Growers are relying heavily on coconut coir slabs to produce vegetables and other fruits due to practicality and ease of use. Other advantages that growers find in slabs are the possibility of cultivating large areas in less time, as well as for their properties, such as moisture retention and porosity. An additional benefit is reusing the slabs for several production cycles and the use of the discarded coconut coir for soil regeneration. 

Growing in slabs seems like a simple task, although, as they are compressed coir slabs inside plastic bags, it´s imperative to provide them with certain conditions in order to obtain the maximum benefits that can translate into higher yields and better-quality products. 

Among the key conditions that slabs require, an adequate humidity control stands out, as well as abundant irrigation to eliminate excess salts, so it´s vital to provide them with an appropriate drainage support that helps eliminate water efficiently as well as to provide adequate aeration to the bags. Taking this into consideration, many growers are implementing drainage gutters inside their greenhouses to streamline drainage and optimize the functionality of their slabs, which range from metal gutters that require higher initial investment, to cheap plastic gutters that break easily with handling and with the weight of the slabs. Also, not to mention growers who improvise with bricks and ditches covered with plastic films that generate inconsistent drainage and the accumulation of water under the slabs causing bad aeration and rot in the plant root system. 

 

Why should you use Kratos? 

Kratos is a system for hydroponic slab production that consists of a “V” shaped base with 3.75 in (9.5 cm) height that keeps the slab off the ground and a narrow gutter that collects all drainage water preventing contact with pathogens. In addition, its exclusive and patented design channels all drain water into the central gutter preventing dirt build-up and algae formation. The open space between the slab and the gutter provides aeration and prevents the roots from growing out of the slab and into contact with drainage water. 

Main Advantages: 

  • Greater Air Flow and Oxygenation. Keeps roots off the ground and out of the gutter, preventing contact with pathogens. 
  • Better Drainage. “V” shape improves drainage from slab by reducing the saturated zone. 
  • Simply to use. Quick and easy installation. 
  • Clean environment. Narrow gutter keeps ground free of water by containing all drainage below the slab, avoiding the dirt buildup and algae formation common in wide gutters. 
  • More economical than wide gutter. 

 

Why should you use Rivus? 

Rivus is a unique cost-effective one-piece slab base developed for our growers who love slabs and who seek the best performance from their growbags with a lower capital investment. Its unique 2-in-1 design works as a base and as drainage collection gutter which enhances the performance of the slab by providing it with greater oxygenation and better humidity control. 

 

Main Advantages: 

  • Air flow and Oxygenation. The open space provided by the base keeps roots off the ground preventing contact with pathogens. 
  • Better drainage. Its 2.3 in (6cm) high base guides drainage to the edges of the spacer which also works as drainage collection gutter. 
  • Does not require ditches or gravel under slabs.  
  • Simply to use. One piece design is easy to install and maintain. 
  • Clean environment. 2-in-1 design keeps ground free of water by containing all drainage below the slab, avoiding the dirt buildup and algae formation common in wide gutters. 
  • Costs much less than other plastic and metal gutters.  

 

To conclude, if you are looking for an efficient and sturdy system with drainage collection, Kratos is the ideal option for your slab production project. But if you need to reduce initial costs and still control the drainage water with a sturdy gutter, our Rivus base is the perfect product for your cultivation endeavor. 

To learn more about the Kratos System and our Rivus Slab Base, at Plantlogic we can guide you in your agricultural project by offering high-value solutions tailored to your needs. Contact us today!