subject: 6 Types of Most Used Hydroponics Systems [print this page] 6 Types of Most Used Hydroponics Systems 6 Types of Most Used Hydroponics Systems
What is Hydroponics?
We've all been taught that for any plant to grow it needs soil. But the science of hydroponics discards that theory. Hydroponics is the way of growing plants without the need of soil. The main purpose of soil is to hold the nutrients for the plants. If the nutrients can be accessed directly, then the soil can be eliminated as it serves no purpose. In cases where mediums are needed to hold the nutrient solutions temporarily, mineral wool or gravel can be used.
Minerals can be diluted in water and the roots of the plants can be immersed in it. This allows for more yields per acreage. The consumption of water is reduced by almost 60%, as there is no waste. Also, since the nutrients are artificially introduced, hydroponics does not cause the depletion of nutrients in the soil.
Types of Hydroponics
There are six types of hydroponics methods. These are:
1. Deep Water Culture (DWC): In this method, the plants roots are suspended directly into the solution of nutrients in oxygenated water. The roots are super oxygenated with the combination of an air pump and porous stones. The growth rate of these plants is improved because of the high amount of oxygen the roots receive.
2. Flood and Drain (Ebb and Flow): Here the plants are planted in a medium that is in a tray. The tray in turn is suspended over a reservoir of the mineral and nutrients solution. A pump, at intervals, pumps the solution into the tray and floods the medium. When the desired level of flooding is achieved the pump switches off. The process starts again after the solution has drained back down into the reservoir.
3. Nutrient Film Technique: This is a technique where the roots of the plants, which are suspended in a watertight gulley, are continuously washed in a circulating stream of water that contains the minerals and nutrients. Since the roots of the plants form a mat on the bottom of the gulley, the circulating water is just enough to cover the roots; hence the term Water Film.'
4. Wick System: In this technique all the plants are in a container and in a growing medium. An absorbent wick, usually a nylon rope, is buried partially in each container. One end of the rope is left dangling in the mineral and nutrient solution. The wick pulls the solution up and into the growing medium thus feeding the roots.
5. Drip System: Here again, a pump is required. All the plants are in their own trays and separated from the nutrients and minerals solution. The pump then pumps the solution and feeds the individual plant, drip by drip, from above. The drip rate can be controlled to either go faster or slower depending on the plants needs.
6. Aeroponics: In this sixth, and final, method the plants are suspended in a box or container and their roots are exposed. A pump, at constant intervals, pumps a fine mist of the nutrient solution at the roots. The main advantage of this method is excellent aeration for the roots.
