce the sunlight incidence by 50%). The seedlings have to be wet with nutrient solution two times per day until transplant, which occurs when the seedlings have 4‐5 true leaves. Advices Seedlings quality is very important to achieve good productivity results and to shorten the plant cycle. The first phases are the more delicate ones and require constant care, therefore some advices:
1. Build the nursery in a good aerated area to avoid moisture stagnation, and choose an area with good light
2. Build the nursery on the side of the greenhouse to create a suitable environment for the seedlings development
3. Wash the trays with Sodium hypochlorite (1%) before sowing and after dry them in the sun
4. Scout frequently for fungus diseases or dangerous insects in nursery, and be ready to intervene immediately
5. Irrigations need to be well programmed and efficient to avoid water stagnation 6. it is good practice to use a foggy system in the nursery to permit temperature
decrease in the hottest hours of the day, during critically warm periods and months
7. Avoid mechanical damage caused by big drops of the watering can on young seedlings, use sub‐irrigation of the trays instead.
8. In the rainy season (above all from January to April) substitute two times per week the nutrient solution irrigation with a leaf manure irrigation and delay the first daily irrigation (tab 7)
Table 7: irrigation turns used in the nursery of experimentation plots in Dry Zone
Mouth 1^ irrigation 2^ irrigation 3^ irrigationMay ‐ October 9:30 with n.s* ‐ 15:00 with n.s*
November ‐ April 7:30 with n.s* 11:30 only water* 15:00 with n.s *
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*one 8 liter watering can every 8 trays;
9. Keep internal and external areas of the nursery clean from weeds 10. Thin the seedlings soon after germination to avoid competition among the
seedlings. Leave only the more developed or vigorous in central position.. 4.2 Transplant The transplant is a very delicate phase. Root damage must be kept to a minimum. Wetting the trays before transplant will help removing seedlings from the substrate, will help maintain the plantlets turgid and reduce transplant shock. Plan transplant in order to avoid the hottest hours of the day (particularly critical during warm months). The seedlings need to be transplanted to good depth, the substrate has to be pressed gently around the root system. Different species or cultivars have different cycle length to harvest. Tab. 8: General information about the cycle length of the vegetables
Species Period between
Planting and germination (day)
Germination and Transplant (days)
Transplant and harvest (days)
Lettuce 5 15-18 25-30 Tomato 6 18-22 65 Cucumber 5 15‐18 40 Eggplant 10 20‐25 75 Onion 10 30‐35 80 Chives 10 30‐35 55 Pepper 12 30‐35 80 Cabbage 7 30‐35 90 Cauliflower 7 20‐25 75 Okra 3 15 35 Coriander 7 20‐25 40
Source: Gianquinto et al. 2006
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4.3 Crop management Periodic procedures
May to October November to April September – December Structure - Both tanks have to be
always closed with a lid
- General maintenance
- Vegetables have to be shaded from the sun with palm leave. - Cover tanks with shadow material to avoid high nutrient solution
temperature. -
Nutrient Solution
- Check pH and EC of the nutrient solution at least two times a week and correct accordingly
- After sunset or before one rainfall, turn off the valve and take off the feeding tube from the lower tank to avoid nutrient solution dilutions.
- Check pH and EC of the nutrient solution at least one time a week and correct accordingly
Yearly technical procedures At least one time a year the micro‐garden system needs other care, like:
the substrate needs to be removed and replaced with a fresh one the hydraulic system needs to be washed with bleach (this operation can be simplified capping the pipe extremity (see fig.).
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4.4 Integrate pest – management Lettuce, tomate, cucumber and other vegetables are susceptible to various fungal diseases (Septoria lactucae, Cercospora longissima), bacterial diseases (Xanthomonas campestris) and pests like larvae, miner larvae, white fly and aphids. Following there are some suggestion on integrated pest and disease pest management in order to reduce the incidence of the pests and diseases on the vegetables production:
1. Start with certified, disease‐free seed. 2. Examine transplants and remove infected plants. 3. Avoid overhead irrigation if possible and minimize periods of leaf wetness. 4. Take off and put away plant debris under after harvest to hasten decomposition. 5. Control wild weeds. 6. Use organic pesticides. The table below shows some more important organic
pesticide useful for dry zone.
Name Components How to prepare... good agaist...Copper sulfate
- Cupper Sulfate ‐ 50 to 100 g;
- Lime – 50 a 100 g; - Water – 10 liters
To melt the Copper Sulfate in one 3 liters of water bucket. In other bucket with 7 liter of water to put the lime. Mix the copper sulfate with the lime and keep mixing; the solution should to be spray on the plants in the colder hours of the day (early in the morning or later in the afternoon).
Fungal and bacteria’s diseases like Septoria lactuca, Cercospora, Xanthomonas campestris (see annex 4);
Ash - Wood ash – 0,5 glass; - Water – 4 liters; - kerosene – 6 soup
spoon;
To mix the ash with water and leave the solution to rest for 24 hours. Add 6 spoons of Kerosene. Mix very well and spray on the plants.
Sucking insects and miner larvae (see annex 4);
Tobacco
- 100 gram of tobacco - 0.5 liter of alcohol - 0.5 liter water - 100 gram of soup
Mix the tobacco with alcohol and in the water and left this solution to rest for 15 days. After this period, we need to dissolve the soup in 10 liters of water as well as the solution already prepared in the same water. After this we can pulverize the plants.
Larvae, aphid and cochineal (see annex 4);
Nim 1 - 200 gram of dry seeds that should to be broke using mortar
- 200 ml of water; - 5 gram of coconut soap
(1 coffee spoon)
Put the Nim seeds (broken with mortar) in a cloth, bind it and put in the water. After 12 hours press and dissolve the soup. Now, we need to mix very well and add water up to achieve 20 liters of set. The treatment on the plant has to be done as soon as possible after preparation.
White fly, aphids, larvae, nematode (see annex 4);
Nim 2 - Green leaves of Nim or whole fruit (2 Kg)
- 15 liters of water
To break the Nim leafs or fruit using mortar and a little water. We need to leave to rest the material for one night putting a little more water. Before to use, we need to filter the solution and dilute it up to achieve 15 liters. After this we can use on the plant. This solution can be stored for 3 days.
White fly, aphids, larvae, nematode (see annex 4);
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Annex 1: Lettuce (Lactuca sativa)
• Introduction This food is a good source of Dietary Fiber, Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus and Selenium, and a very good source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Iron, Potassium and Manganese The hydroponic lettuce is a healthy food that maintains and improves human centesimal composition whilst being a product of low caloric value of easy and high durability (Silvana Ohse et al., 2001). Importance was given for the cultivation of this crop since apart from its nutritional value, lettuce completes its cycle in a 45 days. This is important since it encourages growers to enroll as producers and get introduced to the simplified hydroponics techniques. Like any other horticultural crop, the climatic conditions found in the Dry Zone are a hostile environment. Considering that the ideal temperature for lettuce growth varies from 12–210C, it can be understood that it would be impossible to grow this vegetable in an area were the annual mean temperature is 290C. However, the bottles/bamboo/bamboo system is providing good yield and high quality plants.
• Production Germination and Early growth Stage: Lettuce seeds have to be seeded in trays containing 124 cells or more each having an area of 4 cm2. Germination starts 5 days after seeding and plants are ready for transplant 15–18 days after, at the formation of the third leaf. During this period seed have to be watered three times a day and kept in a nursery which repaired the plants from the high light intensity during the warmest hours. After germination plants have to be supplied with MYA nutrient solution in the morning and in the evening and watered during the warmest hours of the day. Vegetative Stage: Seedlings are transplanted in the bottles/bamboo system at density of 21 plants m‐2. Each row of garaffas is supplied with a dripper who supplies 16 plants. Transplant is affected in late afternoon in order to reduce stress caused by the high temperatures. Plants are watered just after transplant. When leaf surface are starts to increase, the plants starts to wilt during the warmest hours of the day, for this plants are sprayed with water twice, to restore their torpor. Harvest occurs 30 days after transplant were plants are uprooted from the substrate, packed and sold or used for family consumption.
• Yield and Varietal Performance Various varieties were tried and should be tried out and observed in order to identify the variety which performed best during that particular season (dry season and rainy season).
• Disease and Damages During the wet season, which resulted in high humidity, an outbreak of cercospora could to be noticed,. Moreover, infections by a particular rincoti could also to be observed even though it wasn’t identified. However during the rainy season, cause of the low light intensity, this qualitative damage could to be more frequent.
• Final considerations Production of lettuce could to be very high if good management of greenhouse occored. especially in the dry season. This is good since it encourages communities to grow such crop.
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Annex 2:
Tomato Plant (Solanum lycopersicum)
The tomatoes can to be cultivated in both Hydroponic systems: the caixas and the garaffas pet system. Germination and early growth stage: Tomato seeds have to be sowed in the plastic trails. After germination if there are more than one plant in a single hole, is suggested to do the new transplants in a new trails in order to improve the foliar development of each plant. This is important since it increases light and permitting a better development of the plant, by decreasing the incidence of inter node elongation. Six days after seeding the plant starts to germinate and 18‐22 days after germination they are ready to be transplanted in the system (bottles system or box system). During this period the seeds are watered three times a day and kept in a nursery which repaired the plants from the high light intensity during the warmest hours. After germination plants have to be supplied with nutrient solution in the morning and in the evening and watered during the warmest hours of the day. Vegetative stage: after more or less 22 days after sowing, the plants have to be transplanted from the germination trays to the production sites being the box or bottles system. In the box system it is important to supply extra nutrient solution during the hot hours in order to ensure the good development of the roots. Once the roots are well established the plant is irrigated by watering can 3 time a days: 7:30, 11:00 and 3:00 p.m. Another important practice is to wet occasionally the substrate especially in the hours following midday. This is done to decrease substrate temperature and keep the roots at their optimal temperature. Once plants get adapted to the production site it is important to stake the plants in order to have an even distribution of the light incident on the leaves. Lateral shoot should be removed as such pruning practice helps in obtaining a higher production. In the box system system plants have to be transplanted at different densities according to the season. This is because during the dry season, plants can be planted at the density of 8 plants m‐2, this means 8 plants each box, without having considerable effects on production, however during the rainy season the density has to decrease since due to the lack of light intensity and diseases cause by high humidity which could cause a decrease of 20%. Due to the heavy rainfall which characterize this period, the box tend to get over flooded, for this it is recommended to drain water in order not to dilute the collected solution. When using the bottles/bamboo system, plants have to be transplanted at a density of 8 plants m‐
2 by putting 6 plants per row of bottles.
• Disease and Damages During the tomato cycle could to verify some problems like, irregular maturity of tomato fruits, apical necrosis, fruit epidermal breakage, curling of leaves and floral abortion that are mainly associated with the high temperatures and light intensity reached. The presence of pests and diseases should be minimal being a newly introduced culture to the environment; however during the rainy season some infestation by Peronsospora and Setoria could to cause a significant decrease of the production. Moreover, during the dry season infestations by Coccingilia could occur.
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Annex 3
1. Cucumber (Cucumis sativus)
• Introduction
The cucumber is a food with low saturated sat, and very low in cholesterol and sodium. It is also a good source of Vitamin A, Pantothenic Acid, Magnesium, Phosphorus and Manganese, and a very good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin K and Potassium. For an optimal growth a cucumber plant needs a long warm season with a minimum temperature of 18 ºC during the night and a maximum of 28 ºC with a high light intensity. Temperatures of 35ºc, as those reached in Dry Zone are far from ideal, especially when they are accompanied by low light intensity manifested during the rainy season.
• Production Cucumber seeds have to be seeded in cells of a 4 cm2 allowing a 16 cm2 area for foliar development (plastic trials). This is important since cucumber leaves have a large surface area which could result in shading other plants inhibiting development. 4 days after seeding the plant starts to germinate and 18‐20 days after germination they are ready to be transplanted. During this period the seeds are watered three times a day and kept in a nursery which repaired the plants from the high light intensity during the warmest hours. After germination plants are supplied with MYA nutrient solution in the morning and in the evening and watered during the warmest hours of the day. Vegetative Stage: On day 18 ‐ 20 the plants have to be transplanted from the germination trays to the production sites being the box or bottles/bamboo system. In the box system it is important to supply extra nutrient solution during the hot hours in order to ensure the good development of the roots. Once the roots are well established the plant is irrigated by watering can 3 time a days: 7:30, 11:00 and 3:00 p.m. Another important practice is to wet occasionally the substrate especially in the hours following midday. This is done to decrease substrate temperature and keep the roots at their optimal temperature. Once plants get adapted to the production site it is important to stake the plants in order to have an even distribution of the light incident on the leaves. Lateral shoot should be removed as such pruning practice helps in obtaining a higher production. In the box system system plants have to be transplanted at different densities according to the season. This is because during the dry season, plants can be planted at the density of 8 plants m‐2, this means 8 plants each box, without having considerable effects on production, however during the rainy season the density has to decrease since due to the lack of light intensity and diseases cause by high humidity which could cause a decrease of 20%. Due to the heavy rainfall which characterize this period, the box tend to get over flooded, for this it is recommended to drain water in order not to dilute the collected solution. When using the bottles/bamboo/bamboo/bamboo system, plants have to be transplanted at a density of 8 plants m‐2 by putting 6 plants per row of bottles/bamboo/. Early & Mature Fruiting Stage: At fruit set the plant starts demanding more water which occurs ten days after transplant. This is noticed especially in plants grown in the garaffas pet module, however the plant restore to its original form once the sun sets. The plant enters in production three – four weeks after transplant. If exposed to direct sunlight, a decrease in quality would be observed resulting in color deformity and fruit curving.
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• Disease and Damages Infestations of aphids, later identified as aphis gossypii, could be observed on leaves. However infestations should not cause a high decease in production. The factor that influenced most on the production of cucumber fruit could be the heat stress. This resulted in a complete wilting of the leaves and leading to death of the organ or the whole plant. Fruit quality could even to be effected where some cucumber are exposed to these extremes resulted in deformation and non uniform coloration. Some pest like grasshoppers could contribute to a decrease in foliar surface area, however these are easily controlled.
• Yield and final considerations If the cucumber will be well managed, and nutrient solution suppliy will be costants as well as the plant will be covered with a shadow net that decrease light intensity by at least 50%, production should be high and profitable one. However if exposed to stress for a long time, the plants will be not able to resist at adverse climate. The high production of cucumbers makes it an ideal plant to introduce it to the producing villages since they can easily grow the plant whilst generating fruits in a short period of time. This could generate income; cucumber is easily sold in villages or in the local market (Yenanjaung and Natmauk).
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Annex 4 Main pests and diseases in Hydroponics vegetables production
Name Photos Cercospora longissima
Sclerotinia Minor Sclerotinia sclerotiorum
Aphids (Aphis gossypii)
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Name Photos Cochineal (Planococcus citri)
Miner larvae
White fly
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