Smart Hydroponic Grow System increases production by 40% Interview with Giovanni Lutri, producer from Scicli (RG)
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ne of the main problems affecting growers is the loss of soil vitality. Coir is applied to deal with this but, as irrigation strategies are often unsuitable, this technique does not always reach its full potential. Obtaining active plants with a higher production potential is the objective of the Smart Hydroponic Grow System, an example of innovative technology and an Innovation Hub 2020 Awards finalist within the Fruit Attraction LIVEConnect fair. Projar, producer of the Cocopeat and GoldenGrow brands, developed this system and tested it in Spain with a documented increase in production of up to 40% during the first year and 30% during the second year. The model is suitable for all types of soil and combines the advantages of traditional cultivation with those of hydroponic cultivation. The increase in productivity of the crops is closely connected to the fertigation strategies applied and adapted to the different nutritional and water needs of plants during the various phenological phases. Due to the great results obtained 18
The model is suitable for all types of soil and combines the advantages of traditional cultivation with those of hydroponic cultivation. in Spain, now this solution moves to Italy managed by Agrochimica and Agriblu, both partners of Projar and leading nursery companies who focus on innovation and new technologies to improve the production and profitability of their clients. Producer Giovanni Lutri, owner of a company in Scicli (Ragusa), revolutionized the traditional cultivation method by introducing the Smart Hydroponic Grow System. FreshPlaza interviewed him to learn more about his experience.
Why did you choose to try this new system? We had been looking for a solution to make our work easier and increase production for some time. After learning about this system and the results in Spain, we decided to make the change. What improvements have you noticed in your production?
There were many improvements and they were all noticeable already during the first transplant phases. It is a different way of working, What problems did you encounter much more efficient and focused before implementing this new on the productive performance of system? the crop. Since coir was introduced and the irrigation strategy was I mainly had problems in implemented, we have observed homogenizing the subsoil, an improvement in the growth which had unavoidable negative and development of plants. What consequences on the quality of is more, the produce is developing plants and their productivity. more uniformly and it is growing Production areas were irregular, more rapidly and sustainably. so a lot of time and energy was spent to sort and level them. What Have you noticed positive is more, irrigation was organized changes from the point of view of in a way that did not keep into production? consideration the specific needs of the soil or plants. Yes. The root system colonizes the www.namfarmers.com.na
