The Kratky Method By Dr. Bernard Kratky .

[davon96720]

The bottle system on that page I would say doesn't allow enough root air for one. I would recommend some hydro baskets to facilitate air flow, I used a peat pellet wrapped in mesh, it allows air flow and reduce some diseases. Also the container will cramp the plant when it starts getting some size. A head of leaf lettuce uses up a gallon during a cycle, more if warm. The bigger your reservoir the better, I did use smaller storage containers the first time, flushing the system each week with fresh solution doing a sort of sea of green set up, just a few gallon capacity, with a maybe 8 starts in basket on each rectangular tray with 2 trays on each self, branches trained through the slots in self about. I used florescent light on the sides for penetration and I got 2 oz from 2 selves the first time.

 

[davon96720]

I used 5 gallon buckets quit successfully, once the roots reach, that's a bit of water unless it's warm. Unless the bucket gets really low with water or the plant gets really big that usually hold a plant down. Initially, let the water just touch the hydro basket or use a wick of some sort, allow for root air. As the plant starts to grow, the water will lower and allow air for the roots, they can drown in not. I used 1 gallon pots too with air holes drilled in the side, open resevoirs the pots set in, water half way up.

 

[davon96720]

Sorry, I don't have any pictures, I lost almost everything I had in 08. Haven't done this since 06 and presently I am not in a medical cb state.

 

[davon96720]

That's innovative way of using bottles. I think placing those plants on a larger, more airy reservoir would have done it.

 

[davon96720]

You have a bit of stretch going on too, light.

 

[davon96720]

Kratky Nutrient solution

Equal amounts of two stock nutrients were added—just once per crop—so that the electrical conductivity of the nutrient solution in the raceways ranged between 1.5 to 2 mS. One nutrient stock solution consisted of 1 pound of soluble greenhouse-grade calcium nitrate per gallon of water. The other stock solution was comprised of a mixture of .6 pounds of magnesium sulfate and 1 pound of Chem-Gro 8-15-36 Lettuce Formula per gallon of water. The Chem-Gro formulation, available from Hydro-Gardens (www.hydro-gardens.com), also contained micronutrients. The 25-gallon batches of stock solutions were stored in opaque plastic trash containers and mixed prior to use.

 

[dudin]

Would you say that the "Kratky method" is the air gap between the medium and the nutrient solution.
I have found self watering pots that I think combine hempy buckets, wick action, swc and "Kratkys" "air gap". It works like a charm. Roots submerged 24/7 and no circulation at all.
Refill every week (rather small pots).
I think Mr Kratky has done some incredible work and I'm glad you (Davon) are here to shed some light

 

[zero244]

I agree it will work, and it seems to work better for shorter season plants. But if you look a grows using this method anything the produces fruit suffers in yield. I did find it surprising the plants can live in non aerated water for months.

 

[davon96720]

Kratky method

Kratky method

Kratky designed his system so it could be used in 3rd or 4th world countries. The aim was to make a simple, easily constructed system that did not have extensive inputs: circulation systems, electrical needs - none, simple water sources - such as open catchment gravity flow systems, easy to figure nutrient procedures. Also, needed to be reliable, it is.

The air gap is a means to an end. Roots need air or they suffocate or drown.

 

[rüdiger]

Hey I try the kratky, *körfez* style by rüdiger

here we have a rooted clone in easy plug 4 days in(veg)

The nutrient solution is touching the bottom of the plug, its npk
8-12-24 @ec 0,8. I do no ph measurements.

She grows in experimental flouro sog setup, her light cycle is 12/5/2/5 @ <25w sq. feet.
I will induce flower soon.

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rüdiger

 

[rüdiger]

I put second clone(ACE Malawi) into the *körfez* system.
Her ec is 0,5 she is very low feeder, lets see if she can handle this situation.

I will change the lightning schedule for the first one(lets call her "soldat" ) to 12/12 this night. Soldat is now flower day 1.
I will not change anything on the nutrient solution, it was ~ 450ml from start. My goal is wet and forget.
Her root development looks good and the "air" part seems to like it.

View image in gallery​

View image in gallery​

View image in gallery​

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rüdiger

 

[dudin]

You will have to refill. I would only fill it max 2/3 probably only 1/2.

 

[rüdiger]

This is not possible the plug wont touch the nutrient solution from start.
As I understood the goal with kratky is that the airgap "grows" while the water roots feed the plant with nutrient, so I have to start with plug in contact.

rüdiger

sorry maybe i missunderstood you.

I want to know the minimum amount of nutrient solution that is need to maintain the plant till harvest. So i start with very low amount. maybe she dies, that wont be tragic. I try until it works.

 

[rüdiger]

soldat, day 4 12/12.
shes a bit slow and has minor problems with p uptake.
but i like her roots. they look aero

rüdiger

 

[rüdiger]

pushpush

This shit works, it must be only scheduled.

Soldat, day9 12/12
The 'körfez' container is ~ half full, she drank something like 220ml of nutrient solution in 5 days veg and 9 days flowering.
It seems that she took mostly the P and K out of the nutrient solution and we have a N buildup now.
its clear she wont survive till harvest with the remaining NS.

the most amazing is her roots for me, over 2/3 are in the air gap, and something like a taproot comes from the side of the plug.

 

[dudin]

Sweet. I wish you good luck.

 

[rüdiger]

thank you, the plant is still alive i post picture tomorrow.

but she will die soon. i dont know if i can kill her

maybe fil up.

but i think is better to start again with 1liter or a bit more.

have to drink some milk

 

[cannacultural]

That's bonkers mate, I love it

 

[dudin]

Again if you fill it do not fill more than half. Love what you are doing. I cooked mine on the balcony otherwise it looked good all the way.

 

[rüdiger]

ay,

The first flower appeared today fellas, i cant kill her

The water level in körfez system is only 1cm high now.

I will now fill her up to the exact half of the körfez container.

I fill up with nutrient solution NPK 0-12-24 (+4 MG) @ 0,8 ec and i will foliar feed her with worm tea.

I also measured the temperature inside the container @ ~18,5°C.

I have some ideas with the kratky method. start your engines gentleman!

update soon