Mapito hydroponic system for marijuana

The Mapito system has established itself as an innovative technique within hydroponics, offering cultivators an efficient alternative for the growth of landless plants. In Grow Industry, your confidence grop shop in Spain we will explain everything you need to know to use this cultivation system. This method is characterized by its use of an inert culture medium, composed of a mixture of rock wool and polyurethane foam, known for its ability to retain water and nutrients, thus facilitating an optimal distribution of them to the roots of the plants. Its relevance lies in the simplicity of its design and the effectiveness with which water and nutritional resources are handled, which makes it an attractive option for both fans and hydroponics professionals. With the Mapito system, cultivators can expect robust and healthy growth of plants, along with the possibility of greater sustainability and control over the cultivation environment.

What is the Mapito system?

The Mapito system is a hydroponic culture technique that uses an inert culture medium called Mapito, which is a mixture of rock wool and polyurethane foam. This medium is known for its great ability to retention of water and nutrients, which allows efficient and homogeneous distribution to the roots of the plants. The system is based on the periodic irrigation of the roots with a nutrient -rich solution, which promotes rapid and healthy growth of plants.

Historically, the Mapito system emerged as an evolution of other hydroponic techniques, seeking to optimize the use of resources and simplify crop management. Over time, it has gained popularity due to its efficiency and ease of use, becoming a preferred option for many growers who seek to maximize production in small spaces and with precise control over growth conditions. Its adaptability and the results obtained have made the Mapito system establish as a reliable and effective method in modern hydroponics.

Mapito system components

The Mapito system, as a hydroponic culture modality, is composed of several essential elements that work together to create an optimal environment for plant growth. Next, the components and their functions are detailed:

• Mapito culture medium: It is a mixture of Roca wool and polyurethane foam that serves as Hydroponic substrate For plants. This medium is inert, which means that it does not provide nutrients by itself, but has an excellent water and nutrient retention capacity, providing a uniform distribution to the roots.
• Containers or crop trays: They are the containers where the Mapito culture medium is placed and the plants are located. They must be deep enough to allow good root development and be designed to facilitate drainage.
• Irrigation system: Composed of a Water pump, pipes and emitters, this system is responsible for supplying the nutrient solution to the culture environment. It must be able to distribute the solution uniformly and with the adequate frequency for the type of cultivated plants.
• Water tank for nutrients: It is a tank where the nutrient solution that will feed the plants is prepared and stores. Its size will depend on the amount of plants and the frequency of irrigation.
• Drainage system: It allows the return of the nutrient solution not absorbed by plants to the nutrient deposit. It is essential to avoid the waste of solution and to maintain an adequate level of oxygenation in the roots.
• Air pumpand Diffuser stones (optional): Although it is not always necessary, some growers choose to add additional aeration to the nutrient solution to improve the oxygenation of the roots and promote healthier growth.
• Timer: Controls the irrigation system, allowing automation of plants' feeding cycles. It is essential to maintain regularity and precision in the delivery of nutrients.
• Measurement instruments: They include pH meter and EC Meter (Electrical conductivity) to ensure that the nutritious solution has the appropriate levels for the optimal growth of the plants.
• Support structure: In some cases, an additional structure is required to sustain the cultivation trays, especially if it is implemented in a vertical system or in a large area.

Each of these components is crucial for the efficient functioning of the Mapito system, and its correct selection, installation and maintenance are fundamental for the success of the hydroponic culture.

Mapito system operation

The operation of the Mapito system is based on the efficiency of its culture medium and a well -designed irrigation system to provide plants with everything they need to grow strong and healthy. Here the process and mechanics of crop in Mapito are detailed, as well as the nutrition and oxygenation of plants:

Process and mechanics of crop in Mapito:

• Medium preparation: Before planting, the Mapito culture medium must be properly hydrated and balanced in terms of pH and electrical conductivity (EC).
• Plantation: The plants are placed in the Mapito culture medium inside the containers or crop trays.
• Irrigation system: Through an automated irrigation system, the nutritious solution is pumped from the tank to the cultivation trays. The frequency and duration of irrigation are controlled by a timer, ensuring that plants receive the necessary amount of nutrients and water.
• Drainage: After each irrigation cycle, the solution that is not absorbed by the plants is drained back to the nutrient deposit to be reused. This helps avoid waste and maintains the efficient system.

Nutrition and oxygenation of plants:

• Nutrient absorption: The Mapito culture medium, being saturated with the nutritious solution, allows plants' roots to easily absorb essential nutrients for growth.
• Oxygenation: Although the Mapito retains moisture, it also allows a good aeration of the roots due to its porous structure. This can be further improved with the inclusion of an air pump in the nutrient tank, which oxygenates the solution before being sent to plants.
• Irrigation cycles: Irrigation cycles are adjusted to ensure that plants have periods of moisture and also of less humidity, which encourages oxygenation of roots and avoids problems such as root rot.

The Mapito system is appreciated for its ability to maintain an optimal balance between water retention and aeration, resulting in rapid and healthy growth of plants. In addition, its ease of handling and the possibility of reusing the nutritious solution makes it sustainable and economical.

Advantages and Disadvantages of the Mapito System

The Mapito system, like any other hydroponic culture method, has its advantages and disadvantages that must be considered by cultivators before implementation. Here is a comparative analysis of the pros and cons the Mapito system:

Advantages of the Mapito System:

• Water retention efficiency: The Mapito medium has a high water retention capacity, which reduces the need for frequent irrigation and allows more efficient use of water and nutrients.
• Good root aeration: Despite its ability to retain moisture, the Mapito also allows excellent oxygenation of roots, which is crucial for healthy growth.
• Reuse of the medium and the solution: Both the Mapito medium and the nutrient solution can be reused after adequate treatment, which contributes to the sustainability and efficiency of the system.
• Easy handling: The system is relatively easy to handle once it is configured, which makes it appropriate for cultivators of all experience levels.
• Rapid plant growth: The combination of efficient nutrition and a good aeration of the root system leads to faster and more healthy growth of plants.

Disadvantages of the Mapito System:

• Initial cost: The initial investment may be higher compared to other systems due to the cost of the Mapito medium and the necessary infrastructure.
• PH and EC maintenance: Requires regular pH monitoring and adjustment and electrical conductivity of the nutrient solution to maintain an optimal growth environment.
• Risk of diseases: If it is not handled properly, the system can be susceptible to root diseases due to high moisture retention.
• Learning curve: Although it is easy to handle, there may be a learning curve for rookie growers, especially with regard to the adjustment of irrigation cycles and plant nutrition.

Evaluation against other hydroponic methods:

Compared to other hydroponic systems, the Mapito stands out for its simplicity and efficiency in the use of water and nutrients. However, systems such as NFT culture or the DWC system They can be more suitable for certain types of plants or for growers who prefer a more automated system with less substrate. The choice of the appropriate system will depend on personal preferences, cultivation objectives, the type of plants, and the willingness to invest in equipment and maintenance.

Assembly of a mapito system

Mounting a mapito system requires a series of careful steps to ensure that the system works correctly and the plants grow optimally. Next, a step -by -step guide is presented for the construction of a Mapito system, together with recommendations for adequate installation:

Step 1: Planning

• Evaluate the available space: Determine the size and location of the culture area, taking into account the light, temperature and accessibility.
• Decide the system scale: Consider how many plants you want to grow and how much space each will need to grow.
• Select the plants: Choose the varieties of plants that best adapt to the Mapito system and their cultivation conditions.
• Design system layout: Plan the arrangement of cultivation trays, nutrient deposit and irrigation system.
• Calculate the amount of medium mapito: Estimate the amount of means of culture necessary depending on the number of crop trays and size.
• Determine irrigation needs: Set the frequency and duration of irrigation cycles according to the specific needs of the selected plants.
• Consider maintenance logistics: Make sure the design allows easy access to regular maintenance and system monitoring.
• Budget: Calculate the total cost of the materials and equipment necessary to avoid surprises during the acquisition phase.
• Check security: Plan the electrical and water installation safely, avoiding risks of short circuits or floods.
• Document the plan: Make a scheme or detailed drawing of the proposed system to serve as a guide during the assembly phase.

Practical tips

• Maximize space: Take advantage of the available area, considering vertical growth if necessary.
• Automation: Invest on timers and monitoring systems to facilitate maintenance.
• Accessibility: Make sure that all system components are easily accessible for management and maintenance.
• Security: Plan the electricity and water arrangement carefully to avoid risks.
• Documentation: Keep a record of your design and changes for future references or adjustments.

Step 2: Acquisition of materials

• Mapito culture medium: Buy or prepare the rock wool and polystyrene foam mixture that composes the map.
• Cultivation trays: Choose crop trays suitable for the size of your plants and the available space.
• Nutrient deposit: Acquire a deposit with the necessary capacity for your system.
• Water pump: Select an adequate water pump for the volume of your system and the required elevation height.
• Irrigation system: Buy pipes, drippers and connectors necessary for the irrigation system.
• Timer: Get a timer to automate irrigation cycles.
• Measurement instruments: Include PH and EC meters to monitor the nutritious solution.
• Drainage system: Be sure to have the necessary components for the drainage and recirculation of the solution.
• Tools and accessories: Prepare basic tools and mounting accessories such as scissors, Teflon tape, and connectors.
• Protection and safety: Include safety elements such as gloves, glasses and other EPP if necessary.

Practical advice

Before making the purchase, verify the specifications of each component to ensure that they are compatible with each other and adequate for your Mapito system. In addition, consider buying some spare parts for critical components such as the water pump.

Step 3: Preparation of the culture medium

• Mapito hydration: If the Mapito culture medium comes dry, subdue it in water until it is completely hydrated.
• Balanced pH: Adjust the pH of the water used to hydrate the mapito at an adequate level for the plants that it will grow.
• Runoff: After hydration, let the Mapito drain well to avoid excessive water saturation.
• Filling of trays: Distribute the Mapito hydrated evenly in the prepared cultivation trays.
• Light compaction: Press the mapito slightly on the trays to remove airbags, ensuring a firm base for plants.
• Preparation of the initial nutrient solution: Mix an initial nutritional solution with a low concentration to begin to acclimatize the culture medium.
• Mapito irrigation: Water the trays with the nutritious solution so that the culture medium begins to establish the water and nutritional balance.

Practical advice

Perform the preparation of the culture medium in a clean area to avoid pollution. Make sure the Mapito is uniformly hydrated and the pH correctly adjusted to provide an optimal environment for the growth of the roots.

Step 4: Irrigation system assembly

• Pump installation: Place the water pump in the nutrient tank ensuring that it is firmly fixed and in the correct position.
• Pipe connection: Connect the pipes from the pump to the crop trays, using connectors and making sure there are no leaks.
• Disposal of drippers: Distribute the drippers in the cultivation trays to ensure uniform coverage of irrigation.
• Flow test: Perform a test to verify that the water flows properly through the drippers and that each part of the culture medium receives moisture.
• Pump adjustment: Regulate the pump to provide the appropriate, or too strong flow that can erode the medium or too weak that does not reach all plants.
• Timer installation: Connect the timer to the irrigation system to automate irrigation cycles according to the needs of the plants.
• Drainage verification: Make sure the irrigation system allows adequate drainage to avoid medium flooding.

Practical tips

• Flow tests: Before the final installation, perform flow tests to ensure that the water is distributed uniformly and that all drippers work properly.
• Leak prevention: Use Teflon tape in pipe connections to prevent leaks and make sure that all connections are tight.
• Access for maintenance: Install the irrigation system so that it is easily accessible for maintenance or repairs, without the need to move the plants or disassemble parts of the system.
• Pump protection: Install a fine mesh filter before the pump to prevent waste and particles from clogging or damaging the pump mechanism.

Step 5: Drainage system installation

• Placement of pending trays: Make sure the crop trays have a slight slope to the drainage point to facilitate water flow.
• Drainage pipe connection: Install drain pipes from the trays to the nutrient tank, making sure they are well fixed and do not show leaks.
• Installation of return valves: Place non -return valves if necessary to avoid the inverse flow of the nutrient solution.
• Drainage system test: Tests to ensure that the water drains correctly and returns to the tank without problems.

Practical tips

• Level review: Use a bubble level to verify that the trays are properly inclined towards the drainage point.
• Connection sealing: Apply silicone sealant in drain pipe connections to prevent leaks.
• Access for cleaning: Design the drain system so that it is easy to disassemble or access for cleaning and maintenance.
• Drainage capacity: Make sure the diameter of drainage pipes is sufficient to handle the volume of water without causing overflows.

Step 6: timer configuration

• Timer selection: Choose an adequate timer for the irrigation system, which can be programmed with the necessary precision for irrigation cycles.
• Initial programming: Configure the timer with initial irrigation cycles based on the specific needs of the plants and the recommendations for the Mapito culture medium.
• Operation tests: Tests to ensure that the active timer and deactivates the water pump according to the established programming.
• Adjustments according to observation: Be prepared to adjust the timer programming after observing the response of the plants and the moisture conditions of the culture medium.

Practical tips:

• Instruction Manual: See the timer instruction manual to understand all its functions and how to program it correctly.
• Irrigation cycles: Start with more frequent and short irrigation cycles, which will allow you to adjust the programming more easily without risking the health of plants.
• Monitoring: During the first days, supervise the system with attention to make quick settings in the programming if necessary.
• Energy support: Consider the use of a battery support timer to prevent interruptions in the irrigation cycle in case of energy cut.

Step 7: Measurement and adjustment of the nutrient solution

• Solution preparation: Mix the nutritious solution following the specific indications for the type of plants you are going to grow, making sure that the nutrients are well dissolved.
• PH measurement: Use a pH meter to verify the level of acidity or alkalinity of the nutrient solution and adjust it according to the needs of the plants.
• Electrical conductivity (EC) adjustment: Measure the electrical conductivity of the solution to ensure that the concentration of nutrients is adequate.
• Nutrient balance: Make sure the solution has a correct balance of macro and micronutrients to avoid deficiencies or excesses that may affect plants.

Practical tips

• Instrument calibration: Regularly caliber the measuring instruments such as the PH meter and the EC meter to guarantee precise readings.
• Settings record: Keep a record of all adjustments made in the nutrient solution to be able to track the changes and better understand the needs of your plants.
• Quality water: Use good quality water, preferably filtered or reverse osmosis, to prepare the nutritious solution and avoid the accumulation of unwanted salts.
• Gradual changes: Make adjustments in the nutrient solution gradually so as not to stress plants with sudden changes in the cultivation environment.

Step 8: Plantation

• Plant selection: Choose plants that are suitable for the Mapito system, taking into account its size, growth rate and nutritional requirements. Here you can see the marijuana seeds We have available.
• Preparation of seedlings: Make sure the seedlings or cuttings are healthy and free of pests or diseases before planting them in the Mapito medium.
• Placement in the middle: Carefully insert the roots of plants in the Mapito medium, making sure they are well held and with sufficient space to grow.
• First irrigation: Make a soft irrigation to help settle the plants and remove possible airbags around the roots.

Practical tips

• Root management: Manipulate the roots carefully to avoid damage that can stress plants or reduce their ability to absorb nutrients.
• Adequate spacing: Leave enough space between plants to allow adequate growth and avoid competition by light and nutrients.
• Labeled: Lands each plant with its name and the planting date to carry out adequate monitoring of its development and needs.
• Initial observation: Monitor plants closely during the first days to make sure they are adapting well to the new environment and show no signs of stress.

Step 9: System test

• Irrigation verification: Check that the irrigation system is working properly and that all plants receive a uniform distribution of the nutrient solution.
• Drainage inspection: Make sure the drainage system allows the excess solution to return without problems to the tank and there is no water stagnation.
• Nutrient solution monitoring: Observe the levels of the nutrient solution in the deposit to confirm that the irrigation and drainage cycle is being completed properly.
• Plant evaluation: Check the plants to detect any sign of water or nutritional stress that can indicate problems in the system.

Practical tips:

• Vacuum tests: Take tests without plants to facilitate adjustments and avoid damaging the roots during the test process.
• Cycles simulation: Simulate several irrigation and drainage cycles to verify the consistency and reliability of the system.
• Flow adjustments: If necessary, adjust the pump flow or the timer configuration to ensure that the plants receive the proper amount of solution.
• Observations documentation: Write down any observation or adjustment during the test to have a record and facilitate the solution of future problems.

Step 10: Monitoring and Settings

• Continuous monitoring: Daily follow -up of the system conditions, including the humidity of the environment, the state of the plants and the levels of the nutrient solution.
• NUTRITIVE SOLUTION ADJUSTMENTS: Regularly review and adjust the pH and EC of the nutrient solution to maintain the optimal levels for cultivation.
• Plants observation: Be attentive to the signs of nutritional deficiencies, diseases or pests and act quickly to correct any problem. Here are a guide to avoid marijuana pests.
• System optimization: Make adjustments in the timer, the pump and the drain system as necessary to improve the efficiency and response of the plants.

Practical tips

• Measurement instruments: Use reliable and keep them calibrated to ensure precise readings.
• Data record: Keep a detailed record of all measurements and adjustments to identify trends and make informed corrections.
• Plants response: Use the response of plants as the main guide to adjust the system parameters; The plants will tell you if they are receiving what they need.
• Periodic review: Schedule periodic reviews of the complete system to prevent and detect problems before they affect crop.

Following these steps and recommendations, an efficient mapite system that promotes a healthy and vigorous growth of its plants can be set up.

Maintenance and management of the mapito system

Regular maintenance program

• Cleaning: Set a cleaning routine for the system, including the culture medium, pipes and nutrient tank.
• Inspection: Perform periodic inspections of all system components to detect signs of wear or damage.
• Nutritive solution review: Control and adjust the nutrient solution regularly to maintain the optimal levels of pH and EC.
• Plant monitoring: Examine plants frequently to detect signs of stress, diseases or nutritional deficiencies.

Strategies for problem solving

• Symptom diagnosis: Learn to recognize the common symptoms of problems in plants and in the system to act quickly.
• Preventive solutions: Implement preventive measures such as the use of filters to avoid obstructions and sterilization of tools to prevent diseases.
• System settings: Be prepared to make settings in system configuration, such as irrigation intervals and nutrient concentration, in response to identified problems.
• Support and advice: Consider joining Hydropony communities or seeking expert advice to solve complex problems.

Practical tips

• Maintenance calendar: Create a maintenance calendar so as not to forget regular tasks and keep the system working without problems.
• Adequate tools: Maintain a specific tool game for the Mapito system, including PH and EC meters, sterilized pruning scissors and cleaning materials.
• Continuous training: Invest time to learn about the latest advances in hydroponics and in the management of the Mapito system to improve your maintenance and management skills.
• Detailed documentation: Keep a detailed record of all maintenance and management actions, as well as any problem and solution applied, to have a complete history of the system.

Cultivation optimization in the Mapito system

• Apply Marijuana pruning techniques and plant training to improve exposure to light and air circulation.
• Make adjustments in the formulation of the nutritious solution to meet the specific needs of different plant species.
• Understand the growth and development of plants to make timely adjustments in the system.
• Experiment with different lighting cycles and light spectra to optimize photosynthesis and plant growth.