PRELIMINARY EVALUATION OF A HYDROPONIC RECIRCULATING NUTRIENT SYSTEM FOR GERBERA CULTIVATION

In order to assess the difficulties involved in construction and management of a non-soil cultivation system, a pilot simplified recirculating nutrient solution system for gerbera cultivation was set up and evaluated. For the trial, several new lines of gerbera were cultivated in small channels, using perlite as inert medium. Nutrient solution was distributed by drip hosepipe. Drainage water was collected in an underground catchment tank equipped with an automatic tap water refill device. Automated adjustment of recirculating solution pH and electrical conductivity was installed. Preliminary data obtained to date suggest that the system offers good possibility of further development, above all on account of its low cost and simple management.