HYDROPONICS FARMING TECHNOLOGY- A SKILLING

PROGRAM
TRAINING MANUAL

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Ministry of Agriculture and Forests
Royal Government of Bhutan
March 2021
Developed by:

Sl.# Name Designation Agency

1 Mr.Wangda Dukpa Chief Agriculture Agriculture Research & Extension

Officer Division, DoA, Thimphu
2 Dr. Tshering Penjor Specialist Agriculture Research & Development
Center, Wengkhar, DoA.
3 Mr.Suraj Chettri Principal Soil Fertility National Soil Service Center,
and Nutrition Officer Semtokha, DoA.
4 Mr.Tshering Deputy Chief Agriculture Research & Extension
Tobgay Agriculture Officer Division, DoA,Thimphu.
5 Mr.Tashi Sr. Laboratory Officer National Soil Service Center,
Wangchuk Semtokha, DoA.
6 Ms.Ugyen Wangmo Horticulture Officer National Centre for Organic
Agriculture,Yusipang,DoA
7 Ms.Thinley Choden Horticulture Officer National Centre for Organic
Agriculture,Yusipang,DoA
8 Mr.Kinlay Tshering Soil Fertility & Plant Agriculture Research & Development
Nutrition Officer Center, Bajo, DoA.
9 Ms.Karma Horticulture Officer Agriculture Research & Development
Yangzom Center, Wengkhar, DoA.
10 Ms.Pema Tshoki Plant Protection Officer National Plant Protection Center,
Semtokha,DoA.
11 Ms.Dorji Wangmo Senior Agriculture Agriculture Research & Development
Supervisor Center, Wengkhar, DoA.
12 Ms.Tshering Dema Senior Agriculture Agriculture Research & Development
Supervisor Center, Bajo, DoA.

Copyright © Department of Agriculture

Published by:
Agriculture Research & Extension Division
Department of Agriculture,
Ministry of Agriculture and Forests,
Thimphu, Bhutan.

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Table of Contents

1 PRINCIPLES AND CONCEPTS OF HYDROPONICS TECHNOLOGY ......................................... 1

1.1 Background ................................................................................................................................... 1
1.2 What is hydroponics? .................................................................................................................... 1
1.3 Why go for hydroponics?.............................................................................................................. 2
1.4 Challenges of hydroponics ............................................................................................................ 2
1.5 Basic components of hydroponics systems ................................................................................... 2
1.6 Requirements for crop growth and development .......................................................................... 3
1.7 Types of hydroponics system ........................................................................................................ 4
1.7.1 Based on use of medium ....................................................................................................... 4
1.7.2 Based on growing techniques ............................................................................................... 7
1.7.3 Based on nutrient solution use ............................................................................................ 11
1.7.4 Based on nutrient solution distribution ............................................................................... 13
1.7.5 Based on space utilization ................................................................................................... 13
1.8 Suitable crops for hydroponics ................................................................................................... 14
1.9 Companion cropping ................................................................................................................... 14
1.10 Nursery........................................................................................................................................ 15
1.11 Transplanting seedlings in hydroponics system .......................................................................... 15
1.12 Harvesting ................................................................................................................................... 16
2 PLANT NUTRIENT SOLUTIONS.................................................................................................... 17
2.1 What is Plant Nutrition?.............................................................................................................. 17
2.2 Functions of macronutrients........................................................................................................ 18
2.3 Functions of beneficial nutrients ................................................................................................. 18
2.4 Types of nutrient solutions .......................................................................................................... 19
2.4.1 Inorganic based ................................................................................................................... 19
2.4.2 Organic based...................................................................................................................... 21
2.5 Water quality, pH & EC/TDS required for crops and its importance ......................................... 22
2.6 Preparation of nutrient stock solutions........................................................................................ 24
2.6.1 Commercial products (premix) ........................................................................................... 24
2.6.2 Formulated nutrients ........................................................................................................... 24
2.6.3 Inorganic formulation ......................................................................................................... 25
2.6.4 Organic solutions ................................................................................................................ 25
3 PEST, DISEASE AND WEED MANAGEMENT ............................................................................. 27
 3.1 Pest, disease and weed management in hydroponics system ...................................................... 27
3.2 Common insect pests in hydroponics.......................................................................................... 27
3.3 Common insect pest management practices ............................................................................... 29
3.4 Use of organic and inorganic pesticides...................................................................................... 30
3.5 Common diseases in hydroponics ............................................................................................... 30
3.6 Common disease management practices..................................................................................... 32
3.7 Common weeds in hydroponics system ...................................................................................... 33
3.8 Common weed management practices ........................................................................................ 33
4 PROTECTED HYDROPONICS STRUCTURES .............................................................................. 34
4.1 Protected structures for hydroponics cultivation technology ...................................................... 34
4.2 Greenhouse ................................................................................................................................. 34
4.2.1 Prefabricated Greenhouse for hydroponics ......................................................................... 35
4.2.2 Fabricated greenhouse for hydroponics .............................................................................. 36
4.3 Construction of different hydroponic techniques ........................................................................ 37
4.3.1 Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) .......................................................................................... 37
4.3.2 Deep Water Culture (DWC) ............................................................................................... 38
4.3.3 Drip System ........................................................................................................................ 40
4.3.4 Sprinkler based vertical tower system................................................................................. 43
4.3.5 Ebb and flow (flood and drain) ........................................................................................... 44
4.4 General tools/equipment required ............................................................................................... 46
4.5 Maintenance of hydroponics structure ........................................................................................ 46
5 AUTOMATION OF PROTECTED CULTIVATION TECHNOLOGY ........................................... 47
5.1 Why we need automation in the hydroponics? ........................................................................... 47
5.2 Devices and equipment used in hydroponics automation ........................................................... 47
5.2.1 Sensor.................................................................................................................................. 47
5.2.2 Actuators ............................................................................................................................. 53
5.2.3 Hydroponics controlling Device ......................................................................................... 59
5.2.4 Configuration of Locally developed hydroponics controlling device: ................................ 59
 SESSION-1(3 Days Programs)
(Trainers: Ms.Tshering Dema & Mr.Kinley Tshering: ARDC Bajo, Ms.Ugyen Wangmo, NCOA
Yusipang)

1 PRINCIPLES AND CONCEPTS OF HYDROPONICS TECHNOLOGY

1.1.Background
In Bhutan, farmers practiced integrated farming system. Crops were cultivated for self-
sustenance. There were less technology options for crop cultivation, farming was labour
intensive and crop productivity was low. Thus, formal agriculture research in Bhutan started
in 1982 with the establishment of the Centre for Agricultural Research and Development
(CARD) at Bajo in Wangdue to generate sustainable agriculture technologies for enhancement
of crop productivity. Over the years, the national agriculture research system generated
technologies that include better performing crop varieties, improved farming methods,
efficient pest and disease control measures, interventions into postharvest and water
management, and progressive extension education and rapid services.

In pursuit of making agriculture farming more productive, profitable and prestigious and as the
agriculture farming shifts from subsistence farming to commercial farming, demand for
precision farming, knowledge-based farming, technology-based farming and science-based
farming has been increasing over the years.

In Bhutan, hydroponics system is one of the agriculture technologies introduced by the

Department of Agriculture recently in the beginning of 2019. Currently, Department of
Agriculture has established four hydroponics systems at ARDC Bajo, ARDC Samtenling,
ARDC Wengkhar and NCOA Yusipang.

1.2.What is hydroponics?

Hydroponics is the soilless method of growing plants, using nutrient solutions. The word
hydroponic is derived from the Greek words, hydro (water) and ponos (labor), literally
meaning water working.

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1.3.Why go for hydroponics?
o Year-round production
o Gender-friendly technology
o Produce more from a small area
o Decreased pest and disease incidence
o Increase peri-urban agricultural production
o Produce safe food
o Reduce weed growth
o Reduce drudgery
o Efficient use of water and nutrients
o Efficient use of space as it involves vertical cultivation
o High value crops

1.4.Challenges of hydroponics
o High initial investment cost
o Technical skill and knowledge are necessary for operating the system
o Requires strict sanitation to avoid pest and disease incidence
o Daily monitoring is necessary

1.5.Basic components of hydroponics systems

Components of hydroponics system may differ depending upon the system adopted. Following
are the basic components in a hydroponics system.
• Nutrient solution: It is the solution prepared by dissolving all the nutrients required for
plant growth in water.
• Nutrient solution reservoir: It is a structure/ container that hold the nutrient solution.
• Pump: It is an electric device that circulates nutrient solution through the distribution
network and supplies oxygen to the nutrient solution.
• Growing medium: A growing medium is a substrate that provides support to the plants.
• Growth chamber: It is a structure that holds nutrient solution and plant such as pots,
troughs, trays, PVC pipes etc.,

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1.6.Requirements for crop growth and development
Whether plants are grown hydroponically or in soil, several factors affect plant growth.
• Nutrition: Plants require different nutrients for proper growth and development. Plants
grown in soil receive much of the nutrients from soil. However, in hydroponics, all the
nutrients that plants require should be made available to them in a balanced nutrient
solution. If plants do not receive their requirement, they exhibit deficiency symptoms such
as yellowing, stunted growth etc.,
• Air: Oxygen and carbon dioxide play a vital role in crop growth and development. Oxygen
is critical for respiration in all living beings. In media free hydroponics, supply of oxygen
through the use of an oxygenator is essential.Carbon dioxide plays an important role in
biomass production as more than 90% of dry matter of living plants is derived from
assimilation of CO2 during photosynthesis. Plant uses carbon from CO2 and convert it into
carbon compounds such as glucose, carbohydrates and cellulose which is called plant
biomass. Therefore, increased level of CO2 in the hydroponic growth chamber there will
be increased rate of photosynthesis which will also increases the rate of biomass production
of the plant.
• Light: Light is an essential factor for the process of photosynthesis. The quality, duration
and intensity of light can have different effects on plant growth. Plants are classified into
short day, long day and day neutral plants according to their light requirements. Many
lighting equipment are available in the market that enables manipulation of light
requirement.
• Water: Plant roots absorb water from the soil and use it to maintain cell structure and other
important metabolic processes. In hydroponics, plants are provided with water directly
through the nutrient solution.

• Temperature: The temperature, relative humidity and air flow can also affect plant
growth. The rate of photosynthesis is dependent on the temperature. Rate of photosynthesis
drastically decreases above 35 ºC. In protected structures, equipment such as exhaust fans
and heaters can be used to manage temperature. Changes in temperature affect availability
of dissolved oxygen in water. Optimum water/nutrient solution temperature is 18 to 27 ºC.

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1.7.Types of hydroponics system

Hydroponics is classified into several categories based on the following factors:

1.7.1. Based on use of medium

A system may or may not use medium (substrates) for holding plants and a hydroponics
system is classified into two based on use of medium.
• Medium-based hydroponics
Under medium based hydroponic systems, crops are grown in different substrate/media
which are used for anchoring the plants while nutrient is supplied from a separate nutrient
reservoir tank.

Advantages

o Retains moisture

o Anchor plants

Disadvantages

o Most mediums can only be used once

o Costly (to buy, transport)
o Not readily available

Types of substrates

o Oasis cube are made of foam.

o Rice husk biochar is produced by low temperature pyrolysis of rice husk.
o Rockwool is a lightweight hydroponic substrate made from spinning molten
basaltic rock into fine fibers which are then formed into a range of cubes, blocks,
growing slabs and granular products.
o Vermiculite is a media made from a natural mineral that expands with the
application of heat. It is very lightweight and sterile.
o Soilrite is a mixture of horticulture grade expanded perlite, peat moss and
exfoliated vermiculite in equal ratio i.e., 1/3:1/3:1/3.

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 o Wood chips are small- to medium-sized pieces of wood formed by cutting or
chipping larger pieces of wood such as trees, branches, logging residues, stumps,
roots, and wood waste.
o Expanded clay is a light weight aggregate made by heating clay to around 1200
℃ in a rotary kiln.
o Coco peat is a growing medium made from the husks of coconuts.
o Pine bark chips are shredded or chipped pieces of pine tree bark.
o Rice husk are the hard protecting coverings of grains of rice.
o Gravels are a loose aggregation of rock fragments.
o Mosses are small, non-vascular flowerless plants that typically form dense green
clumps or mats, often in damp or shady locations.

a. Rockwool b. Vermiculite and soilrite mixture c. Wood chips

d. Expanded clay e. Cocopeat f. Pine bark chips

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g. Rice husk h. Moss i. Gravels

j. Rice husk biochar k. Oasis cube

Figure 1. Different substrates/media

Suitable crops grown in different medium/substrates as shown in table 1.

Table 1. Crops suitable for different medium/substrates

Vegetables Fruit crops

Tomatoes Strawberries
Lettuce Raspberries
Egg plant Blueberries
Leafy greens
Melons
Cucumber
Peppers
Kale
Ginger
Turmeric
Beans
Onion

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 • Medium-free hydroponics

No medium is used in medium-free hydroponics and the plant roots remain in direct contact
with the nutrient solution.

1.7.2. Based on growing techniques

Hydroponics systems are classified into five broad categories based on the growing
technique used as follows:

• Nutrient Film Technique (NFT)

A very shallow stream of nutrient solution is recirculated past the bare roots of plants in a
watertight gully, also known as channels with the help of a pump. The channels have holes
on top in which net cups holding the plants are inserted. The roots are not completely
submerged in the channels.

Usually, the nutrient solution is circulated continuously. However, the nutrient solution can
also be circulated on an intermittent basis by allowing flow for a few minutes and stopping
flow for 15-60 minutes to improve aeration. This system is usually used for growing small
leafy greens and herbs as shown in figure 2.

Source: Addloes Lighting & Hydroponics

Figure 2. Diagrammatic representation of NFT system

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• Drip hydroponics technique

Plants are planted in bed, bag or pot substrate systems and the nutrient solution is
distributed through individual drippers or emitters directly to the root zone. This technique
allows the operator to control the amount of water applied. This technique is suitable for
growing larger plants such as cucurbits and solanaceous crops as shown in figure 3.

Source: Off-Grid Gorilla

Figure 3. Diagrammatic representation of drip irrigation technique

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• Aeroponics technique

It is a system where the roots are continuously or discontinuously in an environment

saturated with fine drops (a mist or aerosol) of nutrient solution within a chamber. The
plants are anchored into Styrofoam panels. A pump pushes oxygen rich nutrient solution
through misters or foggers, keeping the roots wet. This technique is excellent for growing
low leafy vegetables as well as potato. It is shown in figure 4.

Source: Trees.com
Figure 4: Diagrammatic representation of aeroponics technique

It is of two types:

o Root mist technique

Nutrient solution is sprayed or misted on to the roots in growing chambers where

roots are suspended in air. It is used in vertical grow tower systems.

o Fog feed technique/ Fogponics

It uses a suspension of nutrient enriched water to deliver nutrients and oxygen to

the plant's roots and a number of mechanisms (for example ultrasonic, compressed
air, or heating elements) to form a suspension of much smaller particles of water
(5–30 μm), or even as vapors.

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• Deep Water Culture Technique

Well-rooted plants are placed in net pots on a floating plate in the nutrient reservoir. To
stabilize the plant, the net pot may be filled with substrate, e.g., clay balls or oasis foam.
The roots hang directly in the nutrient solution, which is oxygenated by means of an air
pump and aeration stones. The system is simple and safe as shown in figure 5. Due to the
large water reservoir, you can leave the system alone for a few days without having to
worry about it in the event of power outage.

©Off-Grid Gorilla
Figure 5: Diagrammatic representation of Deep-water culture technique

• Ebb and flow/ flood and drain technique

A reservoir containing nutrient solution is located below a growing tray. Periodically, the
growing bed is flooded by a small pump on a timer to feed and water the plants. When the
timer switches off, the nutrient solution drains back into the tank, which sucks oxygen into
the root zone. An overflow drain adjusts the nutrient fill height and ensures the system does
not overflow. A residual amount remains to make the system less vulnerable if the pump
should fail. It is easy to set up and use. In addition to commonly grown crops in
hydroponics, root, bulb and tuber crops are also grown in this system as shown in figure 6.

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 Source: Hydrobuilder

Figure 6: Diagrammatic representation of ebb and flow technique

1.7.3. Based on nutrient solution use

Based on how the nutrient solution is used, hydroponics systems can be classified into two
systems as follows:

• Closed/recovery/re-circulating systems

In this system, the nutrient solution is passed through the roots and collected in the reservoir
for reuse. The concentration of nutrients circulating in the system decreases as the plants
use it and hence, such systems require regular replenishment of nutrients. If the nutrient
solution comes in contact with any disease-causing organism, the whole system will be
infected unless the system is cleaned and the nutrient solution replaced. It is shown in figure
7.

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 Figure 7. Closed system

• Open/ non-recovery/ non- recirculating systems

The nutrient solution is passed through the plant roots and discarded. It is not collected for
reuse. This system results in wastage of nutrient solution since the rate of flow is greater
than the rate of uptake of nutrients by plant roots. It is shown in figure 8.

Figure 8. Open system

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1.7.4. Based on nutrient solution distribution

Nutrient solution distribution in a hydroponics system is of two types. They are:

• Active system

Any hydroponics system which utilizes electricity for operation is considered an active
system. With emergence of sophisticated technologies such as pumps, nutrient sensors,
nutrient flow regulators, lighting equipment etc., active systems are widely recommended
for commercial use.

• Passive system

The movement of nutrient solution aided entirely by gravity constitutes the passive
hydroponics system. Passive hydroponics systems are nearly obsolete with advancement
in technology.

1.7.5. Based on space utilization

• Vertical system
It is defined as any type of support or structure that is used to grow plants up and off the
ground as shown in figure 9. It accommodates more number of plants per unit area since
the system utilizes vertical space and is suitable for growing small plants like strawberry
and herbs.

Figure 9. Vertical system

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 • Horizontal system
It is a practice of cultivating crops, vegetables etc. in horizontal cultivable area without any
restriction of height as shown in figure 10. It accommodates less number of plants per unit
area and suitable for growing larger plants like tomatoes, chilies and cucumber.

Figure 10. Horizontal system

1.8.Suitable crops for hydroponics

Leafy vegetables like lettuce, spinach, kale, mustard greens and herbs like celery, parsley,
chives, coriander and basil are found to be the most convenient and lucrative crop grown under
hydroponic systems. Fruits like strawberry, cucumber and vegetables like tomato and chili are
also grown.

1.9.Companion cropping
In hydroponics systems, plants having similar pH and EC requirements are usually grown
together. Lettuce with herbs like chives and coriander helps in controlling aphid infestation.
Celery, parsley, basil and lettuce can also be grown together as companion plants in
hydroponics as shown in figure 11.

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 Figure 11. Companion cropping of lettuce, parsley and basil in NFT system

1.10. Nursery
Nursery is a place where young plants are grown from the seeds using different media in a
protected area and make it ready for plantation in the hydroponics system.

• Nursery must fulfill the following needs

o Seed must be from the clean source
o Nursery area must be in a protected space with ventilation facilities to avoid the
pest & disease infestation
o Irrigation water and light must be available
o Suitable growing media

1.11. Transplanting seedlings in hydroponics system

From the nursery, the healthy seedlings are transplanted at 2-3 leaf stage in the hydroponics
system, if the nursery is raised in oasis cubes and rockwool. However, if the nursery is raised
in other growing media, the seedlings are first uprooted, washed, treated with broad-spectrum
fungicides, placed in the sponge. These are then placed in the netted cups and planted in the
system.

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1.12. Harvesting

Harvesting in hydroponics is no different than harvesting in traditional farming. In general,

vegetable crops are perishable and their shelf life and quality depend on a number of actions
such as:

o Picking at the right stage without damage

o Picking early in the morning or when it is cool
o Keeping the produce in a cool place after harvest
o Handling carefully
o Storing them at the right temperature
o Using the right packaging method depending on crop and intended market

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 SESSION-2 (4 Days Programs)
(Trainers: Mr.Suraj Chettri & Mr.Tashi Wangchuk, NSSC Semtokha)

2. PLANT NUTRIENT SOLUTIONS

2.1.What is Plant Nutrition?

Plant nutrition is defined as the supply and absorption of chemical compounds required for
plant growth and metabolism. Plant requires 17 essential nutrients and some beneficial
nutrients for their growth and development which is broadly categorized into macronutrients,
micronutrients and beneficial nutrients as shown in table 2.

• Macronutrients: Those nutrients required by the plants in large amounts.

• Micronutrients: Those nutrients required by the plants in small quantities.
• Beneficial Nutrients: Those nutrients which are shown to exert beneficial effects on
plant growth at very low concentration.

Table 2. Plant nutrients

Macronutrients Micronutrients Beneficial Nutrients

Carbon (C) Iron (Fe) Silicon (Si)
Hydrogen (H) Zinc (Zn) Vanadium (V)
Oxygen (O) Copper (Cu) Cobalt (Co)
Nitrogen (N) Boron (B) Aluminum (Al)
Phosphorus (P) Molybdenum (Mo) Sodium (Na)
Potassium (K) Chlorine (Cl) Selenium (Se)
Calcium (Ca) Manganese (Mn)
Magnesium (Mg) Nickel (Ni)
Sulphur (S)

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2.2.Functions of macronutrients
• Nitrogen
o Vital for vegetative growth.
o Improves the quality of leafy vegetables by increasing protein content.
o It is an important component of protein and enzyme.
• Phosphorus
o Promotes early root formation and growth.
o Essential for cell division.
o It improves quality of seed grain.
• Potassium
o It is necessary for fruit development and disease resistance.
o Enhances crop quality and shelf life of fruits and vegetables.
o Plays a major role in transport of water and nutrients throughout the plant in xylem.
• Calcium
o It increases fruit set and quality.
o Essential for the formation of cell wall.
• Magnesium
o It improves utilization and mobility of phosphorus for root development.
o Essential for photosynthesis.
• Sulphur
o It is necessary for seed formation.
o It is an integral part of amino acids and develops enzymes.
2.1.Functions of micronutrients
o Control the uptake of major nutrients.
o Essential component of cell wall.
o Helps in plant growth hormones and enzymes system.
o Helps in converting inorganic phosphate to organic phosphate

2.3.Functions of beneficial nutrients

o Exert beneficial effects on plant growth and plant immunity.

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2.4.Types of nutrient solutions

2.4.1. Inorganic based

• Premix nutrient: It is a readymade inorganic nutrient which comprises of all essential

nutrient elements required for normal growth of plant. The commercially available
products usually come in 2 different parts since some nutrients precipitate when mixed in
concentrated solution. Part A contains NPK, most of the macro and micro nutrients that
dissolves easily. Part B contains calcium nitrate and it is not easily soluble. Premix nutrient
from Envirevo Agritech is currently being used for hydroponics in Bhutan as shown in
figure 12.

Figure 12. Hydroponics Nutrients-Part A & B

• Formulated nutrients: Nutrient formulation is prepared by mixing different chemicals or

fertilizers which are required by crops for optimum growth. Different nutrient formulations
for stock solution based on chemical fertilizers and reagent grade chemicals are developed
and being assessed in ARDCs (Table 3). Stock solution is further diluted based on the EC
and pH requirement of the target crop for actual application of the nutrient solution.

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Table 3. Recommended/standard nutrient formulation

Leafy greens & herbs Fruit vegetables

Element
ppm
Nitrogen (N) 156.00 233
Phosphorous (P) 31.000 24
Potassium (K) 210.00 254
Calcium (Ca) 120.000 179
Magnesium (Mg) 24.000 49
Sulphur (S) 33.000 66
Boron (B) 0.1600 0.45
Copper (Cu) 0.0230 0.25
Manganese (Mn) 0.2500 0.5
Molybdenum (Mo) 0.0240 0.01
Zinc (Zn) 0.1300 0.48
Source: Adapted from modified Sonneveld’s solution

Table 4. Nutrient formulation based on chemical fertilizers

Element Leafy greens & herbs Fruit vegetables

mg/ litres water
Mono potassium phosphate 140 100
(0:52:34)
Potassium nitrate (13:0:45) 460 600
Calcium nitrate (15.5:18.8) 620 1000
Magnesium sulphate (9.6:13) 250 504
Chelated micronutrient 200 200

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 Table 5. Nutrient formulation for stock solution based on reagent grade chemicals

Sl. CROP: LEAFY

mg/l (ppm)
No. Chemical Fertilizer types
Solution A (in grams)
1 Calcium Nitrate [Ca (NO3)2] 607.545
2 Potassium Nitrate [KNO3] 928.62
3 Ammonium Nitrate [NH4NO3] 49.58
4 Ferrous Sulphate [FeS04] 23.81
Solution B (in grams)
1 Magnesium Sulphate [MgSo4] 240
2 Manganese Sulphate [MnSo4] 1.27
3 Zinc Sulphate [ZnSo4] 0.825
4 Boric Acid [H3BO3] 1.175
5 Copper Sulphate [CuSo4] 0.12
6 Sodium Molybdate [Na2Mo04] 0.125
7 Di-Potassium hydrogen phosphate [K2HPO4] 155

2.4.2. Organic based

• Premix: It is a readymade organic nutrient available in the market. FloraBloom,
Hydrogrow and Nutrigrow are some of the commercially available premix organic
fertilizers as shown in figure 13. In future, we will assess the performance of organic
premix nutrient solution.

Figure 13. Premix

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 • Liquid nutrient formulation: The nutrient formulation is extracted by fermenting organic
wastes such as compost (all types), bio-slurry and vermicompost tea. This formulation will
be developed and assessed to promote organic nutrient sources for hydroponics.

Figure 14. Liquid nutrient formulation

2.5.Water quality, pH & EC/TDS required for crops and its importance
• Water quality: All hydroponic growing systems require pure water. The best domestic
water supplies or water for agricultural use frequently contain substances and elements that
can affect (positively or negatively) plant growth. It is advisable to use distilled or reverse
osmosis (RO) water. However, in case of non-availability of distilled or RO water, tap
water could be used. The pH and EC of tap water should be tested prior to use.

• pH: pH is the measure of acidity (H+) or alkalinity (-OH) of the solution. The plant
productivity is closely related with nutrient uptake and the pH regulation. Each nutrient
shows differential responses to changes in pH of the nutrient solution and may not be
available to the plants if the pH is low or high. The optimum pH range of nutrient solution
is between 5.5 and 6.5. To maintain optimum pH range, nitric acid is added to lower the
pH and sodium hydroxide for raising the pH.

• EC: Electrical conductivity (EC) is the measure of a solution’s ability to conduct an

electrical current. It is measured in micro-Siemens per centimeter. A higher EC means
higher salt concentration, while a lower EC means a lower salt concentration. Higher EC
hinders nutrient uptake by the plants and lower EC may severely affect plant health and

22
 growth. Add nutrient solutions if EC is low and add water if EC is high. Different plants
require different pH and EC level (Table 6).

Table 6. Optimum pH and EC range for different crops

Plant pH EC

dS m-1 µS cm-1
Lettuce 5.5-6.5 0.8-1.2 800-1200
Basil 5.5-6.5 1.0-1.6 1000-1600
Hot peppers 5.5-6.5 3.0-3.5 3000-3500
Kale 5.5-6.5 1.6-2.5 1600-2500
Tomato 5.5-6.5 2.0-5.0 2000-5000
Celery 6.3-6.7 1.8-2.4 1800-2400
Capsicum 6.0-6.5 1.8-2.2 1800-2200
Pak-choi 7.0 1.5-2.0 1500-2000
Parsley 5.5-6.0 0.8-1.8 800-1800
Mustard green 5.5-6.5 1.2-2.4 1200-2400
Spinach 5.5-6.6 1.8-2.3 1800-2300

• TDS- Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) is a measure of all inorganic and organic substances
in the liquid and it is measured in parts per million (ppm). Since the hydroponic nutrients
dissolved in the water are all ions, EC can be also used as an indirect measurement of the
TDS.
• Temperature- The temperature range of 18 0C to 27 0C has shown high level of dissolved
oxygen for the development of healthy roots and optimal nutrient absorption in the
hydroponic system.

Figure 15. Portable pH, EC & TDS meter

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2.6.Preparation of nutrient stock solutions

2.6.1. Commercial products (premix)

The premix from Envirevo Agritech comes in two different packets (A and B) of 1 kg each.
The procedure for preparation of stock solution is as follows:
o Take 2 buckets and fill with 16 liters of water each.
o Take 2 packets of part A nutrient and mix it in the first bucket and then stir well
to mix properly.
o Take 2 packets of part B nutrient and mix it in the second bucket and then stir
well to mix properly.
o Stock solutions A and B are ready. Store these stock solutions in a dark and
cool place. Use these solutions within 2 months.
o The solutions A and B are mixed in equal amount in the nutrient reservoir tank
as per the plant requirement (Refer table 6).

2.6.2. Formulated nutrients

Some fertilizer salts and reagent graded chemicals react with each other while some do not
react. The fertilizers and reagent graded chemicals that react with each other cannot be
mixed together due to the precipitation in the solution. Therefore, select fertilizers that are
compatible with each other. The below chart (Table 7) indicates the compatibility of the
fertilizer salts and reagent graded chemicals solution:
Table 7. Chemical/reagents compatibility chart

Chemical/reagents Calcium Potassium Mono potassium Magnesium

nitrate Nitrate phosphate Sulfate
Calcium nitrate √ × × ×

Potassium nitrate × √ √ √

Mono potassium
× √ √ √
phosphate
Magnesium sulfate × √ √ √

× Non-Compatible √ Compatible

24
2.6.3. Inorganic formulation
o Use water-soluble fertilizers or reagent grade chemicals containing both macro and
micro nutrients.
o Take 2 buckets and fill with 20 liters of water each.
o Add recommended rate of fertilizers/reagent grade chemicals (solution A) in the first
bucket and then stir well to mix properly.
o Add recommended rate of calcium nitrate (solution B) in the second bucket and then
stir well to mix properly.
o Stock solutions A and B are ready.
o Store these stock solutions in dark and cool place. Use these stock solutions within 2
months.
o These solutions are mixed in water tank as per the plant requirement.

2.6.4. Organic solutions

Bhutan Agri Microbial Solution Fermented Plant Extract (BAMS FPE)
BAMS FPE is made from fresh weeds, ash, fruit and vegetable wastes, and rice bran with BAMS.
BAMS FPE contains organic acids, bioactive substances, minerals and other useful organic
compounds which are produced or extracted from plants through fermentation process.
Materials required to prepare stock solution
Plant matter (chopped) : 2-3kg
Clean water : 14 litres
Molasses : 420ml (3% of water volume)
BAMS : 420ml (3% of water volume)
Plastic drum or bucket : 20L

Process of preparation
o Chop fresh plant materials into small (2-5cm) pieces and place in a container.
o Mix BAMS and molasses in the water and stir to prepare a solution
o Add the solution into the container containing chopped plant materials.

25
o Cover container with black polythene or vinyl and put lid on top of the black cover and
place some weights on it.
o Store the container in a warm place (ideally 20℃ to 35℃), away from direct sunlight.
o Fermentation is initiated and gas is generated within 2-5 days. This depends on the ambient
temperatures.
o Stir the liquid in container regularly to release gases.
o BAMS FPE is ready to use 7-14 days after preparing it when the pH of the solution drops
below 4.0 (ideally it has a pH around 3.5) and when it has a sweet –sour smell.
o Pour the prepared BAMS FPE into plastic bottles after removing plant materials by
filtration.

Figure 16. Raw materials (melia fruit, green leaves and fruits)

Figure 17. Mix in tank with water and other ingredients

26
 SESSION-3 (1 Day Program)
(Trainers: Pema Tshoki, NPPC Semtokha & Thinley Choden,NCOA,Yusipang)

3. PEST, DISEASE AND WEED MANAGEMENT

3.1.Pest, disease and weed management in hydroponics system

One of the advantages of the hydroponics system of growing plants is less incidence of pests,
diseases, and weeds. However, this depends on the conditions under which the hydroponics
system is established. If water is contaminated, the chance of pest, disease and weed incidence
is higher especially for those pests, diseases and weeds that are water-borne. Nevertheless,
there can be an occurrence of a few pests, diseases and weeds that are generally related to
environmental conditions and the type of water used.

3.2.Common insect pests in hydroponics

In order to protect the plants from pests, correct identification of pests is necessary. Common
pests in hydroponics are:
• Aphids
o Also known as plant lice
o Found in three different colors: green, black, or
gray
o Can be easily spotted anywhere on the plant, but
they gather around the stems in huge cluster
o The leaves turn yellow as the aphids suck the
sap/juice out of leaves. This results in weak plants
• Spider mites
o Tiny in size (less than 1 mm long)
o Common pest found in all indoor gardens
o Difficult to notice due to their small size
o It is best to look for spider-like webbing around
the stems and leaves or take a soft tissue or cloth

27
 and wipe gently on the underside of leaves. If there are red streaks of blood on the
tissue, it shows there are spider mites
• Thrips
o They are also tiny in size (around 5 mm long)
o They are tough to identify but it is easy to notice
the damage done to the crops
o Keep a look for small metallic black spots on the
surface of leaves. The leaves start turning yellow
and brown. The leaves will eventually dry out

• Whiteflies

o Whiteflies are also small in size (about 1 mm long)

o White in color and looks like a small white moth
o They can easily be spotted, but it is hard to kill
them because they are agile in nature and flies
away to nearby plants when slightly disturbed
o They cause white spots on leaves. They also suck
out plant saps thereby causing plants to dry out

• Fungus gnats

o Adult fungus gnats are not harmful to your plants

o However, their larvae feed on roots, which can
slow down the plant growth, invite bacterial
infection, and in extreme cases, they can also cause
plant death

28
3.3.Common insect pest management practices
There are few methods that can be utilized to control the pests but to prevent their entry in
hydroponics system in the first place is the best method than trying to control their numbers
and damage once they have established themselves in the system.

• Sticky traps
o Flying pests like whiteflies, fungus gnats and
thrips come in contact with the sticky traps
and get glued or trapped to it. This helps in
identifying them and makes it easy to get rid
of them
o Yellow sticky trap is the best control method
for whiteflies and fungus gnats
o Blue sticky traps are useful in controlling
thrips

• Beneficial predators (Farmers’ friend)

• Ladybird beetles/ladybugs-
o The use of beneficial predatory creatures like
ladybird beetles can assure some level of
success in controlling the pests like aphids,
thrips, and mites
o An adult ladybug can eat up to 5,000 aphids in
its lifetime. Introduce ladybirds in the
hydroponics system to manage aphids
• Green lacewing –
o Also known as aphid lion
o The larva eats up to 60 aphids in an hour
o They also feed on other soft-bodied insects
such as spider mites, whiteflies, and thrips
o The adult lacewing is a pollinator

29
 • Hoverfly/Syrphid fly
o Commonly found on flowers and also known as
flowers flies
o The larval size varies in length from 1-13mm
o The larva eats soft-bodied pests like aphids

3.4.Use of organic and inorganic pesticides

• Organic/bio pesticides- Neem oil, artemisia and jholmol (4ml/L) are effective in
controlling aphids and loopers
• Inorganic pesticides- Chlorpyrifos 20 EC (4ml/L), malathion 50 EC and cypermethrin
10 EC (1ml/L) are effective in controlling aphids, thrips, whiteflies, spider mites and
many other pests. It is important to alternate the pesticides, since pests develop resistance
rapidly

3.5.Common diseases in hydroponics

The most common hydroponics plant diseases are;
• Root rot
o When there are too much water and pathogens
in the growing medium, it can result in root rot
of your plants
o Root rot is a fungal disease caused by a variety
of fungi
o Plant’s wilt and turn yellow. Roots can get
mushy too resulting in weak plants
• Powdery mildew
o White powder can be seen on the upper side of
the leaves and stems
o Powdery mildew affects the overall plant
growth resulting in stunted plant growth, leaf

30
 drop, and yellowing of plant tissue. In severe cases it can kill the plants
o Moderate temperatures (15 to 26 ℃) with relative humidity above 50% and shady
conditions are favorable for powdery mildew incidence. But it does not occur when
leaf surface is wet
o The infection rate increases with rise in relative humidity above 90%
• Downy mildew
o Downy mildew mostly appears on the
underside of leaves
o It causes yellowing of leaves
o Prolonged wet condition in the hydroponics
system or when leaves have been wet for
long-duration, it favors the incidence of
downy mildew
o The optimum temperature for downy mildew
is 18 ℃
o The disease becomes severe in cool and humid conditions (relative humidity 85%)
so it is critical to maintain the relative humidity below 85%
• Gray mold
o Also called ash mold & ghost spot
o It appears as small spots on leaves and fruits
that develop into fuzzy gray abrasions. It will
further deteriorate until the plants are brown
and mushy
o Gray mold infection occurs at relative
humidity above 93% with temperature (16-24 ℃)

31
 • Late blight
o A major disease of potato and tomato
o The disease occurs in humid or damp
conditions with temperatures ranging
between 16 and 21 °C
o If not timely controlled, it will spread rapidly
to other healthy plants destroying all plants in
the system
o Choose blight resistant varieties
o Prolonged hot dry conditions in the growing area can control the disease spread

3.6.Common disease management practices

• Wear clean clothes
o Disease inoculums or spores can enter into hydroponics system along with people
entering the growing area so the clothes and shoes that are worn by the workers or
people visiting the system should to be clean when entering the system
o Keep the system and growing area clean at all times and especially while working
inside it
• Clean up spills and runoff

Water used in the hydroponics system can be one main source of disease inoculums as
most of the plant diseases (gray mold, mildews, and other diseases) occurring in the
hydroponics system is due to excess moisture/humidity. So, it is important to regulate or
check the water use
• Keep plants clean

Dried leaves and dead plant matter should be picked and thrown out of the hydroponics
system. Do not keep any dead plant matter in the system as they harbor diseases and pests.
The less dead plant matters the fewer pests and diseases

• Use of fungicides

o Fungicides can be used as the last measure to control diseases

32
 o Captan 50 WP (2gm/L) can control gray mold, powdery mildew and root rot (root
treatment)
o Copper oxychloride 50 WP (1ml/L), metalaxyl 8% + mancozeb 64% (2gm/L) and
mancozeb 75 WP (2gm/L) can control downy mildew and blight diseases of potatoes
and tomatoes
o Sulphur 80 WP can control powdery mildew

3.7.Common weeds in hydroponics system

• Algae/algal bloom
o Algae/algal blooms are thick layers of free-
floating aquatic plants. Can be green, red, black,
and brown in color
o Algae incidence in hydroponics system is
unavoidable to certain extent because algae
require the same conditions (light, nutrients and
water) as edible plants for their growth
o Can be transported as microscopic spores through
the air
o Algae bloom in small amounts is not problematic but in huge masses, it can clog the
pipes leading to overflow or block the pump causing the system to stop working. It can
also compete with plants for nutrients and oxygen

3.8.Common weed management practices

o Prevent the light from reaching the nutrient solution with the use of opaque and black
colored materials. This will reduce the photosynthesis rate of algae thereby controlling
the algae growth
o Grapefruit seed extract (5 to 10 drops per 3.8 liters of water) is sufficient to prevent the
algae growth without being toxic to plants
o Thoroughly clean the hydroponics system with food grade 35% hydrogen peroxide (3
milliliters for 3.8 liters of water) or clean water after h

33
 SESSION-4 (2 Days Programs)
(Trainers: Dorji Wangmo & Karma Yangzom,ARDC Wengkhar)

4. PROTECTED HYDROPONICS STRUCTURES

4.1.Protected structures for hydroponics cultivation technology

Protected hydroponics structure involves growing crops in a controlled environment
wherein parameters like temperature, humidity, light, water, plant nutrition etc.,
are controlled unlike in open field conditions where the crops are exposed to the fluctuations
of nature. Various types of protected structures are available as per area, location, and choice
of crops. Commonly used protected structures like greenhouse, with little modifications can
be used for hydroponics system. Specialized structures required for hydroponics are stand,
piping system; grow bags, troughs, containers, pot stands and chambers and can be made or
constructed inside protected structures with additional investment. Cooling pad, exhaust fan,
ceiling fan and electric heaters are required to control micro-climate for protected structures.

4.2. Greenhouse
o A greenhouse is a framed or an inflated
structure covered with transparent or
translucent materials such as PVC sheet,
plastic sheets, glass that retains heat
(Figure 18).
o Based on its transparency the greenhouse
transmits most of the sunlight energy Figure 18. Greenhouse
o The crop, floor and other objects inside
the greenhouse absorb the sunlight and convert into infrared ray and heat energy which
will increase temperature inside the greenhouse.
o The light energy converted into infrared rays cannot pass through greenhouse. This is
known as greenhouse effect
o The green house effect(figure 19) creates ambient conditions for year round cultivation
of crops.

34
 Figure 19. Principle of greenhouse effect

4.2.1. Prefabricated Greenhouse for hydroponics

Prefabricated green houses are structures commercially available with complete sets in
ready to use form (figure 20).

Figure 20. Prefabricated Greenhouse for hydroponics

35
4.2.2. Fabricated greenhouse for hydroponics
Fabricated green house (figure 21) is a modified structure constructed using readily
available materials such as bamboo, GI pipe, wood, rope, etc. It is classified into low and
medium cost.

Figure 21. Low cost and medium cost fabricated greenhouses

Table 8. Material required for fabricated greenhouse (Size: 20mX5m)

Low cost Medium cost
Materials Estimated Unit Estimated Materials Estimated Unit Estimated
Quantity Cost (in Nu.) Quantity Cost (in
Nu.)
200-micron 1 No 20000.00 Green house 1 Set 85500.00
polyethylene set
sheet
Bamboo 100 No 12000.00 25 mm GI pipe 50 m 10000.00
GI binding wire 2 Roll 4000.00 Cement(50kg) 45 Bag 23000.00
Jute bag (50 kg) 50 No 5000.00 Gravels 315 CFT 11025.00
Agro net 1 No 4500.00 Sand 160 CFT 2400.00
AC Exhaust fan 2 No 6000.00 Boulders 10 Tonne 18000.00
(900 rpm, 450
mm sweep)
Ceiling Fan 2 No 2500.00 AC Exhaust 2 No 6000.00
(1400 rpm, 1400 fan (900 rpm,
mm sweep) 450 mm
sweep)
Ventilation/Insect 50 M 6000.00 Agro net 1 No 4500.00
proof net
Miscellaneous Lumpsum 10000.00 Miscellaneous Lumpsum 10000.00
items
Total 70600.00 168025.00

36
 • General tools for greenhouse construction

Tools and equipment like angle cutter, pliers, hammer, measuring tape, ladder,
crowbar, spade, shovel, electric drill, welding machine

4.3.Construction of different hydroponic techniques

4.3.1. Nutrient Film Technique (NFT)

NFT structure can be constructed using readily available commercial materials in the local market
such as PVC pipes, GI pipes, and CPVC pipes or directly procure ready to use complete set.

Figure 23. Ready to use NFT materials

Figure 22. Modified NFT materials

Table 9. Materials required for Fabricated NFT

Materials required for 20mx5m greenhouse Estimated Unit Estimated Cost
Quantity (in Nu.)
PVC pipe (110mm diameter,3m length) 200 No 390000.00
PVC Socket(110mm) 40 No 6000.00
PVC end cap 65 No 9800.00
CPVC Pipe (32mm) 10 No 10000.00
CPVC pipe (20mm) 8 No 4500.00
CPVC elbow(32mm) 80 No 5500.00
CPVC elbow (20mm) 10 No 500.00
CPVC ball valve(32mm) 5 No 5000.00
CPVC ball valve (20mm) 5 No 3000.00
MS tubular for A-frame (50mm diameter) 160 M 70000.00
Iron rod (12mm) 100 M 4000.00
Nutrient Pump 1 No 9000.00
Nutrient tank (sintex 3000L) 1 No 25000.00
Total 460000.00

37
Steps to construct fabricated NFT

o Erect the iron rod in A-frame shape

o Weld the 0.2 m long, 15 mm metal rod
to the iron rod at an angle of 85º
with the use of welding machine
o Join the PVC pipes with its union till the
required length
o Make planting holes to the PVC
pipes using hole saw drill bit
o Fix the PVC pipes to the welded
metal rod
o Connect the CPVC pipes for
nutrient solution inlet and outlet to
the nutrient reservoir tank and the
Iron rod at an
growth chamber
angle of 850

4.3.2. Deep Water Culture (DWC)

DWC is a structure constructed using readily available materials such as concreting materials,
buckets, wooden box, silpaulin sheet, PVC pipes, CPVC, pipes, styrofoam, etc. (figure 24).

Figure 22. Deep Water Culture (DWC)

38
 Table 10. Materials for construction of DWC (Concrete type)
Materials required for 20mx5m Estimated Unit Estimated
greenhouse Quantity Cost (in Nu.)
Bricks (190*90*90mm) No 62500.00
2500
M2 18000.00
silpaulin (300 gsm) 90
M2 25000.00
styrofoam 54
No 110000.00
Netted pot 5400
Bag 3000.00
cements (50 kg bag) 6
Bag 500.00
Sand 32
Total 218500.00

Steps to construct DWC

o Layout- measure 18mx1m planting trough

size x 3 rows, maintain 50 cm space
between the rows for intercultural
operations
o Align one layer of bricks on the outline and
stack the remaining layers of bricks till the
structure meets height of 20cm
o Cure the structure for minimum of 2-3
weeks
Figure 23. DWC Structure
o Spread the silpaulin sheet over the planting
trough as per trough size
o Fill in the nutrient solution
o Place the styrofoam over the nutrient solution [drill holes (10cmx10cm spacing) using hole
saw drill bit in the styrofoam prior to filling up the structure with nutrient solution.

39
4.3.3. Drip System

4.3.3.1.Trough method
A structure constructed using the readily available materials such as planks, silpaulin sheet
and is recommended for larger crops like tomatoes, chilli, cucumber, etc. as shown in figure
26.

Figure 24. Trough method structure

Table 11. Materials required for fabricated drip (Trough method)

Materials required for 20mx5m greenhouse Estimated Unit Estimated Cost
Quantity (in Nu.)

Planks for constructing planting trough (0.08ft 80 CFT 31500

thickness, 12 ft length, 1ft height)
Silpaulin (300gsm) 90 M2 18000
Drip Set 1 Set 7500
Case N capping 155 M 8000
HDPE Pipe(25mm) 50 M 3000
CPVC Ball Valve (25mm) (only one required if 3 No 1800.00
automated)
CPVC Ball valve (32mm) 1 No 1000.00
Solenoid Valve 1 No 5000.00
CPVC pipe(25mm) 6 M 5400.00
Screen Filter (12meter cube per hr) 1 No 5000.00
CPVC Female Threaded adapter (FTA)(40m) 2 No 150.00
CPVC reducer bush(40*25mm) 2 No 150.00
Total 86500.00

40
How to construct Drip system (Trough method)
o Layout- measure 18mx0.5m planting trough size x 4 rows, maintain 50 cm space between
the rows for intercultural operations
o Construct the trough using planks of recommended size
o Spread the silpaulin sheet over the planting trough as per trough size
o Put in the growing media of your choice (Moss +coco peat mixture 2:1/coco peat/moss)
o Install the drip irrigation set
o Install the nutrient distribution network

4.3.3.2.Pot method

A structure constructed using the readily available materials such as pots, buckets,
containers, etc. and is recommended for crop like strawberry, herbs, leafy greens, etc. as
shown in figure 27.

Figure 25. Pot method structure

41
Table 12. Materials required for fabricated drip system (Pot method)
Materials required for 20mx5m greenhouse Estimated Unit Estimated Cost
Quantity (in Nu.)

Roll 4000.00
HDPE Pipe(20mm) 1
No 15000.00
Pots 150
M 4500.00
HDPE extension Pipe (6mm Outer diameter) 300
No 1500.00
Drip emitter (2.2 Litre Per Hour) 300
No 2000.00
Screw takes off (6mm, 1 end barbed hook) 300
No 4000.00
Nutrient Tank ( Sintex tank,200L) 1
No 1800.00
CPVC Ball Valve (25mm) (only one required if automated) 3
No 1000.00
CPVC Ball valve (32mm) 1
No 5000.00
Solenoid Valve 1
M 5400.00
CPVC pipe(25mm) 6
No 5000.00
Screen Filter (12meter cube per hr) 1
No 150.00
CPVC Female Threaded adapter (FTA)(40mm) 2
No 150.00
CPVC reducer bush(40*25mm) 2
Total 49500.00

Steps to construct Drip system (Pot method)

o Layout - Measure 18mx1mx 3 rows (each row consists of two lines)
o Place 40 numbers of pots in each line and 80 numbers in each row
o Put in the growing media of your choice (coco peat and moss mixture, vermiculite and
soilrite mixture 2:1)
o Install the drip irrigation lines to each pot
o Install the nutrient distribution network

42
4.3.4. Sprinkler based vertical tower system

The structure is a modified aeroponic technique

where the plants are grown in vertical PVC pipes.
Nutrient solutions are provided through micro-
sprinkler fixed above the tower. Compared to other
techniques, this structure accommodates more
number of plants per unit area. The structure is
shown in figure 28.
Figure 26. Sprinkler based vertical
tower system

Table 13. Materials required for sprinkler vertical tower system

Materials required for 20mx5m Estimated Unit Estimated

greenhouse Quantity Cost (Nu.)

PVC pipes (110mm) 150 No 292500

PVC TEE (110mm) 140 No 44500
PVC Elbow (110mm) 20 No 3000.00
PVC Socket(110mm) 186 No 99500
Micro sprinkler 130 No 6500.00
CPVC pipe(20mm) 36 No 1800.00
CPVC TEE (20mm) 150 No 7500.00
CPVC Elbow (20mm) 50 No 2500.00
CPVC socket (20mm) 50 No 2500.00
0.5 hp pump 3 No 8500.00
CPVC ball valve (32mm) 5 No 5000.00
CPVC tank nipple(20mm) 10 No 3500.00
Total 436500

Steps to construct sprinkler based vertical tower system

o Cut the PVC pipes into required length of the tower (2m)
o Mould planting holes in the PVC pipes with the use of heat gun (36 numbers)
o Fit the tower into the PVC TEE and elbow

43
 o Install the nutrient circulation network
o Install the nutrient pump
o Automate the pump

Table 14. Materials required for vertical hydroponics tower

Materials required in 20mx5m green Estimated Unit Estimated

house quantity cost (in Nu.)
Planks for constructing planting trough 80 CFT 31500.00
(0.08ft thickness,12 ft length, 1ft height)
Silpaulin (300gsm) 90 M2 18000.00
Case N capping 155 M 8000.00
CPVC Pipe(32mm) 15 No 15000.00
CPVC Pipe (20mm) 10 No 6000.00
Auto-siphon valve(50mm) 4 No 20000.00
AC Pump (1 hp) 1 No 9500.00
CPVC TEE (20mm) 10 No 1500.00
CPVC Elbow(20mm) 10 No 500.00
CPVC TEE (32mm) 10 No 3500.00
CPVC Elbow (32mm) 10 No 1500.00
Total 115000.00

4.3.5. Ebb and flow (flood and drain)

This technique of hydroponics system is also known as flood and drains system and is constructed
using readily available materials in the local market such as planks, silpaulin, PVC pipes and
CPVC pipes. It is shown in figure 29.

44
Figure 27. Ebb and flow

Table 15. Materials required for Ebb and flow technique

Materials required in 20mx5m green house Estimated Unit Estimated cost
quantity (in Nu.)

Planks for constructing planting trough (0.08ft 80 CFT 31500.00

thickness,12 ft length, 1ft height)

Silpaulin (300gsm) 90 M2 18000.00

Case N capping 155 M 8000.00
CPVC Pipe(32mm) 15 No 15000.00
CPVC Pipe (20mm) 10 No 6000.00
Auto-siphon valve(50mm) 4 No 20000.00
AC Pump (1 hp) 1 No 9500.00
CPVC TEE(20mm) 10 No 1500.00
CPVC Elbow(20mm) 10 No 500.00
CPVC TEE (32mm) 10 No 3500.00
CPVC Elbow (32mm) 10 No 1500.00
Total 115000.00

45
Steps to construct EBB AND FLOW (Type-flood and drain)
o Layout- measure 18mx0.5m planting trough size x 4 rows, maintain 50 cm space
between the rows for intercultural operations
o Construct the trough using planks of recommended size
o Install the inlet and outlet pipe and fix it to the nutrient reservoir tank
o Spread the silpaulin sheet over the planting trough as per trough size
o Put in the growing media of your choice (Moss +coco peat mixture 2:1/coco peat/moss)
o Install an auto siphon to each planting trough

4.4.General tools/equipment required

Table 16. General tools/equipment required

NFT DFT DRIP Vertical tower EBB and flow

Measuring tape, Hole saw drill bit, Measuring tape, Measuring tape, Measuring tape,
welding machine, brick trowel, Pipe cutter, Pipe cutter, Pipe cutter,
hole saw drill bit, concrete Plumbing tools, Plumbing tools, Plumbing tools
drill machine, finishing trowel, Drill machine with Drill machine Drill machine
saw/hexo blade with pipe cutter drill bits with drill bits with drill bits
frame, CPVC pipe Plumbing tools
cutter and GI pipe
cutter Plumbing
tools

4.5.Maintenance of hydroponics structure

• The hydroponics system, tools and equipment should be completely sanitized at the end
of each crop cycle
• Sterilize the system, tools and equipment using bleach, hydrogen peroxide, and
antibacterial products like lysol. These can be applied in sprays, dunks, or soaks.

46
 SESSION-5 (1 Day Program)
(Trainers: Dr.Tshering Penjor, ARDC Wengkhar & Kinley Tshering, ARDC Bajo)

5. AUTOMATION OF PROTECTED CULTIVATION TECHNOLOGY

5.1.Why we need automation in the hydroponics?

In the hydroponics system there are several parameters such as air temperature and humidity,
lights, water temperature, nutrient EC and pH which are difficult to be controlled or
maintained precisely by human intervention. These parameters are important for a healthy
and faster plant growth in hydroponics system. Therefore, automation devices are necessary
to maintain these parameters within optimum level to provide ambient conditions for plant
growth.

One of the biggest recurring costs for any hydroponics system is labor. Automation of
hydroponics system can reduce labor required for crop production and reduce labor cost.
Aside from reducing labor cost, the automation also improves the efficiency in usage of other
inputs such as plant nutrient, water and electricity which further reduces the recurring cost for
operation of hydroponics system.

5.2.Devices and equipment used in hydroponics automation

There are number of different integrated electronic devices or modules used in the
hydroponics system and are categorized under the following groups based on their specific
functions:

5.2.1. Sensor
Sensor is an electronic device or module that detect events or changes in its environment
and send the information to the hydroponics controller. The readings from these sensors
are used for activation or deactivation of different actuators (electric devices) to maintain
the preset conditions in the hydroponics system. The readings from these sensors are also
displayed on a dashboard for monitoring as well as archiving for further analysis and
storage. Different types of sensors used in hydroponics are:

47
 • Temperature and humidity sensor module: It is either an analog or digital sensor to
detect changes of temperature and humidity inside the hydroponics structure. The readings
from these sensors are used for activation of actuators such as heater, exhaust fan,
humidifier and de-humidifier to maintain the preset temperature and humidity inside the
hydroponics structure.

DHT22 module DHT11 module HTU21D module

Temperature range: -40- Temperature range: -40- Temperature range: -40-80℃

80℃ 80℃
Accuracy: ±0.5℃
Accuracy: ±0.5℃ Accuracy: ±0.5℃
Humidity range: 0-100
Humidity range: 0-100 Humidity range: 0-100
%RH
%RH %RH
Accuracy: ±2%RH
Accuracy: ±2%RH Accuracy: ±2%RH

Figure 30. Examples of temperature and humidity sensor modules

48
• Water temperature sensor: It is either an analog or digital sensor that detect changes of
water (nutrient solution) temperature in hydroponics structure.

DS18B20 digital water temperature 109SS analog water temperature sensor

Sensor
Range: -40° to +70°C
Range: -55 to 125°C (-67°F to +257°F)
Accuracy: ±0.49°C
Accuracy: ±0.5°C

Figure 31: Examples of water temperature sensors

• pH sensor probe: It is either an analog or digital sensor that detect changes in pH of

hydroponics nutrient solution. It measures the molar concentration of hydrogen ions (H+)
that is present in the solution. The more hydrogen ions present in the solvent, more acidic
is the solution. A pH level of 7.0 at 25°C is said to be neutral, a pH below 7.0 are considered
acidic and a pH higher than 7.0 are basic. It is important to monitor pH level of nutrient
solution as availability of different nutrients to the plants are affected by different levels of
pH in the solution.

49
 34

TPX00016 analog pH Sensor probe AnyLeaf digital pH sensor probe

pH Range: 0 – 14 pH Range: 0 – 14

pH Accuracy: 0.01 pH Accuracy: 0.01

Figure 32. Examples of pH sensor probe

• EC (electrical conductivity)/ TDS (total dissolved solids) probe: An EC probe measures

the potential for an electrical current to be transported through water known as molar
conductivity (electrolytic conductivity) and is measured in micro-Siemens per centimeter
(µS/cm). When hydroponics nutrient is added to the water, it increases the molar
conductivity potential for current through water and increases the EC value. The
hydroponics nutrient dissolved in the water are all ions, EC can also be used as an indirect
measurement of TDS. Therefore, EC /TDS probe are used to measure the concentration of
hydroponics nutrient solutions.

50
 Range: 0.07-50000 µS/cm
Accuracy: +/- 2 %. With TDS readings in ppm

Figure 33. EC and TDS probe

• Carbon dioxide (CO2) sensor module: The CO2 sensor module are used to monitor the
level of CO2 concentration in the hydroponics system. For the majority of hydroponics
crops, net photosynthesis increases as CO2 levels increase from 340–1,000 ppm.
Example:
Example: CO2 Device and sensor module

• Range: 0 – 5,000 ppm

• Accuracy: ± 50 ppm

Figure 34. CO2 sensor module

51
• Light sensor module: Light sensor detects the ideal lighting conditions of the plants in
the hydroponics system. It detects the brightness and intensity of light and controls the
activation or de-activation of artificial lighting system in the hydroponics structure.

Example of light sensor module:

Figure 35. Examples of light sensor module

• Water level sensor: The water level sensor is used for determining nutrient level in the
hydroponics nutrient tank. The sensor helps to maintain required water level in the nutrient
reservoir.
Example: Float magnetic switch

Figure 36. Water level sensor

• Moisture sensor module: Moisture sensors detect and monitor the moisture level of plant
root zones especially in the substrate-based hydroponics system. The data from these

52
 sensors are sent to the hydroponics controller to activate or deactivate the solenoid valve
or nutrient pump for nutrient circulation based on the pre-set conditions.

Figure 37. Capacitive moisture sensor module

5.2.2. Actuators
An actuator is either a device or an application software that is operated or activated
based on the sensor values that is pre-set in the hydroponics controller device.
Actuators used in hydroponics system are:

• Nutrient pump: Nutrient pump is an electric pump which is used for circulation of the
nutrient solution from the reservoir tank to the growth chamber in the hydroponics system.
In aeroponics and NFT systems, frequent switching ON and OFF of the nutrient pump is
required to supply nutrients and moisture to the root zone of the plants. Alternating current
(AC) and direct current (DC) powered electric pump can be used in the hydroponics
system. Power rating of the pumps depend on the size of the hydroponics structure. Two
types of nutrient pumps are available, submersible and non-submersible pumps.

53
 0.5 HP Submersible AC pump 0.5 HP none-submersible AC pump

Figure 38. Examples of nutrient pump

• Air pump: It is used to pump air bubbles into the nutrient tank to increase the oxygen
level in the nutrient solution. In DWC system, air pumps are necessary to oxygenate the
roots of the plants. It is available in various sizes having one or two air outlets.
Example: DC powered air pump

Figure 39. Air pump

• Peristaltic pump: It is commonly known as a roller pump and it is used for pumping a
variety of fluids in a very accurate discharge rate. The peristaltic pumps are used to
dispense accurate volume of concentrated nutrient solutions and pH adjusting solutions to

54
 the hydroponics nutrient reservoir and maintains EC and pH levels at the pre-set values
automatically.

Example: Peristaltic dosing pump

Figure 40. Peristaltic pump

• Solenoid valve: It is an electrically controlled valve to turn ON or OFF to regulate the flow
of nutrient solution. It automatically controls the distribution network of nutrient and water
circulation.

Figure 41. Solenoid pump

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• Hydroponics electric heater: In hydroponics, most of the heaters are electric-powered used
for providing heat during winter months. The submersible type of electric heaters is also
used to heat up the nutrient solutions in the reservoir tanks to maintain the required
temperature level.

• Grow-lights: All green plants require light as a source of energy for photosynthesis. For
indoor hydroponics system, the artificial lighting system is necessary as plants have no
access to the sunlight. For out-door hydroponics system, artificial lighting may be provided
if the light from the sun is not enough for proper plant development. Most plants use about
495 – 570 nm (Nano meter) range of visible light spectrum, where the green parts of
spectrum are reflected by chlorophyll. During the vegetative stage, plants require more of
blue spectrum of light which has higher energy content. During flowering and fruiting
(reproductive) stage, the plants require more of red spectrum light which is low energy part
of the light spectrum.

Figure 42. Grow light

• Lighting system

o Timer based lighting: Timer device turns lights ON or OFF based on the time set
in the device

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 o Conditional lighting: Controller device determines when to turnthe lights ON or
OFF based on the conditions set in the controller device.

• Types of grow light:

o Fluorescent tube: Florescent tube can be used for lighting in the hydroponics
system as they are cheap, readily available in the local market and provide full
spectrum (white light) of light for the plants.

Figure 43. Fluorescent tube

o Compact Fluorescent bulbs

o (CFL): CFL light can be used as
they are cheap, easy to use and
readily available. CFL bulbs are
available in different power
ratings and sizes and provides full Figure 44. Compact fluorescent bulbs
spectrum light for the plants.

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 o LED (Light Emitting Diode) lights: LED grow lights are considered to be the
most efficient lighting system in the hydroponics system. They produce
combination of blue and red light as required by the plants. LED grow lights are
more energy efficient compared to other lighting sources and if properly maintained
it will last for 5 to 10 years.

Figure 45. LED grow light

• Electric fans: It is generally used for ventilating and cooling the hydroponics structure.
The most critical electric fan used in the hydroponics system is exhaust fan for removing
accumulated heat and moisture (humidity) from the growth chamber.

Figure 46. Electric fan

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 • Webcam: Webcam or any other camera are used to take time-lapse or real time pictures
for monitoring the hydroponics system.

Figure 47. Webcam

5.2.3. Hydroponics controlling Device

The main function of the hydroponics controlling device is to acquire readings from different
sensors, analyze data and control pre-set parameters with the help of different actuators present in
the system. Remote monitoring is also one of the main functions of the hydroponics controlling
device. There are various hydroponics automation devices available in the market and are
categorized into two types:

• Traditional stand-alone controller: It has no access to internet facilities and cannot be

monitored remotely.
• Internet based controller: It has access to internet facilities and can be monitored and
controlled through secure mobile apps, web or other IoTs (Internet of Things) facilities.

5.2.4. Configuration of Locally developed hydroponics controlling device:

Although various types of hydroponics controllers are available in the market but many are
expensive and lack local technical expertise for installation, usage and maintenance of
these devices. Established hydroponics structures in research centers use hydroponics
controllers developed by local private IT firm in Bhutan. The section below describes how
to use and configure both hardware and software.

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5.2.4.1.Hardware components:
The system uses open-source hardware such as raspberry Pi, ESP8266 and ESP32
microcontrollers with Wi-Fi and internet capability. The hardware has a number of input
and output ports to interface with a number of sensors and actuators to control different
parameters in hydroponics system.

Input ports for different sensors:

o Temperature and Humidity sensor
o Water temperature sensor
o Water level sensor
o pH sensor
o EC sensor

Output ports for different actuators:

o Nutrient pump
o Air pump
o Grow lights
o Exhaust fan
o Heaters
o Ceiling fan
o Solenoid valve

5.2.4.2.Application Software configuration:

The software on the hydroponics controller is called Mycodo which can be accessed using any
web browser apps such as Google Chrome, Microsoft Internet Explorer and Firefox by using the
device IP address. The device can also be accessed worldwide using other cloud based IoT
services such as Dataplicity.com. The application software is secure and protected by login
credentials. The default login is admin and password are default. After the login, configure
different sensors and actuators.

60
In the Mycodo software, the automation of hydroponics system is achieved by interaction of
various sensors and actuators under the FUNCTION setting in the software. Navigate to
the Setup -> Function page, where several functions will be created that will automate the
system. For example
o Timer to turn ON or OFF for grow light, nutrient and oxygen pumps
o Function to regulate EC and pH with the peristaltic pump.
o Function to regulate room temperature with a humidifier and exhaust fan.
o Function to monitor air and water temperature, water level, or other important
measurements and alert by email if they fall out of acceptable range.
o Timer to periodically run exhaust fan.

• Dashboard for real-time monitoring the status of different sensors and actuators

On the Data -> Dashboard page, there are many types of widgets that can be added,
organized by dragging and resizing. The most useful widget is the graphs which allows to

61
select any number of Inputs, Outputs, controllers, and other measurements to be displayed
on a historical graph. Graphs are updated automatically with new data and displays the
latest measurements. There are also a number of settings to tune the graph including the x-
axis duration, series colors, and range selector etc, Multiple dashboards created to organize
different views, or to prevent one dashboard from becoming too crowded.

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Annexure 1. Training schedule

Session 1: Principles and concepts of hydroponics system

Day/Time Activity Mode of Responsibility

Training
Day 1
8:45-9.00AM Participant’s registration Training coordinator, ARDC
Bajo
9:00-10.30 AM Introduction to the training Lecture/ Kinlay Tshering, Tshering
program (Principles and Presentation Dema,ARDC Bajo & Ugyen
concepts of hydroponics Wangmo,NCOA Yusipang
system)
Tea break (10.30-11.00AM)
11:00-1.00PM Why hydroponics and its Lecture/ Kinlay Tshering, Tshering
challenges and opportunities Presentation Dema,ARDC Bajo & Ugyen
Wangmo,NCOA Yusipang
Lunch break (1.00-2.00PM)
2:00-4.00PM Basic principles of Lecture/ Kinlay Tshering, Tshering
hydroponics and Presentation Dema,ARDC Bajo & Ugyen
requirement for crop growth Wangmo,NCOA Yusipang
Tea break (3.30-4.00PM)
4.00-5.00PM Suitable crops for Lecture/ Kinlay Tshering, Tshering
hydroponics and its Presentation Dema,ARDC Bajo & Ugyen
companion crops Wangmo,NCOA Yusipang
Day 2
8:45-9.00AM Participant’s registration Training coordinator, ARDC
Bajo
9:00-10.30 AM Types of hydroponic Lecture/ Kinlay Tshering, Tshering
systems (substrate based, Presentation Dema,ARDC Bajo & Ugyen
hydroponics) Wangmo,NCOA Yusipang
Tea break (10.30-11.00AM)
11:00-1.00PM Types of hydroponic Lecture/ Kinlay Tshering, Tshering
systems (Aeroponics, Presentation Dema,ARDC Bajo & Ugyen
Fogponics) Wangmo,NCOA Yusipang
Lunch break (1.00-2.00PM)
2:00-3.30PM Demonstration on different Practical Kinlay Tshering, Tshering
types of Hydroponic system Dema,ARDC Bajo & Ugyen
Wangmo,NCOA Yusipang
Tea break (3.30-4.00PM)

63
4.00-5.00PM Test on practical session Theory Kinlay Tshering, Tshering
Dema,ARDC Bajo & Ugyen
Wangmo,NCOA Yusipang
Day 3
8:45-9.00AM Participant’s registration Training coordinator, ARDC
Bajo
9:00-10.30 AM Nursery raising and Lecture/ Kinlay Tshering, Tshering
Transplanting techniques in Presentation Dema,ARDC Bajo & Ugyen
hydroponics Wangmo,NCOA Yusipang
Tea break (10.30-11.00AM)
11:00-1.00PM Harvesting and management Lecture/ Kinlay Tshering, Tshering
techniques in hydroponics Presentation Dema,ARDC Bajo & Ugyen
Wangmo,NCOA Yusipang
Lunch break (1.00-2.00PM)
2:00-3.30PM Practical on nursery raising, Practical Kinlay Tshering, Tshering
transplanting and harvesting Dema,ARDC Bajo & Ugyen
Wangmo,NCOA Yusipang
Tea break (3.30-4.00PM)
4.00-5.00PM Practical on nursery raising, Practical Kinlay Tshering, Tshering
transplanting and harvesting Dema,ARDC Bajo & Ugyen
Wangmo,NCOA Yusipang

Session 2: Plant Nutrient Solutions

Day/Time Activity Mode of Responsibility
Training
Day 4
8:45-9.00AM Participant’s registration Training coordinator, ARDC
Bajo
9:00-10.30 AM Introduction to the training Lecture/ Suraj Chettri & Tashi
program (Plant Nutrient Presentation Wangchuk, NSSC, Semtokha
Solutions)
Tea break (10.30-11.00AM)
11:00-1.00PM Nutrient formulation and Lecture/ Suraj Chettri & Tashi
Premix followed by Presentation Wangchuk, NSSC, Semtokha
discussion(Q&A)
Lunch break (1.00-2.00PM)
2:00-4.00PM Practical on nutrient Practical Suraj Chettri & Tashi
formulation Wangchuk, NSSC, Semtokha
Tea break (3.30-4.00PM)
4.00-5.00PM Test on practical session Discussion Suraj Chettri & Tashi
Wangchuk, NSSC, Semtokha

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Day 5
8:45-9.00AM Participant’s registration Training coordinator, ARDC
Bajo
9:00-10.30 AM Water quality, pH, EC and Lecture/ Suraj Chettri & Tashi
TDS Presentation Wangchuk, NSSC, Semtokha
Tea break (10.30-11.00AM)
11:00-1.00PM pH and EC Calculate and Lecture/ Suraj Chettri & Tashi
Temperature followed by Presentation Wangchuk, NSSC, Semtokha
discussion(Q&A)

Lunch break (1.00-2.00PM)

2:00-4.00PM Practical on Premix Practical Suraj Chettri & Tashi
preparation Wangchuk, NSSC, Semtokha
Tea break (3.30-4.00PM)
4.00-5.00PM Test on practical session Theory Suraj Chettri & Tashi
Wangchuk, NSSC, Semtokha
Day 6
8:45-9.00AM Participant’s registration Training coordinator, ARDC
Bajo
9:00-10.30 AM Theory on reagent grade Lecture/ Suraj Chettri & Tashi
solution Presentation Wangchuk, NSSC, Semtokha
Tea break (10.30-11.00AM)
11:00-1.00PM Practical on reagent grade Practical Suraj Chettri & Tashi
solution Wangchuk, NSSC, Semtokha
Lunch break (1.00-2.00PM)
2:00-3.30PM Practical on nutrient Practical Suraj Chettri & Tashi
formulation Wangchuk, NSSC, Semtokha
Tea break (3.30-4.00PM)
4.00-5.00PM Practical on nutrient Practical/ Suraj Chettri & Tashi
formulation followed by Theory Wangchuk, NSSC, Semtokha
discussion(Q&A)
Day 7
8:45-9.00AM Participant’s registration Training coordinator, ARDC
Bajo
9:00-10.30 AM Practical on organic based Practical Suraj Chettri & Tashi
solution preparation Wangchuk, NSSC, Semtokha
Tea break (10.30-11.00AM)
11:00-1.00PM Continue practical on Practical Suraj Chettri & Tashi
organic based solution Wangchuk, NSSC, Semtokha
preparation

65
 Lunch break (1.00-2.00PM)
2:00-3.30PM Theory Suraj Chettri & Tashi
Discussion and recap on Wangchuk, NSSC, Semtokha
past 3 days training
programs
Tea break (3.30-4.00PM)
4.00-5.00PM Theory Suraj Chettri & Tashi
Feedback & suggestion Wangchuk, NSSC, Semtokha
from trainee

Session 3: Pest, Disease and Weed management

Day/Time Activity Mode of Responsibility
Training
Day 8
8:45-9.00AM Participant’s registration Training Coordinator,
ARDC Bajo
9:00-9.20 AM Introduction to the training Lecture/ Pema Tshoki, NPPC,
program (Pest, disease and Presentation Semtokha
weed management)
9:20-10.30 AM Hydroponics- Insect pests
and their management
followed by discussion
(Q&A)
Tea break (10.30-11.00AM)
11:00-12.00PM Hydroponics diseases and Lecture/ Pema Tshoki, NPPC,
their management followed Presentation Semtokha
by discussion(Q&A)
12:00-1.00PM Hydroponics weeds and their
management followed by
discussion(Q&A)
Lunch break (1.00-2.00PM)
2:00-3.30PM Display of insect pests, Pema Tshoki, NPPC,
sticky traps, preparation of Semtokha
dilute solution of
pesticides/fungicides
Tea break (3.30-4.00PM)
4:00-5.00PM Visit to hydroponics system Practical Pema Tshoki, NPPC,
to show the participants real Semtokha and Thinley
situation occurrence of pest, Choden, NCOA, Yusipang
disease and weed in the

66
 Theory on organic based
solution followed by
discussion(Q&A)

Session 4: Protected Hydroponics Structures

Day/Time Activity Mode of Responsibility
training
Day 9
8:45-9.00AM Participant’s registration Training Coordinator,
ARDC Bajo
9:00-9.15 AM Introduction to the training Lecture/ Dorji Wangmo, ARDC-
program (Protected Presentation Wengkhar
Hydroponics Structures)
9:15-10:30AM Protected structures for Karma Yangzom, ARDC-
hydroponics cultivation Wengkhar
technology followed by
discussion (Q&A)
Tea break (10.30-11.00AM)
11:00-12.00PM Construction of different Lecture/ Dorji Wangmo, ARDC-
hydroponics technique Presentation Wengkhar
(NFT/DWC)
12:00-1.00AM Display of construction Dorji Wangmo/Karma
tools & equipment Yangzom, ARDC-
(Pictorial) followed by Wengkhar
discussion (Q&A)
Lunch break (1:00-2.00PM)
2:00-3.30PM Hands on practice in Practical Dorji Wangmo/Karma
handling greenhouse tools Yangzom, ARDC-
& equipment Wengkhar
Tea break (3.30-4.00PM)
4.00-5:00 Hands on practice in Practical Dorji Wangmo/Karma
handling greenhouse tools Yangzom, ARDC-
& equipment followed by Wengkhar
discussion (Q&A)

Day 10
8:45-9.00AM Participant’s registration Coordinator, ARDC Bajo

67
9:00-9.30AM Recap of Day 9 Discussion Dorji Wangmo & Karma
Yangzom, ARDC-
Wengkhar
9:30-10.30AM Construction of different Lecture/ Karma Yangzom, ARDC-
hydroponics technique Presentation Wengkhar
[Drip (Trough method/Pot
method)]
Tea break (10.30-11.00AM)
10.30-11:00PM Construction of different Lecture/ Dorji Wangmo, ARDC-
hydroponics technique Presentation Wengkhar
(Sprinkler based vertical
tower system / Ebb & flow
technique)
12:00-1.00PM Hands on practice in Practical Dorji Wangmo/Karma
handling tools & Yangzom, ARDC-
equipment and material Wengkhar and ARDC Bajo
used in construction of
different hydroponics
technique
Lunch break (1:00-2.00PM)
2:00-2.20PM Maintenance of Lecture/ Dorji Wangmo, ARDC-
hydroponics structure & Presentation Wengkhar
different techniques
2:20-3.30PM Display of cleaning Lecture/ Dorji Wangmo/Karma
materials with hands on Presentation Yangzom, ARDC-
practice Wengkhar
Tea break (3.30-4.00PM)
3:30-5.00PM Visit to hydroponics green Practical Dorji Wangmo/Karma
house to familiarize the Yangzom, ARDC-
participants with Wengkhar, ARDC Bajo
greenhouse structure &
hydroponics techniques
(NFT/Ebb &flow
technique/Drip) followed
by discussion(Q&A)

68
Session 5: Automation of protected cultivation technology
Mode of
Day/Time Activity Responsibility
Training
Day 11
Training Coordinator,
8:45-9.00AM Participant’s registration
ARDC, Bajo

Introduction to the training

Dr. Tshering Penjor,
9:00-9.30PM program (Automation of
ARDC, Wengkhar
protected cultivation
technology) Lecture/
Presentation
Automation of protected
cultivation technology Dr. Tshering Penjor,
9:30-10.30AM
(Devices & equipment ARDC, Wengkhar
used)
Tea break (10.30-11.00AM)
Automation of protected
cultivation technology
Dr. Tshering Penjor,
11.00-12:00AM (Devices & equipment
ARDC, Wengkhar
used) followed by Lecture/
Discussion (Q&A) Presentation
Display of device & Dr. Tshering Penjor,
12.00-1.00PM equipment with hands on ARDC, Wengkhar/ Kinley
practice Tshering, ARDC, Bajo
Lunch break (1:00-2.00PM)
Configuration of locally Dr. Tshering Penjor,
2:00-2.30PM developed hydroponics ARDC, Wengkhar/ Kinley
controlling device Tshering, ARDC, Bajo
Lecture/
Hands on practice of Presentation
Dr. Tshering Penjor,
configuration of locally
2:30-3.30PM ARDC, Wengkhar/ Kinley
developed hydroponics
Tshering, ARDC, Bajo
controlling device
Tea break (3.30-4.00PM)
Visit to hydroponics green
house to familiarize the Dr. Tshering Penjor,
4.00-5.00PM participants with Practical ARDC, Wengkhar/ Kinley
automation followed by Tshering, ARDC, Bajo
discussion(Q&A)

69
 SESSION-6 (4 Days Program)
BUSINESS PLANNING, ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT AND MARKET LINKAGE
(National Service Program)

70
 Published by:

Agriculture Research & Extension Division

Department of Agriculture
Ministry of Agriculture & Forests
Thimphu: Bhutan
Tel# 02-322228/331316/336462/336186(F)
www.doa.gov.bt