Rupes Hydro-AP Mega System

RupertofOZ

The green oak seedlings have taken root... literally...

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But I've had a death.... something ate one of the seedlings.... I hate it when that happens.... :evil:

creative1

Yeh they look quite rooted :lol:

Jensilaedi

so do you cut the extra rooting off or leave it like that?

RupertofOZ

That's as it should be Jensilaedi... over the next few weeks the root structure will encompass the entire net pot... and extend 10-20cm along both sides of the NFT hole...

creative1

I am sure Rupe will come back with no!
the root system will decide the vitality of the plant IMO :wink:

other factors will effect growth and colour.

Jensilaedi

what about root blockage? wouldn't this block the water carrying nutrients trying to get through?

TCLynx

The water is still getting through but root blockage is usually one of the biggest issues with NFT but luckily lettuce are relatively fast growing crops.

RupertofOZ

Jensilaedi wrote:

what about root blockage? wouldn't this block the water carrying nutrients trying to get through?

Not as long as the nutrient mix is pre-filtered to remove any solids... an essential if utilising as part of an AP system....

As it is I also filter any solids before they return to the nutrient reservoir from the NFT trays...

RupertofOZ

I'm going to pull the remaining "iceberg" lettuce from the system tomorrow... I'll take a pic of the root system of a fully grown lettuce and post it... :wink: