History
Hydroponics was practiced many centuries ago in Amazon, Babylon, Egypt, and India where ancient men used dissolved manure to grow cucumber, watermelons and other vegetables in sandy riverbeds. The “Hanging Gardens of Babylon” and the Aztec’s floating farms were actually prototypes of hydroponic systems. Later, when plant physiologists started to grow plants with specific nutrients for experimental purposes, they gave the name “nutriculture”..
In 1929, Dr. William F. Gericke of the University of California succeeded in growing tomato vines of 7.5 m height in nutrient solutions. He named this new production system “hydroponics” a word derived from Greek to reflect the importance of ‘Hydros’ (water) and ‘Ponos’ (working). Thus, hydroponics broke the laboratory bounds and entered the world of practical horticulture. The term hydroponics originally meant nutrient solution culture. However, crop growing in inert solid media using nutrient solution is also included in hydroponics in broad sense.
Classification of Hydroponics
1. Solution culture or Liquid hydroponics
a) Circulating methods (closed system)
Nutrient film technique (NFT)
Deep flow technique (DFT)
b) Non-circulating method (open systems)
Root dipping technique
Floating technique
Capillary action technique
2. Solid media culture (Aggregate systems) – These can be open systems or closed systems:
-Hanging bag technique
-Grow bag technique
-Trench or trough technique
-Pot technique
3. Aeroponics
-Root mist technique
-Fog feed technique
Two part Hydroponic nutrients: “Alpha to Omega“
ECO Bini packages a unique 2 part water soluble hydroponic nutrients that are proudly South African and registered in accordance with Act 36 of 1947 (Agricultural Remedies and Stock Remedies Act), click on picture to get more info on Nutrient Deficiencies that may afflict crops, and advised remedies.
It outside the scope of page to give a full explanation of hydroponic systems as this is fast becoming a field on its own. A simple concise ‘starter’ Blog is included in SouthPoint eSolutions, “Hydroponics in a nutshell“
Hydroponic Hothouses
DIY Greenhouse kits
We make greenhouse kits up on request, all you need to do is let know proposed length and will manufacture all fittings and Shade Net sections for you. You just need to buy the 40mm ePVC and conduit 20mm pipes from local hardware shop [use the 6 meter lengths as is]. The only hardware you require for installation is star-point/Phillips screwdriver [cordless drill works best] and soft rubber mallet.
These are designed to fit off Viba-Crete wall on one side and on the other side embedded at 90 degrees. This will give a full axis 4 meter wide hothouse/greenhouse.
You just need to tell us the length and will send quote.
