Partial Saturation Ebb and Flow Watering System for a Flooded Floor Greenhouse

Sub irrigation combats the waste of water and fertilizer in traditional overhead watering systems used in greenhouses for production of potted ornamental plants. However, current ebb and flow watering systems achieve nearly complete saturation of the root medium for each watering cycle. There is no ability to restrict the water provided to the plants. This may decrease plant quality and facilitate spread of disease. Geremia Greenhouse has developed a method to achieve partial saturation with ebb and flow watering of the root medium for production of potted ornamental plants. The water or fertilizer solution is delivered and removed rapidly, resulting in less water absorbed by the pots, and little leaked back out of the pots. This research will determine the benefits of partial saturation ebb and flow watering when applied on flooded floors, in terms of improved quality and shelf life of potted flowering plants, and reduced spread of disease. In-line filtration and sterilization methods will be tested to prevent spread of disease. Once the system is optimized, Geremia Greenhouse will apply this method on a scale of several acres. The improved plant quality and shelf life will benefit growers and consumers, and this watering system will protect natural resources and the environment.