Advanced Research Integration
The BCRDWC System
Understanding requirements
Years of research and development have been incorporated to understand the root zone requirements in deep-water culture, leading to:
Root Bio Requirement
A thorough understanding of the biological needs of plant roots throughout the cultivation period, based on recent advances in plant nutrient science.
Biochemical Interactions
Insights into the biochemical interactions between plant root hair cells, intracellular bacteria, and beneficial symbionts, improving the overall health and productivity of the plants.
Introduction to BCRDWC Root Ball Mass Sponge
High Tech Greens (HTG) is proud to present the BCRDWC hydroponic system, innovatively designed to foster the formation of what we term a Root Ball Mass Sponge (RBMS). This system enhances root development within predetermined root zone containers, tailored to the specific root size required by cultivated plant species. Herein, we provide a brief exploration of RBMS formation, its benefits, and our ongoing research to optimise BCRDWC cultivation.
Formation of the Root Ball Mass SpongE
Optimal Root Zone Sizing
Our research reveals that the root zone size is crucial for maximising resource input efficiency, such as water and nutrients. For instance, a 1.8-meter-tall plant in a 5-litre root zone container would suffer nutrient deficiency due to constrained root growth. Conversely, a 1.2-meter plant in a 50-litre container would experience root buffeting, inhibiting RBMS formation and mycorrhiza colonisation. Thus, achieving the correct balance of root zone size to plant expected growth is essential for optimal system design.
Metamorphic Root Development
In the BCRDWC system, roots do not need to extend deep into a substrate to scavenge for nutrients and water. Instead, they undergo a metamorphic process upon contact with the nutrient solution. This process involves rapid geometric splitting and the formation of a fine root ball structure, significantly different from root development in traditional substrate-based cultivation.
Monitoring Root Mass Development
Throughout the cultivation period, we measure root mass displacement to understand RBMS development. Initial measurements at 14 days post-transplant show a root displacement figure, Subsequent measurements illustrate exponential growth, providing valuable insights into species-specific root development. By tracking these changes, we can monitor plant health and progress, particularly noting the RBMS formation one-third through the crop cycle. This formation peaks at two-thirds of the way, aligning with maximum fruit and flower production.
Structural Composition of the Root Ball Mass Sponge
- 1200µm: 2%
- 1000µm: 4%
- 800µm: 6%
- 600µm: 8%
- 500µm: 15%
- 400µm: 25%
- 200µm: 40%
- 1200µm: 2%
- 1000µm: 4%
- 800µm: 6%
- 600µm: 8%
- 500µm: 15%
- 400µm: 25%
- 200µm: 40%
Through multiple cycles of testing and improvements, we refined our system to meet these goals, addressing key challenges such as flow control, nutrient distribution, and system scalability.
Benefits of the Root Ball Mass Sponge
The BCRDWC system’s unique environment results in a root structure with significantly more fine and ultra-fine roots, enhancing nutrient and water acquisition. This enhancement leads to improved plant health, faster crop turnaround, and increased yield quality. The cascading nutrient delivery system ensures that the RBMS remains highly active, continually supplying the plant’s needs.
Conclusion
The BCRDWC hydroponic system facilitates the formation of a Root Ball Mass Sponge, characterised by a high percentage of fine and ultra-fine roots. This formation differs markedly from traditional cultivation methods, providing enhanced nutrient acquisition and significantly improving crop yield and quality. HTG continues to refine this innovative system, contributing to the advancement of hydroponic cultivation.