Aeroponic
Farming

Welcome to the Future of Farming

Today, producing your own food in limited space has become a reality. Start your soil-less food garden on the balcony of your 20th floor apartment. Launch the first phase of your future multi-million rand aeroponic farm from your backyard. See every square metre of real estate transformed into a food producing and income generating machine.  

Welcome to the future of farming… today.

EASY

All you need is enthusiasm, perseverance and a big vision. We will guide you to great success.

EFFECTIVE

Get ready for a handsome return on your investment. Be amazed at the small amount of water needed to water your vertical gardens.

MODULAR

Start at whatever level your money and space can afford and grow from there. The modular nature of our aeroponic units allows you to grow your Farm of the Future beyond imagination.

 

CLICK HERE TO BE DIRECTED TO OUR EARTH OWL WEBSITE

WHO ARE WE

Registration Number:                                                 2019/351519/07

Enterprise Name:                                                        Earth Owl (PTY) Ltd.

Earth Owl (PTY) LTD is working towards a global mission to address food security, unemployment, skills development and environmental sustainability. We are using the latest green technologies to accomplish our mission.

OUR MISSION

  • Using the latest Aeroponic technology to achieve food sustainability.
  • To grow fresh nutrient rich produce that will provide sufficient nutrition for our people especially children in early development stages.
  • To build strong self-sustainable communities with the foundation of hope, faith and love.
  • Conserve water through rain water harvesting methods and innovation.
  • Reduce energy consumption by providing solar energy and full spectrum LED lighting saving solutions.
  • Reinforcing new innovative green technology in the agricultural sector.
  • To train and up-skill neglected and disadvantaged communities so they can obtain the needed skills to start and grow their own agri-businesses.
  • To encourage and educate the youth to enter into the agricultural sector and help them learn how to live a more sustainable lifestyle for future generations.
  • To build strong and impactful CSR projects with our customers and ensure the projects remains successfully sustainable for years to come.

OUR STORY OF PASSION

We are the pioneers of the future, lovers of nature, animals and people.

With a young vibrant, energetic and passionate team, we are here to make a difference, not only in the lives and hearts of people around the world, but also to make a positive environmental impact that will last for generations.

Coming from the corporate world working in marketing and engineering, we have dedicated our lives to cultivate a new way of living and to help build solutions that will impact our world for the better.

We see the future as an ocean of opportunity and hope, as we are Warriors of the light, here to set out our goal to protect what we have on this earth and to manifest each and every person’s eternal worth.

We are the future leaders in creating sustainable communities by focussing on green technologies such as Aeroponics to grow healthy fresh produce for the nations. This initiative continues to focus on creating sustainable income streams that will bring forth new hope for the economy, its people and the environment.

Earth Owl is driven to restore the foundation of our human conscious, so that we see with our eyes and feel with our hearts in order for our brothers and sisters to truly appreciate the true beauty that was given to us and to help protect it with integrity, honor, wisdom and courage.

AEROPONIC GROWING TECHNOLOGY

Aeroponics is an indoor gardening practice in which plants are grown and nourished by suspending their root structures in the air. Moreover, it offers an efficient means to grow plants including fruits and vegetables, without the need to pot the plants to nutrient-rich soil. The word “aeroponic” is derived from the Greek meanings
of aer (ἀήρ, “air”) and ponos (πόνος, “labour”).

The plants are suspended in an enclosed vertical aeroponic system whereby nutrient rich water is misted onto the root structure of the plants. The plant can easily absorb up to 90% of the nutrients which results in faster growth and higher yields due to the size of the atomized mist that settles on the root structure of the plant. 

Aeropoonics have been proven by NASA for rapid food production on earth and space to grow pesticide-free food and crops anywhere in the world. There are various value propositions that will generate revenue going forward. The technology can be introduced into any space competitively which results in high efficiency and high yield  compared to traditional methods of farming. 

The key benefits of using aeroponic growing technology is that 95% less water and energy is used in comparison to conventional soil growing methods. Aeroponic systems are 100% safe and help the environment by conserving water and energy usage. With aeroponics you can grow up to 5000 plants in a 20m2 space which is a vital benefit when considering space utilization. In this system, the plant roots are exposed to sufficient oxygen which promotes quick and disease-free plants growth. Moreover, the mist used on roots can be sterilized to prevent plant disease and also encourages growing plants faster than any other conventional means. The patented panels which make up the body of the aeroponic growing towers are made from recycled plastic which is another benefit when considering a low carbon footprint.

WHY AEROPONICS?

  • If you are looking for one of the most efficient soil-less growing techniques to grow plants, the next step for growers who want the most effective hydroponic system is to convert to aeroponics.
  • The process is accomplished by spraying an atomized mist and nutrient solution to the roots of plants without using any growing medium.
  • The biggest benefit of using aeroponics system is the saving on water usage, electricity and the incredible use of limited space.
  • In aeroponics systems, the plants grow with the roots suspended in a misted solution of nutrients. This means that roots can get larger and more easily absorb nutrients and oxygen.
  • There is less chance of root zone disease, because there is no material for debris or pathogens to reside.
  • What makes our systems unique is the fact that our patented panels are modular in designed and functions similar to Lego’s whereby each panel can easily slide into the other allowing you to stack up vertically.
  • There are varieties of plants that you can grow in an aeroponic system.
  • Growing plants aeroponically is considered to be both safe and ecologically beneficial for growing healthy, nutritious and natural food crops.

KEY BENEFITS OF AEROPONICS

AEROPONIC GROWING TECHNOLOGY

  • Aeroponics uses 95% less energy and water than traditional agriculture growing.
  • In this system, the plant roots are exposed to sufficient oxygen, water and nutrients by means of a fine misting spray that allows for easy absorption.
  • This promotes quick and disease-free plant growth. Moreover, the mist used on roots can be sterilized to prevent plant disease.
  • Aeroponic systems have a low carbon footprint as it helps the environment by conserving water, power and space.
  • Using aeroponics for cloning improves root growth, survival rate, growth rate, and maturation time.
  • Aeroponic methods grow plants faster than any other conventional means.
  • Considerably less maintenance is needed when operating aeroponic growing systems.
  • In comparison to hydroponics where you need to replace the plant growing media, aeroponics does not utilize any other growing media which allows you to easily remove the entire plant with its roots once the plant is ready to be harvested.
  • With aeroponics, you can easily clean your system and replace old plants with new ones.
  • Plants that are grown aeroponically are packed with higher levels of nutrients due to the method of which nutrients and water is absorbed by the plants.

You can confidently know that what you are eating is the best possible quality due to the nutrients that are misted through oxygen which allows for easy nutrient absorption through the root structure of the plant. There is plenty of oxygen in the growing chamber for roots to absorb, that is one reason why aeroponic plants grow faster and absorb more nutrients than regular hydroponics and soil grown plants. .

Our technology uses a solid well tested base of aeroponic growing systems accompanied with a variety of  full turnkey greenhouse solutions. The latter is improved by adding further elements in a recirculation vertical system that utilizes gravity and optimize light, air, CO2, nutrition and other important contributors to growing healthy plants.

AEROPONIC PRODUCT RANGE

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AEROPONICS AND NFT

The NFT (Nutrient Film Technique) system is a spray system with a rotating nozzle that continuously sprays a thin layer of water over the root structure of the plant. The  roots are exposed to the nutrients in the water due to the continuous feeding cycle. Our NFT systems are specially designed to fit the needs of the domestic market in terms of practicality and cost efficiency.

Aeroponic systems is a pressurised system where water and nutrients create a fine mist that are sprayed on the root structure of the plants. This fine mist allows for optimum nutrient absorption that leads to faster plant growth and higher yields. 

The main difference between aeroponics and hydroponics is that the plants in a hydroponic running water system (NFT) only absorbs 40% of the nutrient. The fined atomised mist used in aeroponic systems stick to the root structure of the plants which allows the plant to absorb up to 90% of the nutrients and water. This is why for commercial farming, the aeroponic system will be the best option based on functionality to ensure you can successfully grow large scale  high yielding quality crops.

AEROPONIC 96 POCKET HIGH PRESSURE MIST SYSTEM

DESCRIPTION:

96 plant modular  “aeroponic” vertical tower, commercial growing system.

48 x Modular panels (96 plants)
1 x 25 Liter base tank
1 x Top cap
96 x Growing baskets
96 x Plant clamps
96 x Clone sponges
1 x Aeroponic Irrigation system
1 x Aluminium rotary base frame

AEROPONIC 84 POCKET HIGH PRESSURE MIST SYSTEM

DESCRIPTION:

Residential and Small Scale Commercial Aeroponic 84 pocket Aeroponic growing system

42 x Modular panels (84 plants)
1 x 25 Liter base tank
1 x Top cap
84 x Growing baskets
84 x Plant clamps
84 x Clone sponges
1 x Aeroponic Irrigation system
1 x Aluminium rotary base frame

AEROPONIC 72 POCKET HIGH PRESSURE MIST SYSTEM

DESCRIPTION:

 Residential and Small Scale Commercial Aeroponic 72 pocket Aeroponic growing system

36 x Modular panels(72 plants)
1 x 25 Liter base tank
1 x Top cap
72 x Growing baskets
72 x Plant clamps
72 x Clone sponges
1 x Aeroponic Irrigation system
1 x Aluminium rotary base frame

 

84 POCKET NFT SYSTEM

DESCRIPTION:

84 plant vertical growing towers with fully integrated NFT irrigation system ideal for family growing,self sustenance and small scale growing enthusiasts.

42 x Modular panels(84 plants)
1 x 25 Liter base tank
1 x Top cap
84 x Growing baskets
84 x Plant clamps
84 x Clone sponges
1 x Irrigation system
1 x Aluminium rotary base frame

72 POCKET NFT SYSTEM

DESCRIPTION:

72 plant vertical growing towers with fully integrated NFT irrigation system ideal for family growing,self sustenance and small scale growing enthusiasts.

36 x Modular panels (72 plants)
1 x 25 Liter base tank
1 x Top cap
72 x Growing baskets
72 x Plant clamps
72 x Clone sponges
1 x Irrigation system
1 x Aluminium rotary base frame

60 POCKET NFT SYSTEM

DESCRIPTION:

60 plant vertical growing towers with fully integrated NFT irrigation system ideal for family growing,self sustenance and small scale growing enthusiasts.

30 x Modular panels (60 plants)
1 x 25 Liter base tank
1 x Top cap
60 x Growing baskets
60 x Plant clamps
60 x Clone sponges
1 x Irrigation system
1 x Aluminium rotary base frame

36 POCKET NFT SYSTEM

DESCRIPTION:

36  plant vertical growing towers with fully integrated NFT irrigation system ideal for family growing,self sustenance and small scale growing enthusiasts.

18 x Modular panels(36 plants)
1 x 25 Liter base tank
1 x Top cap
36 x Growing baskets
36 x Plant clamps
36 x Clone sponges
1 x Irrigation system
1 x Aluminium rotary base frame

16 POCKET NFT SYSTEM

DESCRIPTION:

16 plant NFT compact vertical  tower perfect for entry level growing,corporate gifts and counter top use and display units, with built in plug and grow irrigation system.

8 x Modular panels(16 plants)
11 x Liter base tank
1 x Top cap
16 x Growing baskets
16 x Plant clamps
16 x Clone sponges
1 x Irrigation system

AEROPONIC LIVING WALL

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DESCRIPTION:

The living walls make beautiful office and home features. The practical design is easy to mount on any wall and to increase growing space.

  • The Living Wall has 80 growing Pockets
  • 50 Litre built in base tank
  • Concealed pressure pump with digital timer
  • Multi High Pressure Nozzles x 3
  • Built-in Filter
  • Net pots, cloning sponges
  • 1 x 48 Litre nutrient supply
  • Uses 220/110 V power
  • Uses approximately 4 Litres of water per day depending on type of plant

 

PUTTING AEROPONICS INTO PERSPECTIVE

One of the most impressive facts about aeroponics is the massive saving on water and electricity. Let’s put this into perspective based on our 96 pocket Aeroponic system.

The unit runs on a timer/feeding cycle which is scheduled to run for 15 minutes on and then off for the remainder of the hour. In effect, the system will run a total of 6 hours in a 24-hour cycle. The pump pulls 90 watts per hour, so in a 24 hour cycle the system is using 540 watts (0,54 kW) per unit. In a 24-hour cycle, you will be paying around R 1,32c per day for electricity per unit (based on electricity costs of  R 2.45/kW).

In order to indicate the massive saving on space and electricity, one hundred 96 pocket aeroponic towers has a total of 9600 growing pockets, when you multi-plant by x 3 plants per pocket (depending on plant), you will be able to grow a total of  28 800 cultivars in 100m2 of space with an electricity usage of around only R 132 a day or R 3960 per month.

When looking at water consumption, each tower consumes about 2-3 litres of water per day depending on the type of plant you have in the system. Keeping in mind that you are growing 96 plants in only a square meter of space, the water consumption for 100 towers (28 800 plants when multi planted  3 plants per pocket) is 200 – 300 litres per day or 6000 – 9000 litres per month. To run a commercial aeroponic operation, your water will cost you R 270 – R 405 per month. 

AEROPONIC GROW HOUSES

LARGE AND SMALL SCALE GROW HOUSES

The main differences between our small scale and polycarbonate commercial greenhouses are based on functionality, price and practicality. Our small scale commercial greenhouses are mainly aimed to serve the basic need for the domestic market to grow their own fresh produce at the comfort at their own home. Small scale greenhouses are also used for our community development projects, the hospitality industry as well as the culinary industry. Our polycarbonate greenhouses were designed to withstand the elements of time, therefore they are more directed towards larger scale commercial farming.

Modular Polycarbonate Greenhouses

There are 3 greenhouses within this category namely, the 18m2, 9m2 and 4.5m2 commercial greenhouse. These greenhouses differ from the small scale greenhouse in terms of design and the type of material used to make it more durable. The greenhouses are completely modular can can be extended by simply adding on more panels. The polycarbonate panels used to cover the greenhouse structure is called Sun Bright. The opaque panels functions as a light diffuser and protects the plants from direct UV light. These panels are also extremely durable and can withstand hail, water, sun, salt and high wind conditions.

Small Scale Commercial Greenhouses

Within this category we have 2 greenhouses namely, the 2.5m x 2m (5m2) and 3.3m x 3.3m (10,89m2) small scale greenhouse. These greenhouses are standard in size which does not allow the option  to extend your existing structure.  The practical design makes for a more cost effective option as the outer frame is fitted with 40% shade netting accompanied with agripolyane roof  covering. All our greenhouses have been quality tested based on their functionality and purpose.

SMALL SCALE COMMERCIAL GREENHOUSES

Greenhouse structure Turnkey “Plug & Grow” consists of Modular tubular steel frame.

Powder coated (colour of choice), 40% wrap around shade cloth with door, Agripolyane roof  covering.

Electrical side wall galvanized trunking with 9 x waterproof plug points and isolator

2m x 2.5m SMALL SCALE COMMERCIAL GROW HOUSE

DESCRIPTION:

2.5 x 2 Grow House structure Turnkey “Plug & Grow” consists of Modular Tubular steel frame (336 Growing Pockets).

  • Powdered Coated Structure (colour of choice).
  • 4 x 84 pocket NFT Towers. (96 Pocket Aeroponic towers POR)
  • 40 % wrap around Shade Cloth with Door.
  • Agripolyane roof cover.
  • Side wall electrical trunking .
  • 4 x Waterproof Plug Point Socket and Isolator.
  • Pump, Filters , Irrigation Nozzles, Net pots and Cloning Sponges.

3.3m x 3.3m SMALL SCALE COMMERCIAL GROW HOUSE

DESCRIPTION:

3.3 x 3.3  Grow House structure Turnkey “Plug & Grow” consists of Modular Tubular steel frame (756 Growing Pockets)

  • Powdered Coated Structure (colour of choice).
  • 9 x 84 pocket NFT Towers. (96 Pocket Aeroponic towers POR)
  • 40 % wrap around Shade Cloth with Door.
  • Agripolyane roof cover.
  • Side wall electrical trunking .
  • 9 x Waterproof Plug Point Socket and Isolator.
  • Pump, Filters , Irrigation Nozzles, Net pots and Cloning Sponges.

MODULAR POLY-CARBONATE GROW HOUSES

Structure Powder coated over the Galvanized steel. Opaque Light Diffused 6mm Polycarbonate Paneling & Roof  for Agricultural use (Hail Proof). Insect Mesh Ventilation panels built into the structure. Water Resistant  Double 220 V Plug points with DB Board and Galvanized powdered skirting. We offer onsite training on the Maintenance of the Grow House, pH and EC maintenance, Nutrient preparation, plant maintenance and general housekeeping.

20m2 GROW HOUSE

DESCRIPTION:

  • Galvanized Light Weight Steel Structure (4.2m x 4.2m x 2.7m). 1536 Growing Pockets
  • Structure Powder coated over the Galvanized steel.
  • Roof guttering for water collection to Storage Tank.
  • Opaque Light Diffused 6mm Polycarbonate Paneling & Roof for Agricultural use (Hail Proof).
  • Insect Mesh Ventilation panels built into the structure.
  • 8 x Water Resistant Double 220 V Plug points with DB Board and Galvanized powder coated skirting.
  • 16 x 96 pocket Aeroponic Towers.
  • 16 x Pressure pumps and Timers.
  • 16 x Rotary base Aluminum Stands for Towers.
  • 1536 Net Pots and Cloning sponges.
  • Additional 48 Litres Nutrient Supply.
  • 1 x 2500 L Water Storage Tank.

9m2 GROW HOUSE

DESCRIPTION:

  • Galvanized Light Weight Steel Structure (4.3m x 2.1m x 2.7m). 768 Growing Pockets
  • Structure Powder coated over the Galvanized steel.
  • Roof guttering for water collection to Storage Tank.
  • Opaque Light Diffused 6mm Polycarbonate Paneling & Roof for Agricultural use (Hail Proof).
  • Insect Mesh Ventilation panels built into the structure.
  • 4 x Water Resistant Double 220 V Plug points with DB Board and Galvanized powder coated skirting.
  • 8 x 96 pocket Aeroponic Towers.
  • 8 x Pressure pumps and Timers.
  • 8 x Rotary base Aluminum Stands for Towers.
  • 768 Net Pots and Cloning sponges.
  • Additional 48 Litres Nutrient Supply.
  • 1 x 2500 L Water Storage Tank.

4m2 GROW HOUSE

DESCRIPTION:

  • Galvanized Light Weight Steel Structure (2.1m x 2.1m x 2.7m). 384 Growing Pockets
  • Structure Powder coated over the Galvanized steel.
  • Roof guttering for water collection to Storage Tank.
  • Opaque Light Diffused 6mm Polycarbonate Paneling & Roof for Agricultural use (Hail Proof).
  • Insect Mesh Ventilation panels built into the structure.
  • 2 x Water Resistant Double 220 V Plug points with DB Board and Galvanized powder coated skirting.
  • 4 x 96 pocket Aeroponic Towers.
  • 4 x Pressure pumps and Timers.
  • 4 x Rotary base Aluminum Stands for Towers.
  • 384 Net Pots and Cloning sponges.
  • Additional 48 Litres Nutrient Supply.
  • 1 x 2500 L Water Storage Tank.

FULL TURNKEY 20M2 GROW HOUSE WITH COOLING/HEATING AND FULL SPECTRUM LIGHTS

Aeroponics can limit disease transmission since plant-to-plant contact is reduced and each spray pulse can be sterile. In the case of soil, aggregate, or other media, disease can spread throughout the growth media, infecting many plants. In most greenhouses, these solid media require sterilization after each crop and, in many cases; they are simply discarded and replaced with fresh, sterile media.

A distinct advantage of aeroponic technology is that if a particular plant does become diseased, it can be quickly removed from the plant support structure without disrupting or infecting the other plants.

Due to the disease-free environment that is unique to aeroponics, many plants can grow at higher density (plants per square meter) when compared to more traditional forms of cultivation. Commercial aeroponic systems incorporate hardware features that accommodate the crop’s expanding root systems.

Researchers have described aeroponics as a “valuable, simple, and rapid method for preliminary screening of genotypes for resistance to specific seedling blight or root rot.” 

The isolating nature of the aeroponic system allowed them to avoid the complications encountered when studying these infections in soil culture.

GROW GALARY

RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, PROJECTS AND EVENTS

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA

The University of Pretoria Plant and Sciences are committed to a 5 year research and development study

SETTING UP AT THE UNIVERSITY

EXISTING TUNNEL RETROFITTED WITH AEROPONIC TOWERS

GROW LIGHTS UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA

FARMING DEVELOPMENT SEYCHELLES

LIFE CHANGING EXPERIENCES

Vreesloos Mooi (Fearlessly Beautiful) is a show by Sandra Taljaard who has dedicated her life in helping people to look and feel beautiful again. This show focuses on transforming people who suffer from a physical disability by giving them back their beauty and power. Because our Aeroponic systems are disabled friendly, Impilo sponsored 5 growing systems to the participants of the show.

MEETING WITH THE MEDICAL TEAM

This amazing group of doctors have come together to build the first of its kind line of ‘green’ hospitals in South Africa and Africa. The initiative is to grow fresh medicinal plants to treat their patients suffering from cancer and other life threatening illnesses.

ASSEMBLING YOUR GROWING TOWERS

GETTING STARTED 72, 84 96 POCKET AEROPONIC UNIT

72, 84, 96 Pocket Aeroponic Components

1. Base tank (25L)
With water level indicator (spyglass) on stand with castors
Pump and transformer box is mounted onto base tank
2. Assembled rings and lid
Lid
Panels (to be assembled into rings)
Sponges and net pots (to be assembled into rings)
3. Pump (1 year warranty)
Pump (with one way filter fitted)
6mm pressure hose (runs from base tank inside unit, up to lid)
Nozzle (comes fitted on lid)
4. Filter fitted inside base tank
(inside base tank)

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER

1. Stack the first ring onto the base tank (6 x panels = 1 ring)
2. Stack the second ring onto the first ring
3. Stack the third ring onto the second ring and so on…
until all rings are stacked and assembled
4. While doing this pull the 6mm white pressure hose up the inside
of the tower, push through the black lid and loop. Push into the
connector (2 stage push) to release push back slip ring and pull
the hose free

GETTING STARTED 36, 60, 72, 84 POCKET NFT UNIT

36, 60,72,84 Pocket NFT Components

1. Base tank (25L)
With water level indicator (spyglass)
2. 3x assembled rings and lid
Lid
Steel centering cable for nozzle
36 Panels (to be assembled into 3 rings)
Each pocket is fitted with a net pot and sponge
There are 36 each of sponges and net pots
3. Pump (1 year warranty)
Pump
Filter bag
Up stand pipe
Nozzle
Centering cable & chocolate block

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER

1. Tie the filter bag around the pump and submerge the pump into the water
2. Ensure that the pump’s power cord is positioned into the recessed lip of the base tank
3. Stack the first ring onto the base tank
4. Stack the second ring onto the first ring
5. Stack the third ring onto the second ring
6. Thread the steel cable through the lid while attaching lid to third ring
7. Loop the top of the centering cable back into the lid 
8. Screw the centering cable together using the chocolate bloc

Starting the unit
• The timer is preset to 1/2 hour on and 1 hour off
• On the timer unit, push the large manual button to “on”, a red light will come on and the pump
will start pushing mist through the nozzle in the lid. Run for a few minutes, then push again to read
“on auto”. The pump will now run to preset times
• If you want to change the timer settings, visit https://cutt.ly/1tldZn8
(to see the TDDGT Instruction Manual)
• Warning, the pump is not designed to run for more

GETTING STARTED 16 POCKET NFT UNIT

16 Pocket NFT Components

1. Base tank (10L)
With water level indicator (spyglass)
2. 2x assembled rings and lid
Lid
Steel centering cable
Two pre-assembled rings
Each pocket is fitted with a net pot and sponge
There are 16 sponges and net pots each
3. Pump (1 year warranty)
Pump (Fountain pump 800L p/hr 12 WATT)
Filter bag
Up stand pipe
Nozzle
Centering cable & chocolate block

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER

Before getting started you need to disassemble your unit
• Disassemble the unit by unscrewing the chocolate block
• Remove the lid & top ring
• Followed by the bottom ring
• Remove the pump unit

Re-assembling the tower

1. Tie the filter bag around the pump and submerge the pump into the water
2. Ensure that the pump’s power chord is positioned into the recessed lip of the base tank
3. Stack the first ring onto the base tank
4. Stack the second ring onto the first ring
5. Thread the steel cable through the lid while attaching lid to second ring
6. Loop the top of the centering cable back into the lid. Screw the centering cable together using the chocolate block

 

PREPARING THE WATER AND NUTRIENT MIX

Nutrient supply:
4x Sachet A (12g = 12L)
4x Sachet B (12g = 12L)
Makes 48L of water based
nutrient supply.

To the 25L container add:
• 20L water (not borehole)
• 2x sachet A’s (pre-dissolved in a cup)
• 2x sachet B’s (pre-dissolved in a cup)
• Mix thoroughly (close the lid of the 25L container and shake)
• Pour the water+nutrient mix into the base tank
• Ensure that there is a thumb width sized gap (+- 2cm)
from the top of the tank to the water level (not full to the brim)

WATER/NUTRIENT UPTAKE

Aeroponic equipment involves the use of misters to create a fine mist of solution to deliver nutrients to plant roots. Aeroponic systems are  closed-looped systems providing macro and micro-environments suitable to sustain a reliable, constant air culture. Numerous inventions have been developed to facilitate aeroponic spraying and misting. The key to root development in an aeroponic environment is the size of the water droplet. 

In commercial applications, a hydro-atomizing spray at 360° is employed to cover large areas of roots utilizing air pressure misting. As the mist settles on the root structure of the plant, the plant can easily absorb the micro droplets to ensure sufficient nutrient uptake, this results in healthier plants with higher nutrient levels.

Water droplet size is crucial for sustaining aeroponic growth. Too large a water droplet means less oxygen is available to the root system. Too fine a water droplet, such as those generated by the ultrasonic mister, produce excessive root hair without developing a lateral root system for sustained growth in an aeroponic system.

GENERAL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE

MAINTAINING NFT GROWING SYSTEMS

Cleaning the nozzle
The nozzle should spin freely at all times. If not, it needs to be disassembled and cleaned:
1. Unclip the nozzle from the upstand pipe
2. Unclip the orange part
3. Remove the white spinner
4. Check for obstructions in the blue sprayer spigot (such as soil particles)
5. If obstructions are found, rinse out the sprayer spigot
5. Reassemble the nozzle and ensure that it is spinning freely when power is turned on

Cleaning the pump
• Disassemble the pump on a clean working surface
• Remove the pump from the tank to begin disassembly
• Unclip the cover below the upstand pipe
• Unscrew the cover
• Using sharp nose pliers remove impeller
• Take care not to lose the shaft and white end caps
• Wash all parts in clean water
• Reassemble pump
• Tie the filter bag around the pump and turn power on
• Submerge the pump into the tank
• Before reassembling the two rings, power the unit to ensure that it is running normally

Cleaning the spyglass of algae
• Empty the tank and turn it onto it’s side
• Drop a cap-full of Jik into the spyglass and swirl through
• Leave for a few minutes before rinsing out the spyglass with clean water

Opening net pots for root growing
• Once new white roots are visible, cut open the bottom framework of the net pots and
pull the roots through to hang freely through the pot

MAINTAINING AEROPONIC GROWING SYSTEMS

Cleaning the nozzle
• The nozzle should mist at all times. If not, it needs to be disassembled and cleaned
• Unscrew the nozzle from the holder, remove, separate into 2 parts, rinse free any muck,
reassemble. Be careful not to over-tighten. Apply new plumbers tape onto thread

Pump not misting
• This could be as a result of an airlock. Switch pump to “off” (on the large manual button) and remove the 6mm hose from the connector on the pump
• Start the pump
• Place your index finger intermittently on the connector. Pressure should build until your finger cannot stop the flow
• Reconnect the 6mm hose

Filter inside tank (disassembling and cleaning)
• Should always be clean of soil particles, look out for this, especially after planting new seedlings as soil particles are ejected from roots.
• Filter is a press-fit and can be removed, rinsed and replaced

Cleaning the spyglass of algae
• Empty the tank and turn it onto it’s side
• Drop a cap-full of Jik into the spyglass and swirl through
• Leave for a few minutes before rinsing out the spyglass with clean water

PLANTING AND GROWING TIPS

Once your assembled unit has been filled with nutrient rich water, you can start filling your pockets with seedlings.

PREPARING SEEDLINGS FROM SOIL GERMINATION:

The seedling’s roots need to be free from soil before they can be planted.

You can purchase seedlings in trays and remove the soil by doing the following:

  • Remove most of the soil from each seedling, be careful not to damage the roots
  • Soak the seedling’s roots in water and gently remove the remaining soil using your hands until the roots are exposed.
  • Any small soil particles may cause blockages to the pump so it is important that the roots are as clean as possible.
  • The seedling will have a slight residue of growing medium trapped in the roots which will dislodge during the growing process, this is normal.

PREPARING THE SEEDLINGS FROM ROCKWOOL GERMINATION:

This method is more effective as you have fewer residues in your roots when transplanting the seedling to your growing tower.

  • Ensure your Rockwool cubes are moist before planting seeds into the opening.
  • Gently place 1-3 seeds per Rockwool cube
  • Place the cubes in your seedling tray and transport it to your seedling incubator where you will stack the trays next to one another.
  • Ensure that you spray your seedlings with water every other day to ensure the Rockwool remains damp.
  • After 2 weeks your seedling is ready to be transplanted to your growing tower   (15cm)

SEEDLING GERMINATION INCUBATOR UNIT

WEB-Agri GROW HUB

WELCOME TO THE FUTURE OF FARMING

WEB Agri focuses on establishing multitudes of GROW HUBS (100 people, 0,5 Ha each) in communities throughout Africa. 

Grow Hubs deploy effective and efficient aeroponic technology to provide easy, accessible and highly profitable farming solutions for communities across our nation.Our Immediate goal is to establish 100 grow Hubs in Southern Africa, providing employment for 10, 000 people.

GROWING THE FUTURE TOGETHER

A LOOK INSIDE OUR AGRI GROW HUB

AGRI-GROW HUB OVERVIEW

GROW TOWER:

Each aeroponic grow tower has 96 growing pockets with the potential to grow a minimum of 96 cultivars per pocket or up to 266 cultivars through multi-planting 3 plants per growing pocket depending on the type of plant.

GROW HOUSE:

The 20m2 grow house consist out of 16 x 96 pocket aeroponic grow towers. Each grow house has the potential to grow a minimum of 1536 cultivars or up to 4600 cultivars per grow house through multi-planting.

GROW CLUSTER:

The 100m2 grow cluster consist out of 4 x 20m2 grow houses. Each cluster has the potential to grow a minimum of 6144 cultivars or up to 18 400 cultivars per cluster through multi-planting. There will be 3 operators working in each grow cluster.

GROW HUB:

The 0, 5 hectare grow hub has a total of 17 x grow clusters. Each grow hub has the potential to grow a minimum of 104 448 cultivars or up to 312 800 cultivars per grow hub through multi-planting. The grow hub will be divided into sections whereby a part of the grow clusters will be commissioned to grow high profit crops and the remaining part to grow high nutrient crops. The grow hub will provide jobs for 100 people respectively. 

The high nutrient crops will be grown by the people for the people in order to feed communities with highly nutritious vegetables whereas the high profit crops are grown to become the driving financial vehicle of the entire grow hub.

Each grow hub has two seedling germination incubators, two washing bays, two pack houses and two storage cold rooms. The store rooms are easily accessible by vehicles to ensure fast collections and deliveries to the market.

The main building stationed at the center of the grow hub will consist out of office space, training rooms,  reception desk, kitchen, staff canteen and a public restaurant for customers and tourists. There are two display grow houses stationed at the main hub for training and viewing purposes. 

STAFF AND EMPLOYEES