An open hydroponics system aims to increase productivity by high frequency application of irrigation water and nutrients to the soil. Such a system is sometimes also called advanced fertigation.

The delivery of dissolved mineral fertilisers to the roots of crops in the field using irrigation water is known as 'fertigation'.

A desktop water, nutrient and salt balance study identified that irrigation and nutrition management principles used by OH can be efficient.

Open Hydroponics is an irrigation and nutrition management program aimed at increasing yield and fruit quality of horticulture crops.

Adopting an Open Hydroponics management program requires a reliable water supply, a significant investment in capital infrastructure, an increase in operating costs and a change in management skills.