pepper

GROWERS GUIDE

Hydroponic system checklist

The following items should be checked on a daily basis

Plants

● Check top and underside of foliage for likely signs of disease, insects or nutrient deficiency. Also check other vulnerable areas such as buds and the stem base.

● Cut any dead, dying or diseased foliage and promptly remove from the growing area.

● Conduct any necessary shaping or training of foliage.

● Ensure foliage is properly supported (via string, netting or stakes), and support mechanism is not damaging the stem or foliage.

● Ensure foliage is not being unduly shaded by other plants.

● Check roots/medium at various points for signs of disease i.e. brown roots, insects or over/under watering. Confirm that roots are not “root-bound”.

Nutrient system

● Ensure nutrient schedule appropriate for the current phase of growth.

● Ensure feed frequency (pump timer) and volume is appropriate for the current conditions – especially during heatwaves.

● Check pump and timer are working properly.

● Check feed outlets (drippers) are not blocked.

● Check nutrient/water/pump filters and clean if necessary.

● Check for plumbing leaks.

● Check nutrient is not pooling in trays/channels/pots.

● Check drainage outlets are not being blocked by roots.

● Empty the run-to-waste collection container.

● Check/adjust EC. For recirculating systems, add top-up water if needed.

● Apply routine additives (e.g. disinfectants) as required.

● Check/adjust pH between 5.0 and 6.5. For recirculating systems, set pH generally no higher than 6.0.

● Check nutrient temperature is between 20-25OC (68-77OF).

● Recirculating systems: Discard, flush and replace old nutrient every 7-14 days. Do every 7 days, or as required, if using hard/salty water.

● Run-to-waste systems: Flush medium at least every 7 days (p61).

Lighting

● Check for signs of leaf burn on foliage closest to the lamp.

● Check for signs of insufficient light e.g. sparse foliage, spindly branches. A light meter can be used to verify if lighting is the cause of these symptoms.

● Check timer is correctly programmed for the given phase of growth.

● Check temperature of electrical connections/plugs for signs of arcing or burning.

● Use a light meter periodically to check if lights are working to specification.

Ventilation

● Check maximum and minimum data on thermometers and hygrometers. Ensure both day (~25OC/77OF) and night temperature (15-20OC / 59-68OF) and humidity (50-70%) is appropriate.

● Ensure oscillating fans are covering all foliage, especially those closest to the lamp.

● Check temperature of electrical connections/ plugs for signs of arcing or burning.

● Check air filters and clean if necessary.

General

● Keep surfaces clean from dust, dirt and spillages. Remove any waste material from the growing area.

● Conduct any necessary foliar spraying. 

[Growers Guide Main Index]