The floating raft system hydroponic is a well established technology that has been utilized by growers since 2001-2002. This technique offers several advantages, including low production costs, stable root zone temperatures, and minimal maintenance requirements, making it an ideal choice for growers.
Floating raft hydroponic can be implemented in cement or fiber tanks, or other modified structures such as tables. The raft used in this floating raft hydroponic system is made of Styrofoam and measures 80 cm x 60 cm with a thickness of 2 cm. It contains 45 planting holes. A table measuring 9 m x 6 m can accommodate up to 450 planting holes.
The water level in the tub is set at 20-25 cm, or up to 30-35 cm depending on the depth of the tub or table. The Styrofoam raft is placed in the tub and will float.
The main principle of floating raft hydroponic is to have the cultivated plants float on the nutrient solution. Suitable plants for cultivation using floating raft hydroponics include kale, pakcoy, cauliflower, and caisim.
The nutrient source for floating raft hydroponic is AB mix nutrients, which can be placed in a 500 liter tank buried in the ground to keep the water cooler. The nutrient solution is transported through a pipe into a tub or table with the aid of a pump. The soaking process is repeated eight times a day, with each soaking lasting approximately 15 minutes.
