As hydroponic strawberry production continues to expand in greenhouse projects around the world, growers are paying closer attention to one of the most sensitive areas of the crop: the space between the substrate bag and the drainage system.
Root and crown problems in strawberries are often discussed in relation to pathogens such as Phytophthora, Pythium, Rhizoctonia, Fusarium or Colletotrichum. However, in intensive substrate production, disease pressure is not only linked to the presence of pathogens. It is also strongly influenced by the physical conditions around the root zone.
Poor drainage, constant humidity under the substrate bag, low oxygenation and prolonged contact between the growing medium and drained water can create a more favourable environment for root stress and crown problems. This is particularly relevant in high-density hydroponic strawberry systems, where irrigation is frequent, and the crop must maintain a stable root environment throughout the cycle.
© JH Hydroponic Systems
For this reason, many growers are now considering the design of the growing line itself as part of their disease-prevention strategy. In elevated strawberry systems, the combination of a metallic gutter and a Spacer is becoming an increasingly relevant technical solution.
The gutter collects and directs drainage away from the plant, while the Spacer separates the substrate bag from the gutter surface. This separation creates an air chamber below the bag, helping to reduce humidity accumulation, improve air circulation and avoid direct contact between the roots, the substrate and the drained solution.
In real commercial projects, Hydroponic Systems has observed that growers using Spacer technology have been able to reduce humidity below the substrate bags. Producers have also reported better root development and no direct contact between the substrate and the drainage area, which helps create a cleaner and more controlled growing environment.
This approach is especially important in strawberry production because the crop is highly sensitive to root-zone imbalance. A plant with a healthier and more aerated root system can absorb water and nutrients more efficiently, support better vegetative development and maintain more stable production during periods of climatic or irrigation stress.
Hydroponic Systems applies this principle in several elevated metallic gutter systems for strawberry production, including Evolution, Evolution Pot and Elevated Premium. These systems are designed for growers who need to improve drainage management, reduce humidity below the crop and maintain a more uniform root-zone environment.
© JH Hydroponic Systems
The company has already published several production references linked to the use of metallic gutters and Spacer technology. In Japan, a strawberry grower using a lifting system from Hydroponic Systems achieved 12.5 kg/m², with the company highlighting the role of the Spacer in improving drainage and avoiding humidity below the substrate. In northern Europe, another strawberry producer reached 1.5 kg per plant with the Evolution hanging system, composed of a metallic gutter and Spacer.
Although root and crown diseases require a complete agronomic strategy, including plant material, irrigation management, sanitation, climate control and crop monitoring, the physical design of the system is becoming a key factor. In hydroponic strawberry production, preventing stress below the substrate can be just as important as managing the visible part of the plant.
For growers facing humidity-related root problems, elevated gutter systems with Spacer offer a practical way to improve the crop environment from the base of the plant upwards.
Growers looking to improve root-zone conditions in substrate crops can contact Hydroponic Systems for technical advice on elevated hydroponic systems and Spacer solutions.
For more information:
Hydroponic Systems
https://hydroponicsystems.eu/
