"Jill" wrote in message
...

"Jim Webster" wrote in message
...

"James Curts" wrote in message
et...
.

We use hydroponic systems in the disadvantaged areas because they are
simple
to set up, use relatively little water, produce much quicker and
several
times more volume than dirt farming. Also orientation is surprisingly
simplified because there are no machines to operate and service and
very
few
people are required to maintain a system keeping the training process
to
a
minimum.

I give hydroponics high marks for being in the forefront of the food
producing industry as we move more rapidly into a world in which food
is
a
cost and availability issue for everyone. Hydroponics will be the life
saver
of many in 3rd world nations as help becomes more available and
accepted.

Thank you

how does the capital cost of starting up a Hydroponics system compare
with
a
more conventional system?

depends on the Hydroponics
There is the expensive what is used in commercial horticulture
and there is a very good set up that costs very little
ideal for the 3rd world but not been picked up and run with
- works on the basis of rain gutters or similar - a fair amount of
perlite -
a solar pump - and some white and shiny plastic.
Unfortunately the only person to make this work extremely well is not in
the
position to make this pay
but boy does it work

--
Jill Bowis

http://www.poultryscotland.co.uk http://www.henhouses.co.uk
http://www.domesticducks.co.uk http://www.poultry-books.co.uk
http://www.kintaline.co.uk/cottage

Jim Webster

James Curts







I would be curious to know who this one person is, Jill. This gutter system
with only slight variations is used in many of the commercial, home and
hobby set ups. Even larger plant crops including cucumbers and tomatoes are
grown in gutter type systems utilizing larger gutters. This is especially
true of recirculating systems.

The Australian lettuce and greens growers use gutter systems out doors and
often with only bird netting over them. Their crops are, of course, quite
seasonal but very successful.

Gordon Creaser is a great proponent of perlite growing media and it is used
in many rather large systems which he designs and often in a bag and
sometimes in tables, etc..

Hydroponics systems work and are very productive but on a commercial scale
do require a higher degree of sophistication in training and equipment.

James Curts