CAPSICUM TRIALS WITH AUTOPOT SYSTEMS

Valley Grown Nurseries Ltd  undertook the trial and evaluation of the Autopot Systems

The trial started in early January 2003 and is currently still ongoing.

The trial although only small is being studied to evaluate the possibility of a commercial trial for 2004. A trial within a trial will look at the various types of growing media which on the face of it tends to confuse the main aim of the trial but deemed necessary to consider the viability of using a suitable media with the Autopot System.

The overriding factor that needs consideration is that this is not a scientific trial as such and should be viewed as a concept no data or recording has been collated. It is a look-see trial. Further consideration needs to be given with regard to pot design for specific use. Careful choice of substrate is paramount for early crop establishment and crop nutrient availability (capillary action with some of the substrates or lack of).

The system is one of ultimate simplicity, water delivered via a pre-mixed stock tank and irrigated by plant demand and not as is traditionally done by a dripper system watered when you think plants need water. The obvious advantages of the system is of cost saving on expensive run to waste drainage systems up to 30% excess water is necessary to maintain crop nutrition and plant demand. There is a theoretical and immediate 30% saving on fertilizer and water which in some situations is critical to continuation of the business.

The other advantage is that of the environment and consideration where no excess water is generated in what is a sealed and enclosed system.

There are some questions that needs further consideration with regard to water uptake, water delivered EC/pH in the substrate the buffer in relation to water availability and possible nutrient deficiencies.

There is however no obvious signs of any deficiency or growth problems with the trial compared with the standard crop and one would be hard pushed to differentiate the trials from the main crop (taking into consideration the obvious differences between the substrate trials).

This system is in keeping with our philosophies on ideals and certainly worthy of further consideration and look forward in developing the system further with ourselves and Jason to our specific needs.