Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

hey, VB, transpiration wouldn't really be lined to the amount you water the plant after a critical point would it?

I mean if the plant has less water than it needs, it will wilt, if it has enough water then it will transpire what it "does"t, if it has more than enough why would its transpiration increase.

Or am i missing something obvious?

Yep vb, the water shortage was the main reason for me to start recording how much I was using for top ups, also been recording the water meter readings to see if we fit under the 140l/day/person limit....amazing what can be done when the figures are in front of you.

In hindsight - I think my statement is wrong - as you guys have pointed out. I just thought that if the plants had access to unlimited water they may transpire more - because internal mechanisms wouldn't be saying 'heh time we used those water saving mechanisms'.

BTW - the other thing I had been thinking about at the time regarding flood and drain - is that a really frequent flodd and drain cycle for a fruit tree like citrus may be a waste of energy, given that they are a slower grower than the vegetables and quick fruits (like toms) that we grow in AP.

My bed currently has a cycle of less than 20mins. It would be silly for me to have this with all my beds - particulalry the citrus type trees that would be better suited to a longer cycle.

I guess what I am saying is that I am not ante F&D for fruit trees (generally I think that F&D is the only way to go), but the cycle could be quite long for the fruit trees. I would flood quickly and drain quickly, but then have a significant break by turning pump taht services these containers off with timer.

Below is a picture of the containers I will be using for my fruit trees. They are poly purpose built fingerling tanks. They hold about 200 litres and I am fortunate enough to have 10 of them.

Ideal BSF tank, just need a built-in ramp..so, we have 20c pieces, dachshunds and now basketballs for references

You forgot children Les.

dont forget little kiddies too

yep, thats why i think i'll go with a drip / trickle feed

Here's a "dutch pot" or Pot in Pot system that could be very readily scaled up and incorporated in to an AP system....no real need for the buckets, just envisage the pots, feed rings and pvc return pipe.....

Make the pots any size you want to suit the tree and set delivery by timer... simple as...

Forgot to add, if anyone's interested in the system in the photo it's listed Here on eBay, currently $80...

The Rock NSW is about 40km from Wagga.... previously known as Hanging Rock... until it fell down one night LOL

Hey thats bloody cheap..

How did you go with that other stuff you were looking at Rup, is the auction finished?