Inspired by nature, flood benches (also referred to as flood and drain systems, ebb and flow benches or sub-irrigation systems) mean no water logging and no dry periods. Are you interested in saving water, reducing your labor costs while improving your crop quality? Flood Benches are the answer. Water is applied to the bottoms of the plants and allowed to travel upwards to the roots and stems through capillary action. Flood and Drain benches should be no less than 7 ½ feet long. Flood benches longer than 60 feet will require the polystyrene ebb and flow tops be assembled in two or more sections.
FLOOD (EBB & FLOW) BENCH SAVINGS
- Up to 90% less water consumption
- Up to 90% less fertilizer usage
- Up to 60% Reduced labor costs standing watering individual pots and constant checking of watering needs
- Significant reduction in chemicals – especially fungicides
BENEFITS OF FLOOD (EBB & FLOW) BENCHES
- All plants are watered simultaneously and evenly providing better plant growth
- Crop growth cycle is typically reduced by 1 to 2 weeks
- Retail areas remain clean and dry and clear of hoses
- Dry floors and plant foliage make it easier to control relative humidity
Each irrigation design comes with its own set of challenges. A properly designed irrigation system will provide you with years of payback on your investment. A poorly designed irrigation system will cost you money, time and crop quality. During sub-irrigation, water is applied to the bottoms of the plants and allowed to travel upwards to the roots and stems through capillary action. Because it does not require a lot of space, this type of irrigation system is often used in urban settings or high-rise buildings.
A sub-irrigation system is essentially a series of pipes and drip emitters buried beneath a plant's growing medium. Water is pumped to the bottom of the container where roots find and uptake it. This is opposed to traditional overhead watering systems where water is applied to the tops of roots, and flows downwards. Greenhouse flood benches can be labor-saving while encouraging both water and nutrient conservation because water doesn't leach out of the container or planting box. Additionally, because plants receive water directly through their roots, this type of irrigation system using greenhouse ebb and flow benches prevents powdery mildew and other forms of diseases that form when the stems or leaves of the plants are overly exposed to water.
Growers' Goods products supplies a variety of different styles and configurations of flood benches for small or large installations. Whether you are redesigning an existing greenhouse or building a new greenhouse from the ground up, order what you know you need or contact us to lend support in configuring the best custom solution for your operation.
