Greenhouse Tomato Cultivation in Coir-filled Grow Channels: The Art of Precision Drip Irrigation Management

In modern greenhouse cultivation, the coir-filled channel system combined with drip irrigation has become the benchmark technology for high-quality tomato production. This cultivation method perfectly integrates the physical advantages of growing media with the control benefits of precision irrigation, and is being increasingly adopted by professional growers worldwide.

1. Core Components of the Coir Channel System

Grow Channels:

• Recommended "H" or "V" shaped channels

• Width: 25-30cm

• Depth: 15-20cm

Coir Substrate:

• Select coarse-structured coir with fiber length of 1-2cm

• Bulk density: 0.06-0.08g/cm³

Drip Irrigation System:

• Includes primary filtration unit

• Pressure-compensating drip emitters

• EC/pH monitoring modules

Drainage System:

• Channel bottom designed with 1-2% slope

• Equipped with collection troughs and return pipes

2. Unique Advantages of the Technical Combination

Optimized Root Environment:

• Coir pore distribution:

  • Macropores (25%)

  • Mesopores (45%)

  • Micropores (30%)

• Oxygen diffusion rate 3-5 times higher than soil

• Root zone temperature fluctuation reduced by 50%

Precision Water-Fertilizer Management:

• Irrigation response time reduced to 1/3 of traditional cultivation

• Nutrient supply error controlled within ±5%

• Enables zonal differentiated fertilization

Enhanced Production Performance:

• Continuous harvesting period extended to 8-10 months

• Premium fruit rate increased to over 85%

• Water-fertilizer use efficiency improved by 40-60%