Hydroponics is a process that is used by gardeners who want to grow their plants using only water, without soil. The water used in hydroponics contains fertilizers that are loaded with nutrients, which is precisely what is needed by plants. Hydroponics has essentially six types of well-defined systems: Wick, Water Culture, Ebb and Flow, N.F.T, Drip and Aeroponic.
In addition to these six setups, over one hundred more variations of hydroponics systems exist. In order to select the appropriate hydroponics system, a comprehensive understanding of growing needs must be considered. Hydroponic systems vary in price range from approximately $100 to $1500, depending on the system complexity.
Top Drip
Top Drip is considered one of the most common, and the Hydroponic setup used for this type is also known as “Bato buckets”. While the system could be applied to grow plants in-doors, it is more frequently related with ourdoor commercial use. Inside huge greenhouses, the top drip arrangement is planned with feeder lines and a base reservoir. Periodically, a pump forces the solution upwards through small tubing that trickles out from each plant’s bottom. The water and nutrients are maintained in a tank. For efficiency, water and nutrients are reprocessed, and this cycle is repeated three to four times per day.
Wick System
This simple system has no moving components, hence it is considered a passive system. Using this technique, a wick is used to draw the nutrient mixture into the growing medium from the reservoir. The most popular growing mediums used are Vermiculite, Perlite, Pro-Mix and Coconut Fiber.
Water Culture
In this simple arrangement, the stage that contains the plants is typically made of Styrofoam and floats on top of the nutrient solution. Air bubbles are provided by an air pump, which is used to supply air to the air stone, hence oxygen reaches to the roots. Water culture is ideal for fast growing water loving plants like leaf lettuce.
Ebb & Flow (Flood and Drain)
In the Ebb and Flow system, a plate is momentarily flooded with nutrient solution, and then drained back into the tank. This action is usually performed with an underwater pump that is linked to a timer. The main drawback of this system is that with multiple growing media (Gravel, Growrocks, Perlite), it is prone to malfunction anytime there is a power loss. This can lead to dried plant roots.
Recovery/Non-Recovery
In a Recovery System the surplus nutrient solution, which is supplied, is gathered back in the reservoir for re-use, so it uses nutrient solution more efficiently. The Non-Recovery System does not accumulate the over-spill, thus requires an accurate timer to ensure plants get enough nutrients.
Nutrient Film Technique
Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) systems have a steady stream of nutrient solution, so no timer is required. The nutrient solution is circulated into the growing tray, runs over plant roots, and then drains back into the reservoir.
Aeroponic
This is the most advanced of all the systems available. The roots are suspended in air, and are moisturized with nutrient solution. The miniaturization is typically performed every few minutes, with a timer controlling the nutrient pump.
Each of the discussed hydroponic watering systems has advantages and disadvantages. It is important to select the best system based on the individual environment and plant needs.
Sources:
Simply Hydroponics and Organics: Basic Hydroponic Systems and How They Work (accessed 12/7/2010)
GardeningCentral.org: Hydroponic Setups (accessed 12/7/2010)
Hydroponicsystems.org: Hydroponic Systems - Growing Plants Without Soil (accessed 12/7/2010)
Hydroponics Dictionary: Hydro School (accessed 12/7/2010)
Cheri Pearson - Cheri Pearson is a seasoned freelance journalist who holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of ...
