Hydroponic systems with closed-loop fertigation dramatically reduce losses from evaporation and deep percolation. In well-designed recirculating setups, total water use can drop by roughly 80–90% compared to conventional open-field irrigation, while enabling precise delivery of nutrients to the rhizosphere.
How the savings happen
- Recirculation: Drain solution is collected, filtered/UV-treated, corrected, and reused.
- Targeted delivery: Emitters deliver exactly at the root zone; minimal run-off.
- Protected environment: Lower evaporative demand than open field.
Design essentials
- Accurate dosing: EC/pH control with reliable sensors and periodic calibration.
- Sanitation: Filtration + UV/Ozone to suppress root-borne pathogens in recirculated solution.
- Scheduling: Pulse irrigation based on drain % and solar radiation.
🔎 Indicator to watch: Maintain drain between 15–30% (crop/season dependent). Persistent zero-drain risks salt build-up.
Yield and quality upside
Precision fertigation improves uniformity, reduces blossom-end issues in cucumbers/tomatoes, and enhances shelf life when combined with hygienic harvest and cold-chain.
Startup checklist
- Size the tank for at least 1–1.5 irrigation cycles.
- Install filtration + UV, and keep a bypass for maintenance.
- Log EC/pH of supply and drain daily; adjust stock A/B as needed.
- Schedule periodic nutrient solution refresh (partial dump & refill).