The aim of the Spanish institute IMIDRA (Madrid Institute for Rural, Agrarian and Food Research and Development) is that hotels and restaurants in Madrid can supply itself for 100% with locally grown, quality strawberries. Strawberry grower Fernando Alcazar is one of the first that joins in this initiative. A new installation that raises his crop helps him to grow his strawberries with a better drainage and makes harvesting more comfortable for his workers.
Fernando Alcazar with Madrid growing company De la Huerta de Aranjuez has installed the HS Evolution System of the local supplier Hydroponic Systems. This system is designed specifically to combine the advantages of the Spacer, giving aerated support to the substrate slabs, with a traditional, elevated metal gutter, ensuring a great sturdiness.
Fast installation
The system can be used with height-adjustable floor supports and in a hanging version and Fernando opted for the floor support.
To install the system, the posts were buried every three meters, following the instructions of Hydroponic Systems. Fernando is delighted with the strength of the posts as he does not find any issues regarding the load. "No inclination or buckling issues have appeared," he says.
According to Fernando, the assembly process of HS Evolution System as a whole was quite easy. He followed the instructions to place the clips that ensure the support of the irrigation tube and also fix the Spacer to the Metal Gutter. "This separation between the substrate bag and the gutter also helps to clean and disinfect the gutter faster and more efficiently during the growing phase without removing the bags", he shows.
Lifted crop
And possibly even more important, Fernando is very happy with the results of his lifted crop. He told us that the plants remain also free of diseases. "This is thanks to the distance between the growbag and the drainages achieved by the Spacer. The drainages circulate perfectly without stagnation and the roots never touch the drain."
The height of the posts allows for an easier and safer harvesting of the strawberries, so Fernando and the collectors does not have to bend over. “The quality and efficiency of this system is marvelous”, said Fernando. “I am very happy with HS Evolution System”.
Hydroponic Systems
Murcia, Spain
[email protected]
+34 968 89 81 81
www.hydroponicsystems.eu
De La Huerta De Aranjuez
www.delahuertadearanjuez.es