Nutrition Automation in Soilless Farming: Professional Fertilization in Cocopeat
If you are practicing soilless farming in a cocopeat medium, it means you keep the nutrition of your plants completely under your control. However, this control also brings a great responsibility. When you use automatic nutrition systems instead of dealing with manual fertilization, both your yield increases and your work becomes easier. So, how does automatic fertilization work in soilless farming and why is it so important?
In this article, you will learn professional fertilization methods in the cocopeat medium, the importance of pH and EC control, and how Esular Smart Agro automatic fertilization systems will provide you with an advantage.
What is Cocopeat and Why is it Preferred in Soilless Farming?
Cocopeat is an organic growing medium obtained by processing coconut husks. It is one of the most preferred substrates in soilless farming, and the reasons for this are quite clear.
Basic Features of Cocopeat
- High Water Holding Capacity: Can hold up to 9 times its dry weight in water
- Excellent Aeration: Facilitates oxygen access to the roots, reducing the risk of root rot
- Neutral pH Value: Natural pH is between 5.5-6.4, ideal for most plants
- Long-lasting: Can be used for 3-5 years
- Environmentally Friendly: An organic and renewable resource
- Economic: More cost-effective compared to other substrates
Productions Made with Cocopeat
Products successfully grown in cocopeat medium include strawberries, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, lettuce, and various flower types. Especially widely used in greenhouse production and hydroponic systems.
💡 INTERESTING INFO
While an average yield of 400-800 grams is obtained in strawberry production in open fields, a yield between 1-3 kg can be obtained with soilless farming in a cocopeat medium. This means almost 4 times more production!
The Critical Role of Nutrition in Soilless Farming
Unlike soil-based farming, in a cocopeat medium, plants receive their nutrients entirely from the nutrient solution you prepare. This situation is both an advantage and a situation that requires attention.
Why is Manual Fertilization Not Enough?
Challenges encountered in the manual fertilization method:
- Time Loss: Preparing fertilizer before each irrigation can take hours
- Human Error: Measurement errors can harm the plant
- Inconsistency: It is difficult to provide the same concentration every time
- No 24/7 Control Possibility: Fertilization cannot be done at night or on days off
- Inefficient Fertilizer Use: Over or under-fertilization wastes your resources
pH and EC: The Keys to Success
The most critical parameters in soilless farming are pH and EC (Electrical Conductivity) values. These two values directly affect the health of your plants.
| Parameter | Ideal Range | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.5-6.5 | Determines the accessibility of nutrient elements |
| EC (Tomato) | 2.0-3.5 mS/cm | Indicates nutrient concentration |
| EC (Strawberry) | 0.8-2.2 mS/cm | Affects fruit quality |
| EC (Cucumber) | 1.8-2.8 mS/cm | Controls growth rate |
⚠️ CRITICAL WARNING
Sudden changes in pH and EC values in a cocopeat medium cause plant stress much faster than in soil systems. Because the buffering capacity of cocopeat is very low. Therefore, continuous monitoring is a must!
Advantages of Automatic Fertilization Systems
In modern soilless farming, automatic fertilization systems are no longer a luxury but have become a necessity. Here are the reasons:
Increase in Yield and Quality
- 30-40% Yield Increase: With optimum nutrition, plants reach their full potential
- Product Quality: Homogeneous and quality products are obtained
- Resistance to Diseases: Well-nourished plants are more resistant to diseases
Resource Savings
- 25% Fertilizer Savings: Fertilizer waste is prevented with precise dosing
- 30% Water Savings: Irrigation is done as much as needed
- Reduced Labor: Manual intervention is minimized
Time Gain and Convenience
- 24/7 Automatic Operation: The system continues to work even when you are not there
- Remote Monitoring: You can control it from your phone
- Alarm System: You are immediately notified when there is a problem
Esular Smart Agro: Professional Solution for Cocopeat
Esular Smart Agro fertilization systems are fertigation solutions specifically designed for producers practicing soilless farming in a cocopeat medium. The system can control 4 different fertilizer tanks independently and automatically adjusts pH-EC values.
Features of the Smart Agro System
- 4-Channel Fertilizer Management: Separate pump control for each fertilizer tank
- Automatic pH Adjustment: Adjusts pH with acid dosage
- EC Control: Continuously measures and adjusts nutrient concentration
- Wireless Connection: LoRa/LoRaWAN, WiFi, GSM support
- Smart Irrigation Integration: Works synchronously with irrigation programs
- 4000 Liters/Hour Capacity: Sufficient for large facilities
How Does It Work?
The Smart Agro system continuously monitors the pH and EC values of the nutrient solution. When there is a deviation from the set values, it automatically activates the fertilizer and acid pumps to bring the values to the ideal level. All this process happens without user intervention. https://store.esular.com/otomatik-sivi-gubreleme-sistemi-smart-agro-serisi-0
Using Smart Agro in Cocopeat Medium: Step by Step
1. System Installation
Installation of the Smart Agro system is quite simple. It is connected to your main water source, fertilizer tanks are integrated into the system, and sensors are placed in the nutrient solution line. The Esular technical team provides installation support.
2. Cocopeat Preparation
Cocopeat blocks should be opened by wetting them with clean water before use. On average, a 5 kg cocopeat block takes up to 70 liters of volume when opened with 45 liters of water. It is recommended to wash to clean excess salts in the first use.
3. Initial Settings
You determine the target pH and EC values through the mobile application according to the type of plant you will grow. The system starts to operate automatically by taking these values as a reference.
4. Programming According to Growth Stages
As plants grow, their nutrient needs change. With Smart Agro, you can define different programs for different growth stages.
| Growth Stage | EC Value (Tomato) | Fertilizer Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Seedling Period | 1.0-1.5 mS/cm | Low concentration |
| Vegetative Growth | 2.0-2.5 mS/cm | Medium concentration |
| Flowering/Fruit | 2.5-3.5 mS/cm | High concentration |
5. Remote Monitoring
You can control your system from anywhere with the Esular mobile application. You can see instantaneous pH, EC, temperature values, analyze historical data, and intervene when necessary.
Sensor Technology: The Foundation of Precision Measurement
The heart of Smart Agro is the pH and EC sensors. These sensors continuously monitor the quality of the nutrient solution, ensuring the system makes the right decisions.
Smart pH-EC Sensor Features
- Wide Measurement Range: pH 0.00-14.00, EC 0.00-19.99 mS/cm
- Two-Point Calibration: Precise and reliable measurement
- Wireless Data Transmission: LoRa technology with 5 km range
- Rechargeable Battery: Up to 7 days operation during power outage
- 12-24V Operation: Flexible power source option
https://store.esular.com/otomatik-sivi-gubreleme-sistemi-smart-agro-serisi-0
Cost and Return on Investment
Automatic fertilization systems require an investment, but the return is quite fast:
Savings Items
- 25% reduction in fertilizer costs
- 30% drop in water consumption
- Significant reduction in labor costs
- Income increase with yield increase
- Price advantage with product quality improvement
In a medium-scale greenhouse (1000-2000 m²), the Smart Agro system usually pays for itself within 12-24 months.
Maintenance and Long-lasting Use
Smart Agro systems require minimum maintenance:
Regular Maintenance Schedule
- Weekly: Visual inspection and cleaning of sensor probes
- Monthly: Inspection of fertilizer tanks and pump systems
- 3-Monthly: Filter cleaning and general system inspection
- 6-Monthly: Sensor calibration (with calibration solutions)
- Annual: Professional maintenance with Esular technical service
💼 SERVICE WARRANTY
Smart Agro products come with a 2-year full warranty. Technical service is free for the first year, and the spare parts warranty is 10 years. Esular offers a 24-hour spare parts delivery guarantee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the Smart Agro system only suitable for greenhouses?
A: No! Smart Agro systems can be used in greenhouses as well as open-field soilless farming, hydroponic production, strawberry tunnels, vertical farming, and even commercial plant production facilities. It is a solution adaptable to every environment.
Q: Can it be integrated into my existing irrigation system?
A: Yes, Smart Agro is easily integrated into most irrigation systems. It is compatible with drip irrigation, sprinkler, and NFT systems. The Esular technical team performs a compatibility analysis before installation.
Q: Can it be used in media other than cocopeat?
A: Absolutely! Smart Agro can be used in perlite, rock wool, vermiculite, and all other substrate types. It also works perfectly in liquid culture (DWC, NFT) systems.
Q: What happens in a power outage?
A: Smart pH-EC sensors are equipped with a built-in rechargeable Li-ion battery and continue to collect data for up to 7 days during a power outage. The fertilization unit can also operate during short-term outages.
Q: Does it work without internet?
A: Yes! The system also works locally without an internet connection. However, internet is required for remote access, historical data analysis, and cloud features. Thanks to LoRa/LoRaWAN technology, it can also work in areas without WiFi.
Q: Can it be used in organic farming?
A: Yes! Smart Agro is compatible with all organic-certified liquid fertilizers. The system operates in accordance with organic farming standards and has the necessary certifications.
Q: For how much area is the system sufficient?
A: Smart Agro is offered in different capacities. Smart Agro Mini is ideal for small-medium enterprises, and Smart Agro Maxi is ideal for medium-large enterprises. The Esular technical team performs a capacity calculation specific to your enterprise.
Q: Is training necessary?
A: During installation, the Esular technical team provides comprehensive training. System use is quite simple and easily learned with the intuitive interface of the mobile application. Video training and online support are also available.
The Formula for Success in Cocopeat: Automation + Knowledge
Using cocopeat in soilless farming is one of the most efficient methods of modern agriculture. However, to reveal its true potential, automatic nutrition systems are essential. There is a world of difference between the results you get with manual methods and the results you will get with automatic systems.
Esular Smart Agro systems are modern solutions that allow you to perform professional fertilization in a cocopeat medium, saving you time and increasing your yield. With 24/7 automatic operation, remote control, precision measurement, and smart dosing features, you can take your production quality to the next level.
“Success in soilless farming is the perfect combination of the right substrate choice and precise nutrition control. Cocopeat offers you the medium, and Smart Agro offers the nutrition control.”
In Summary
- ✅ Cocopeat is an ideal organic substrate for soilless farming
- ✅ pH and EC control are critically important in cocopeat medium
- ✅ Manual fertilization is insufficient and inefficient
- ✅ Automatic systems provide 30-40% yield increase
- ✅ Smart Agro is a professional solution designed specifically for cocopeat
- ✅ The system pays for itself within 12-24 months
- ✅ Remote monitoring and control features provide great convenience
- ✅ Requires minimum maintenance and is long-lasting
Make a Difference in Cocopeat Production!
The Esular technical team performs a free preliminary assessment for your enterprise practicing soilless farming in a cocopeat medium and offers you the most suitable automatic fertilization solution.Examine Smart AgroExamine pH-EC SensorsFree Consultancy
📌 Price Information: The prices of the products shown in this content are list prices before the publication date and may change. For current prices and campaigns, please visit the Esular Store page or contact our technical team.
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