"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?

Jim Webster

James Curts





Systems such as the Australians use which are outdoors, of a gutter type
supported on metal frames are not expensive to set up. The gutters which are
about a $1.50 to 2.25 per foot, I am guessing here as I am a long way from
there, are a significant expense while the other major expenses would be
handling, cooling, packaging and shipping. Pumps, nutrient mixing and
storage equipment are also of consequence.

When setting up a greenhouse system which is more common the costs escalate
in part because a controlled environment must be established and
maintained at all times. Commercial greenhouse systems are computer
controlled in practically every aspect from heating/cooling, supplemental
grow light timing, nutrient mixing/feeding and in some instances even the
continual movement of the plant containers along the tables.

A single 3000+ square foot greenhouse could go as high as $40,000+ for a
top of the line ready to plant seeds system. This probably would not include
cooling for harvested produce and of course nothing beyond that point in the
delivery to market. It is a good indication of the production one must
expect in order to pay out on an investment of this nature. The single house
must be handled quite expertly and often with specialized crops to enter
into the commercial market with any degree of success. without some
supplemental income.

They are not an el cheapo project when on a commercial standing. They do
certainly shine when considering that produce comes out of these places all
year long and is of top quality and in amounts which surpass conventional
growing methods many times over

The systems which are introduced in some disadvantaged situations are very
rudimentary, though functional and productive in varying degrees depending
on the diligence of operation, quality of available water, etc. and are
generally outdoors and seasonal.

Quite a study of course but getting to be a serious consideration for more
of the evolving nations and their people.

James Curts