Use Sub-Irrigation to Enhance Your Greenhouse Operation
Sub-irrigation systems, also known as zero runoff, are an environmentally responsibly alternative that conserve water and fertilizers. They are being installed by greenhouse growers to improve product quality, achieve more uniform growth, and increase production efficiency.
In sub-irrigation systems, water and nutrient solution provided at the base of the container rises by capillary action through holes in the bottom and is absorbed by the growing media. These systems are adaptable to crops grown in pots or flats.
Our innovative technology provides a quick responding irrigation cycle time which is critical to greater control of nutrient uptake, timing, and prevents oversoaking. Our Flood Floor and Cascade Floor systems save water, energy, fertilizer and reduce labor costs by up to 95%.
Advantages of zero runoff systems
- Water and nutrient solutions are contained and recycled
- Water and fertilizer usage decrease at least 50% over conventional systems
- Uniform watering of all containers
- Pot size and placement can be easily changed
- More vigorous plant growth
- Foliage remains dry
- Labor input is reduced
Sub-Irrigation Systems
Flood Floors
Most commonly used in a facility with no aisles, leaving the entire area for plants. Floor heat is installed to provide rapid drying of the floor surface when the water is drained and to provide an ideal rootzone temperature. The finished floor slopes about ½ to ¾ inch from the post line to the center of the bay. A quick responding irrigation cycle time is critical to greater control of nutrient uptake and prevents oversoaking.
Cascade Floors
BioTherm’s Cascade Floor irrigation systems create a thin sheet of water that flows evenly down an imperceptible slope from ridge to drain, uniformly distributing moisture for a homogenous crop. Our Flood Floor and Cascade Floor systems save water, energy, fertilizer and reduce labor costs by up to 95%.