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How the Autopot Works
The Principle: To Each Plant According to its Needs The Autopot systems are designed so that the individual plants
in their individual containers can dictate when they get their nutrient
solution, according to their ever changing needs. A wide range of
different plants in Autopot systems will each take on water at totally different
times and cycles, rather than being tied to an automated cycle.
This brilliant method relies on one small piece of equipment that is cheap to
run and very reliable
View
the Smart Valve Mk2 Function flash.
Let's use an example to explain. Imagine you have two
plants, one a young seedling, the other a large mature plant. The mature
plant may require four times more water during the day than the small seedling.
In an Autopot system, this is no problem - both plants will receive a wet and
dry cycle according to their own needs (without the use of complex electronic
equipment). So each plant will become virtually dry again before the water
is replenished, and as nature intended both of your plants will flourish.
 Advantages of the Autopot System
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Nutrient Efficiency
Every drop of nutrient delivered via the Smart Valve to the growing container
is available to the plant. Application rate is accurate with no run-off. Thus there is no necessity
for recycling of nutrient solution.
Irrigating According to Demand
The timing of every irigation cycle (wet/dry) is determined by
the plant. As a result it is always accurate right through the year, even though nutrient
solution consumption of the plants varies constantly - by the hour.
Electricity Supply Not Crucial
The automating forces for the working of the Smart Valve derive either
from gravity in the case of a tank fed system, or in-line water pressure generated by the pressure
switch pump. No electricity or batteries are needed to drive the individual Smart Valve - it is purely
a mechanical device which determines exactly when to turn on and off the nutrient supply with perfect
timing.
Inexpensive to Buy and Maintain
The low cost of the Smart Valve, along with the fact that no electircity
is required to run it, means that the Autopot Hydro-Pak systems are cheap to maintain, both in terms of
money and time. Also, Autopot systems have no problem working with thin walled tubing as they work on low
water pressures. Thin walled tubing is an inexpensive form of irrigation tubing.
Self-Scheduling
Conventional hydroponic systems, especially the drip systems, require expertise in
scheduling an irrigating programme. They rely on human judgement for interpretation of the needs of the
average plant. The Autopot systems do not need any human intervention in scheduling nutrient requirements
to the plant. The Smart Valve has the capacity to service the individual plant. The
Smart Valve operates
automatically and easily with no fuss at all and yet is able to meet the plant's ever-changing needs right
through the year, be it winter or summer.
Water Conservation
The cost of purification or supply of good quality water is one that increases as time
goes by. Being highly efficient in water usage, Autopot systems are least effected by rising costs of
water.
Avoidance of Recycling Costs
Particularly where legislative or financial constraints dictate the
elimination of pollution by runoff or the cost of water supply is high. the Autopot systems are truly
ideal. The systems require no capital costs for pumps, ponds, disposal or treatment.
Reduced Risk of Root Diseases
As the plants are individually separated and fed the nutrient solution is
used only once, the risk of root disease is minimised.
User Friendly
Autopot Systems are user friendly. No plumbing or specialist job is needed to install and
maintain a system (even if you want to install a large commercial system). Anyone should be able to
install it easily and quickly with a few simple tools such as a knife and a pair of scissors.
The Hydroponic Warehouse
Shop 3, 73 Pickering Street, Enoggera
Brisbane QLD Australia
(Opposite Enoggera Bowls Club.)
Phone: +61 (07) 3354 1588 Fax: +61 (07) 3354 3622
E-mail: tonyl@bigpond.net.au
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