Movable root contact/pressure plate assembly for hydroponic system

A hydroponic system for growing sweet potatoes and other root and tuber crops includes a growing channel incorporating a movable root contact/pressure plate assembly. The assembly consists of a flat, rigid PVC plate in which holes for inserting plants are drilled and a flexible vinyl film which is secured along the length of each side edge of the plate, by means of pressure fit connectors. The assembly is secured to the top edges of a growing channel, again by pressure fit connectors. The flexible film suspends the plate near and parallel to the bottom of the growing channel, with the flexibility of the film allowing upward movement of the plate within the channel as the plant roots grow. The assembly provides contact and pressure to the plant roots inside the growing channel thereby promoting enlargement of the roots. This enlargement causes the assembly to move upwardly, thereby maintaining the desired pressure conditions during growth. A suitable nutrient solution is supplied in the growing channel.