History of the Suspended Pot, Non Circulating 'Kratky' Hydroponic Method
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- čas přidán 9. 11. 2018
- Here is a link to an article on the suspended net pot, non-circulating hydroponic method for commercial production of leafy, Romaine and semi-head lettuce www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/oc/freepu...
This growing system does not require mechanical aeration and electricity and pumps are not needed.
History of the method and an explanation for why it is commonly referred to as the "Kratky Method" is presented. - Jak na to + styl
Wait, Are you Mr. Kratky?
Sire, you should receive a medal. You revolutionized the method of food production.
Because of you Dr. Kratky I'm able to grow Cucumbers without any expensive equipment. It's so easy too.
Why has youtube only just now put this video in my focus, would have saved ke a ton of time, i have been experimenting laat 2 years with this and now i know why a lot of my failures happened. Thank you for this extensive video, ill be watching this several times.
All Kratky Method users should watch this video even once in their life. Quite obviously Kratky Method is the simplest and cost-efficient method for growing veggies. Thank you Dr. Bernard Kratky. You are a blessing to the world.
So you are the legendary doctor karate that everybody's speak about people's following your method are having tons of success..... You are truly living legend .yet you don't want to get credit of all that work of yours .
This channel is not getting enough attention
Right?!?
Dr. Kratky, thank you for bringing to light and spreading a simple and approachable method of growing that uses readily available components. I like the humility and deference that you show in this video. However, I think you truly underestimate the impact that your research and publishing has had on the world. I have personally been experimenting with various growing methods for years now. I started with deep raised beds and sub-irrigated planters in the Sonoran Desert in the Phoenix metro area over a decade ago and now I’m experimenting with various hydroponic and aeroponic systems in a 2’x2.5’x7’ grow tent in a Boston area apartment bedroom. You have helped show that you do not need expensive equipment in order to produce your own food. Furthermore, you have shown commercial producers how to conserve water and alleviate the need for pesticides all while producing superior produce. I salute you!
Thank you for your kindness and I wish you well on your hydroponic trials!
Good day Dr.Kratky. Your growing technique (Kratky method) is the most sought after means of growing leafy greens here in the Phillippines. What can I say? Your KRATKY METHOD is the most practiced -and commercialized- especially among the hydrophonic growers looking for an easy cheap build but effective setup method.Backyard leafy greens are being produced even on urban settings by folks who have no soil available, thanks to your shared knowledge.Lives became easier during lockdown because, at home, people learn to grow their greens and sell their extra crops. If only you have a CZcams channel with your name KRATKY that is familiar to us here, people here can easily search your channel and get to know the man behind their success. You deserve a million more following! Good health to you, and "Thank you" for sharing your expertise.
That is great to hear that this growing method works well in the Philippines! Thank you for your kind words.
I am genuinely impressed by the level of academic integrity you put into your work, I wish my peers would put the same degree of passion in their work!
Thank you. I enjoyed putting this video together because it allowed me to follow the innovations that led us to the point where we are today.
Thank you! So many people are now having so much fun and enjoyment experimenting with this method!
What I most admire of you is your humbleness, this is a virtude that can only be cultivated, (like plants ) one does not come to this world with a gift of humbleness. I live in a 3 acre farm in the Venezuelan andies; I’am a retired physician fascinated with not traditional ways of doing things. After 72 rounds around the sun, I tripped around your method precisely with the videos you suggested and I finally arrived to your channel. I have the intention to change to your method of growing from now one, little by little. It’s to much work the traditional way and the yield is the same or better with the “Kracty Method”. So, from now on I have been converted in your fan. Thank you for your lessons and I guarantee that all your followers will appreciate it from ours hearts. Once again, thank you and we are hungry for more. A big embrace from a Venezuelan fan.
Thank you for your kindness and good luck growing your own food!
I am honored that you have shared the knowledge you have spent years studying and practicing, thank you Dr. Kratky. I am using the "Kratky method" at home growing bok choy, tomatoes, and lettuce.
I love the ending when dr larky acknowledged mhpgardener proclamation same time mention the creator on contributors to the method.
Kratky Method is now legend as it should be, as it inspires many new generations and it details the science, the history and the dedication to this method that will work when all OTHERS FAIL ;-) Be blessed Dr. Kratky.
Interesting chain of events, thanks for giving credit. I've been growing peppers, tomatoes, and cucumbers commercially on a small scale in Papaikou. Tremendous yields. I learned of your work while working up at Komohana in the past. Aloha.
It's great to hear that you are successfully growing vegetables in Hawaii with this method.
Your humbleness gives me faith in science! I'll be trying yours and your colleagues method ASAP!
All of the CZcamsrs who's currently using non-circulating hydroponics should subscribe to this channel. Just my opinion.
Take a bow Dr. you have earned it. I have 2 4x4 plywood tanks and I can generally grow all the leafy greens we need using your method.
Thank you. That is great to hear! More folks need to follow your good example.
Thank for the informative historical summary of non circulating hydroponics .
I tried growing peppers using the kratky method . Although the produce is much less , it was easy to setup .. but I got root rot issues.
Now I use it to grow lettuce indoor in 1 L container , I start with aeration to enhance the growth then remove it once the plant starts grwoing ,thank you again.
Fascinating to be digging through the history of this method that has fed me and friends so much already. I look forward to more videos!
I think the air space might not have as much of an impact as we suppose. To me it looks like the upper roots get air pruned and the plant puts down the "air roots" which are just new roots that don't do much but also don't harm the plant.
If the plant's roots are always submerged and the water doesn't get too hot, the plant seems to grow just fine. Then you drill a couple holes for rain overflow and you are ready to grow in many climates.
I enjoy all your videos, thanks Bernie!
Thanks, Jeb. Interesting comments. I feel this growing system is still a works-in-progress and needs experimenters like you and the viewers here to improve and evolve the methodology!
Hi Prof. Kratky, I've always been a big follower of your videos and read most of your literature papers. I have to say I do agree with Jeb that plants grow fine if almost fully submerged as long as the temperature doesn't get too hot. One finding I had while growing Mizuna with your method is that the taste is lacking compared to soil grown. Any tips on improving tastes in Kratky hydroponics?
Might be able to test the absorbstion of the "air roots" by flooding the wet air space with another gas that was traceable, but what gas i don't know.
@@designworksdw1949 I think a good test would be to cut all the "air roots" off once per week. Compare it with an undisturbed plant.
I always like to hear comments about situations challenging the limits of a system, because that can lead to more understanding. Regarding taste- first consider changing the variety and then consider stressing it somehow. I haven't seen much information on adding organic flavor compounds to nutrient solution, but always wondered if that would be a possibility.
fantastic video! I just set up a nutraceutical lab (basically a vertical grow rack) at my elementary school and we are using the "Kratky" method for one of the levels. WELL DONE on your life work. You are leaving such a gift for us and the generations to come!
Thank you! Good luck on your project - it is great that you are teaching elementary school students to grow plants.
With your work in researching, studying, testing, publishing, and promoting this alternative to traditional soil growing techniques, I certainly don't mind this growing method being called the "Kratky Method." In my opinion, the value of the method is in its widespread implementation, especially in situations where the people benefiting from this growing method are those who would have otherwise struggled to grow crops using traditional methods (such as those people without land to work, stable electrical grid to power DWC aeration pumps, or the time and means necessary to build adequate work-arounds for these missing resources.) CZcams is a fantastic platform for spreading useful information to millions of people, particularly to those people who are more likely to click and watch a video than to locate and read through research studies, however thorough and accurate. Mahalo!
Thanks again for your wonderful work. With your simple hydroponic methods my wife and I have made a very profitable farm business. In addition we have been doing a ton of early/late season growing with temps often well below freezing at night. Using tanks like MHPgardner with simple lids made of fabric stretched over a wood frame and middle weight row covers we have crops growing and thriving with night time temps in the teens. I will add a bit of knowledge. If your attempting to grow like above you cannot use the foam lids. The lids will insulate the tank water and it will freeze solid, killing the plants. A dark colored cloth lid will allow the sun to heat the water daily and prohibit it from freezing. On a final note. Each gallon of water in your tank provides 1200 btu's of latent heat. A standard 32"x48"x6" tank provides for nearly 30k btu's. So the system noted above is highly resistant to freezing. Fresh greens and lettuces can be grown in an unheated greenhouse in all but the harshest of conditions.
Thank you for your comments and congratulations on your success! Since we don't have much experience with freezing temperatures in Hawaii in our growing areas, it was very educational to learn about your innovative approaches to grow when temperatures are below freezing. Well done and thanks for sharing!
Thoughtful video (as always), thanks prof! I think the non-circulating hydroponic method is special because it is both easy to explain and easy to do. It was a smart move to get a patent and let it expire- can you imagine such an elegant idea in the hands of some monopolistic corporate bully? I can! But thanks to you I don't have to. Thanks again, I'm sure we will see this method as a response to food scarcity in the future.
Thank you!
Excellent video Sir!
I love this method so much.
Thank you for sharing and as always Keep Building👍
Thank you and I hope you find ways to improve the method!
@@growkratky5558 I use the term "Kratky" all the time because of MHP Gardener.
My guru... I love you! Thank you for all your work!
You made the brief history of water culture very interesting, thank you for your work and receptiveness!
Thank you. It is pretty difficult to try to boil all that history down to 15 minutes and one feels a bit guilty for omitting some important developments.
Thank you so very much for your work, education, and love for things that grow! I will share the Imai-Kratky Method as much as possible 💕
Aloha! Instant thumbs up. Thank you for sharing the history. Living in rural America at the 44th parallel, this is my only reasonable option for having fresh quality produce all year. The cumulative work of the collective 'you' benefit us all.
Thank you and I hope some version of this method provides you with fresh vegetables!
What an awesome lesson, thank you for your contributions sir 💐
1 dislike, who could that be? Thank you, sir, for awesome video, glory to God in the highest for giving you wisdom so we can able to do this kind of set-up.
great video and mr kratky you are so humble .God bless you
Thank you Dr. Kratky. I'm using the Kratky method at home now. Hopefully it works!
Great video,Most informative
I knew Asian plant growing methods would be part of the creation of the Kratky method🙂 Thank you for posting! Will be trying it!
Thank you!
Fantastic video, thank you! I have grown cannabis in an octopot using this method. We are now looking at lettuce and tomatoes..
Mahalo to you Dr.K and to Bobby @ mhpgardener for sharing your knowledge.
This was a nice story, I loved it. Thank you for share this video. I think soon or late this tecnology its going to be in every home of the world and its going to bo a kindness action for the families growing thier own food.
Thank you, Dr!
Your Kratky system is working Aruba,St Maarten en Suriname.
Thanks a lot!
Thank you. I appreciate hearing this!
Great video and you tube channel. I admit when i first came across some Kratky method videos in the last decade i spotted some immediate limitations or issues that could arise from the simplest versions i was seeing illustrated. Pretty much the setup was always a young plant which immediately had wet feet and a reservoir in which the water reservoir progressively dropped until the crop was harvested. I thought to myself, while lettuce roots might tolerate O2 levels of 1ppm, many other crops would not, why not use a floating styrofoam pontoon system to guarantee airspace to begin with or use a float valve to keep the grow reservoir water constant. Depending on the edge seal, i was also concerned too much water could evaporate and increase the nutrient salt concentration too high. However, all these videos were other people setting up the simplest version of your concept. I can now see after this video and a few others such as your pot in pot in pot method, some of your sub-irrigated soil methods, your DIY float and Master Float Valve setups, your discovery of mesh pots , i can see that you have addressed many of these concerns and variations in many iterations of your designs.
(Speaking of mesh pots have you considered using an inverted mesh pot covered with fabric bag or panty hose instead of regular inverted plastic pot to increase airflow into the soil media ). I think you could use a smaller size pot, get better airflow and even larger root system. I have tried this myself and inverted net pots work great but i have not conducted a side by side trial.
I have been preaching the merits of sub-irrigation methods going back almost 4 decades and published a paper on CFI Constant Flood Irrigation in HortScience in 1992 detailing a Drain To Waste version for water greenhouse pots on a rolling bench with dozens of soil type variations. The setup or variations would work great for any fertility experiment or water borne pathogen type treatment . I will come back an add some more comments and add a few observations of my experience and experiments with some of your core concepts.
Brilliant, pioneering work covering such a SIMPLE, PRACTICAL method.
Thank you for sharing. Your inverted mesh pot with a fabric bag is a great idea! I hope some folks try sub-irrigation systems and experiment with features of saving growing medium and increasing aeration.
You rock bud. This seems like an awesome way to grow. I have always been fascinated with aeroponics but this takes the cake. I am going to have to try this out. Its just now warming up outside to do this or my basement might be a place to start. I am on a potato growing interest lately as I have heard of people losing weight on a potato only diet. I think I might try this method on my first sweet potato grow.
I am currently working on a potato youtube which should be released in a week or so.
I am currently applying this technic on my houseplants. so far it works so well on some Anthuriums, cyrtosperma Johnstonii, some Philodendrons, and especially Colocasias. I still have some problems on Alocasias. They seem to respond very well at the beginning, they grew fantastically, and then boom, root rot. but the problem may come from the way I refill the nutrient solution.
Great video looking to try my first Kratky grow next month.
I hope you are successful!
Oh i'm sure something will happen, either way i will learn and thats what its all about. Cheers
Thank you sir 😃🙏 I enjoyed watching this video🖖
Great history and I have watched MHPGARDENER videos and downloaded your documentation. Now I need to put it to work.
Hello Dr.,
Have there been any experiments conducted that compare the ratio of moist air space to nutrient solution, especially for plants like peppers or tomato. I'm growing outdoors in 5 gallon buckets and was wondering if a pluggable hole would be sufficient in reducing the swing in nutrient solution levels.
I have some data, but it would take some time to find and review it. Think in terms of naturally letting the solution level down to about 40-50% of original and then hold it there with a float valve feeding arrangement. Place your pluggable holes about one inch above this steady state level.
Very nice summary of the contributions toward hydroponics, in particular with non-circulating hydroponics, I enjoyed this video. With your help, I have grown many vegetables, and also vining fruit and flowers using non-circulating hydroponics. The correlation between root health and mass, and plant health and production is amazing to see. I set up my garden in spring, and sit back and watch it grow unattended into late fall. The ease of growing has helped, since my busy life does not leave much time for gardening. Even indoors, the quiet afforded by not needing pumps or aeration is a very calming way to grow. Having seen your Hawaiian personal greenhouse garden, and also knowing that you are always thinking, would you change any aspect of your personal garden? Just curious.
Thanks, Matt for the compliment and especially for sharing your experience with non-circulating hydroponics. You are employing this hydroponic method exactly as I had originally envisioned when we started to work on this low maintenance system!
great video
Thank you!
WOW ... Sir ..... THANK YOU !
Hi there! awesome videos, that have inspired my own tests here in Argentina. Quick question that has my mind rolling....It doesn't seem like the airspace intended for air root development can renovate fresh air, thus the question is, where does the O2 come from if everything is airtight?
I guess that there is an initial O2 once the system is put in place that should rapidly decrease as the plant develops. I can see that not being perfectly airtight, some air, thus O2 can enter our little chamber, but will this be enough? Does anybody care to share some thoughts?
Hope I have made myself clear, thanks and have a great week!
They are more "light-tight" not letting light in than air-tight. The net pots and edges let in sufficient air if outside. If you grow in a green house you may need ventilation.
i love love love your channel! thank you!
Thank you so much for your work.
Could you make a Video on the nutrient solutions and if it is possible to extract it out of compost or so. Being able to be independent from companies. Greating from Germany.
I haven't been very successful with organic nutrient solutions, but a viewer from one of my other videos had positive remarks about organic nutrient solutions. Hopefully, they or others will give some feedback. Regarding making a video on nutrient solutions, there are several out there that are probably better than what I can produce.
Thank you Mr. Kratky. Love your videos. One question I have is about the screen. Is there any purpose for it besides keeping mosquitos out? I've heard you say in another video that the screen helps with the roots. If so, how? Thanks!
Dr. Imai's publication states "After the roots reach the net, they start growing laterally and branching vigorously. A sizable portion spread above the net before passing through to reach the nutrient solution below." My observation is that the screen gives the roots something to grab onto - in a similar manner as they do to soil and this promotes branching. Tomatoes grow better with a screen, but cucumbers seem to do fine without it, so these observations may depend upon the crop.
@@growkratky5558 Great. Thanks!
Sir even if my kratky type is elvated , im on the roof top . I still encounter worms, thete are no other plants there.
Dr. Kratky: Thanks for sharing your interesting videos after your retirement. I have been wondering the reason behind that you separated the nutrients into two parts: easy dissolving part A of Masterblend and Epson salt; and not so easy dissolving B of Calcium Nitrate, before adding them together. Is the solubility the major reason or there is reaction between the two parts when they are mixed before using. If I prepare the nutrients and wait for a few days before part B is totally dissolved, can I just mix them together in one container?
Soluble-grade calcium nitrate should be used as it dissolves fairly easy. It sounds like you are using field-grade calcium nitrate. When stock solutions A and B are mixed together in a concentrated form such as undiluted stock solutions, a precipitate (mostly calcium phosphate) will form and change the composition of the nutrient solution. However, when A and B are mixed together in a dilute solution such as the growing solution which is usually over a 200-fold dilution, then a precipitate does not form. No, you should not mix undiluted stock solutions A and B in one container.
Thanks for your clarification. It is clear to me now that it is OK to mix all 3 ingredients in a diluted solution, but not in a concentrated solution.
Hi Dr. Kratky. Love your ideas and methodology. When doing Kratky, what is your solution for EC levels going higher and higher as the water levels decrease? In my containers outdoors, I add water back up to the point just below the air roots. Do you ever recommend a full flush of the water / nutrient solution to avoid the critical EC levels?
Thank you!!
Typically, I will just add water - in increments of about 3/4 inch. I don't recall flushing, but might consider doing so on a long-term crop.
@@growkratky5558 Thank you!
Great video thanks - every 'Kratky' hydroponics channel should reference it :) Might I recommend that you adjust the title of your channel or 'about' description to mention 'Kratky Method' and possibly even give referential credit to the sources you mention here? Might get you more worthy attention.
Thanks, Alex, for a great suggestion (which a growing number of other folks have also made). But your comment finally stirred me from my procrastination and I renamed the channel "Grow Kratky"! It seems that it takes a while for the new name to completely take over the old "dakineapproaches".
@@growkratky5558 Great stuff! I hope it helps and wish you even more luck with your channel :) PS - as a complete newbie I thought to try and grow Pineapples in a Kratky style, they seem so love rooting in plain water at least. Pineapples seem quite topical for your home too perhaps? :)
@@afmedwards Thank you for your kindness. That sounds real interesting to grow pineapples hydroponically - it never occurred for me to try! Good luck with the pineapple project!
Can you direct me to any research on the air root requirements for various plants? The statement “don’t refill more than a few centimeters” doesn’t match my experience with passive hydroponics. “Leave 1/3 of the root system above the air line” works for me, but goes against all of the advice I can find
Tjakepzzz 👌 👍 Sangatzzz
Very Cool 👌👍 Indeed
What can grow in a 3.3 gallon bucket?
from this video nearly everything.
This is one Craft i would like to propagate on myy sunset years My son too is keen of going into hydroponics please me to gain moe knowledge on this aspect i live int he Philippines does it suit our climate we have hot and rainy season
There are some excellent youtubes of folks growing with this method in the Phillipines, so I suggest that you check them out.
This is dr kratky’s channel?
Yes, I am retired now and find that producing an occasional youtube is a good way to share information and it helps to keep my mind more alert.