Recirculated Nutrigation™ systems are revolutionizing modern hydroponics and soilless media cultivation by maximizing efficiency and sustainability. These systems operate on a closed-loop principle: drain water is collected, replenished with nutrients, and returned to the irrigation system. This approach conserves resources while maintaining optimal plant nutrition.
Understanding the Process
In hydroponic and soilless systems, nutrient solutions are infused into the irrigation line or hydroponic bed. These solutions are carefully formulated to meet the plant need according to the growth stage and environmental conditions.
As plants absorb nutrients, the solution becomes depleted, and its composition changes. To reuse the drain water effectively, nutrients must be replenished, restoring the desired concentrations.
The nutrient replenishment depends on two key factors:
- Drain ratio: The volume of water entering the system compared to the drain volume.
- Nutrient uptake efficiency: The percentage of nutrients absorbed by the plants.
Before returning the solution for recirculation, it’s critical to ensure the composition matches the crop's needs.
Environmental and Regulatory Benefits
Recirculated fertigation systems are not only resource-efficient but also environmentally friendly, reducing water and fertilizer waste to nearly zero. In regions like Northern Europe, where regulations prohibit discharging nutrient-rich drain water, recirculated systems are a necessity. This regulatory compliance drives their adoption worldwide.
Advanced Solutions with NutriNet™ Reci
The NutriNet™ Reci module, integrated into the NutriNet™ Nutrigation™ management tool, offers advanced capabilities for closed-loop systems. This module calculates the precise fertilizer concentrations required to restore nutrient balance in recirculated systems.
Key features include:
- Customized calculations: Based on crop nutrient requirements and drain water composition.
- External data integration: The module relies on the advanced database from Wageningen University, a leading institution in agricultural research.
The NutriNet™ Reci module performs calculations using the eBAB algorithm, linked via API to Wageningen's digital 'Bemestings Adviesbasis' (eBAB) book. This cutting-edge algorithm accounts for:
- Plant growth stage
- Drainage water analysis
- Source water composition
By leveraging decades of research, the algorithm ensures accurate, up-to-date nutrient recommendations, enabling growers to fine-tune nutrient management throughout the growing season.
Managing Challenges: Ion Accumulation
One challenge in recirculated systems is the buildup of unwanted ions, such as sodium and chloride. These ions are not absorbed by plants and can accumulate, leading to:
- Increased salinity
- Specific ion toxicity
- Impaired uptake of essential nutrients
To mitigate this, it’s essential to use fertilizers with minimal unwanted ion concentrations, such as Multi-K™ Reci and Haifa Cal™ Prime.
These specialized fertilizers ensure optimal nutrient uptake while minimizing the risk of ion accumulation, preserving plant health and system efficiency.
To summarise, recirculated Nutrigation™ systems represent the future of sustainable agriculture, maximizing resource use and minimizing environmental impact. With the NutriNet™ Reci advanced tool like and the eBAB algorithm, growers can achieve precise, data-driven nutrient management. Coupled with low-toxicity fertilizers, these systems enable healthier plants, higher yields, and a greener planet.