Hydroponics means the science and art of gardening without soil. Hydroponics means “working water” in Latin. It is the art of growing plants in soil. Hydroponics is a method that allows plants to flourish from jalapenos to watermelons and orchids. Hydroponic gardening takes up little area, consumes 90 percent less water than traditional agriculture, and is able to produce beautiful fruits & flowers in half of the time.
Although hydroponics may seem like modern technology, the origins of hydroponics is rooted in the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. It is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, it is a relic of the early world. The Euphrates River was channelized into channels that ran along the garden walls. Marco Polo, a 13-year-old writer from Italy, wrote about floating gardens in China. However hydroponics isn’t simply an invention of the ancient ages. NASA started cultivating aeroponic bean seedlings on a space station in the late 1990s. This opened up the possibility for sustainable agriculture in space. Hydroponics remains a timeless and innovative method of conserve water and increase the growth of crops.
What exactly is hydroponics?
Hydroponics Hydroponics is the process of cultivating of plants with water without soil. Inert media is used to cultivate hydroponic plants, herbs, and vegetables. They are then nourished with nutrients, oxygen, water, and other media for growth. This system allows for faster growth, better yields, as well as higher quality. If a plant is cultivated in soil, the roots are constantly looking for the nutrients they need to thrive. A plant’s roots are exposed directly to nutrition and water, meaning it doesn’t have to use any energy to sustain itself. The plant’s growth is able to be made more energy efficient by investing the energy the roots have spent acquiring food and water. This leads to the growth of leaves that is flourishing and blooming of fruit as well as flowers and vegetables.
Photosynthesis is the method by which plants can maintain themselves. The green pigment chlorophyll that is found on the leaves of plants absorbs sunlight. They utilize the light energy to separate water molecules from those they have absorbed through roots. The hydrogen molecules combine with carbon dioxide to produce carbohydrates, which plants use to eat. This permits oxygen to escape into the atmosphere. This is a crucial aspect in maintaining the planet’s habitability. Plants don’t require soil to photosynthesise. They require soil to supply the plant with nutrients and water. The nutrients can be delivered directly to the root systems of plants through flooding, misting or even immersion when they have been dissolved in water. The hydroponic innovation has shown that exposure directly to nutrients rich water can be more effective and flexible than traditional irrigation.
What is the process behind hydroponics?
Hydroponics is a system that gives you the ability to control the conditions like temperature and pH balance and the maximum exposure to nutrients. The principle behind hydroponics is simple. It gives plants precisely what they need and when they need it. Hydroponics is able to provide nutrition solutions that are adapted to the particular requirements of every plant. They are able to alter the amount of sunlight plants get, as well as how long. You can alter the pH level. The environment can be highly managed and adjusted to accelerate the growth of plants.
Many risk factors can easily be managed by you. Many variables can negatively impact the growth and health of plants that are grown in gardens and fields. Fungus can spread disease to plants. Animals like rabbits may pounce on the ripe vegetables in your garden. Locusts and other pests are able to pounce on crops and obliterate the plants in the afternoon. Hydroponic systems can remove the uncertainty that comes with growing plants outside and in the earth. With no mechanical resistance from soil, seedlings will develop much more quickly. Through the elimination of pesticides, hydroponics produces better-quality and healthier fruits and vegetables. Plants are free to grow vigorously, and fast without obstacles.
What are the parts of a hydroponics system?
It is important to know the basics of hydroponics so you can keep an efficient system.
Growing media
The majority of hydroponic plants are grown in inert media which help the weight of the plant and anchor its root structure. Although growing media is a substitute for soil it does not provide the plant with any nutrition. The porous media, instead, stores water and nutrients from nutrients, which it then delivers to the plant. A lot of growing media can be pH neutral and won’t alter your nutrition solution. There are many different media to choose from, and the specific plants and hydroponic systems will determine which one is the best fit for your needs. The media for hydroponic gardening is available at both local garden shops and nurseries as well on the internet.
Airstones and air pumps
Plants that are submerged into water can quickly drown if they aren’t sufficiently air-conditioned. Air stones disperse tiny bubbles of dissolved oxygen throughout your nutrient solution reservoir. They help distribute nutrients that are dissolved evenly throughout the solution. Air stones cannot produce oxygen by themselves. They must be linked to an external pump by opaque food grade plastic tubing. The opaqueness will prevent algae growth from setting in. Air stones and air pumps are popular components for aquariums and can be purchased easily in pet stores.
Net Pots
net pots come with mesh planters which can be used to hold hydroponics plants. The latticed materials allow roots to sprout from the sides and bottom of the pot allowing more oxygen and nutrients. Net pots are also more draining than clay and plastic pots.
What are the six kinds available for hydroponic systems?
There are a variety of hydroponic techniques. However, all are variations or combinations of the six fundamental hydroponic systems.
1. Systems for deep water cultivation
Hydroponics for deep water cultivation is a simple process of putting plants in aerated drinking water. DWC systems, also known as deep water cultivation systems are among the most popular methods of hydroponics. DWC systems are made up of net pots with plants, which are positioned in a large reservoir of oxygen-rich nutrients. The plant’s roots are submerged in the solution, providing it with continuous access to nutrients as well as oxygen, water, and. Deep water cultivation is thought to be the purest form for hydroponics.
The root system is submerged in water, which is why proper water oxygenation is essential to ensure the survival of the plant. If there isn’t enough oxygenation, the roots could drown. To ensure that the entire system is oxygenated system, attach an airstone to an air pump in the reservoir. The air bubbles that rise from the stone can also aid in the circulation of the nutrient solution.
It’s simple to put up a deep water cultivation system at home or in a class. A bucket or an old aquarium can be used to store the solution. To house the net containers, place a floating surface like styrofoam on top. DWC systems shouldn’t permit roots to submerge in the solution. It is not allowed to submerge vegetation or stems. The roots must be kept at a minimum of 1 inch and a half over the surface of the water. The roots can be left exposed by allowing air bubbles to break out of the water.
What are the benefits of deep water systems for culture?
- Easy maintenance Once the DWC system is in place, very little maintenance is required. It’s enough to replenish the nutrient solutions as necessary and make sure that the pump is providing oxygen to the air stone. It is generally only necessary to replenish the nutrient solution once every two weeks. However, this will depend on the dimensions of your plants.
- DIY appeal: Deep water cultivation systems are more affordable than the majority of hydroponic system. All you have to do is go to the nearest pet store or nursery to purchase the pump and nutrients.
What are the downsides to deep-water culture systems?
- Limitations: Deep water culture systems are well-suited to cultivating lettuce and herbs, however they are unable to compete with larger and more slow-growing plants. DWC systems don’t work well with flowers. However, you can grow tomatoes, bell Peppers and squash in the DWC with a little effort.
- Temperature control It is important that the temperature of the water solution not exceeds 68°F or falls below 60°F. DWC systems have water that does not circulate which makes it more difficult to regulate the temperature.
2. Wick systems
A wick system is a place where plants are placed in growing media and put over a pot. The reservoir is filled with water that contains minerals that are dissolved. The growing tray is connected to the reservoir by wicks. Water and nutrients flow up the wick and fill the growing medium within the roots of the plants. Wicks can be constructed from just string, rope or even felt. Wick systems are the most simple form of hydroponics. Wick systems can be described as passive hydroponics meaning that they do not require pumps or any other mechanical components. This is why they are ideal for situations where electricity is unavailable or unreliable.
Capillary action is the mechanism that Wick systems use to function. The wick absorbs and then transfers the nutrients from the water it is submerged in. Wick system hydroponics only work if accompanied by growing media that is able to aid in the transfer of water and nutrients. Coco coir (fibers made from the outer husks of coconuts) are excellent at retaining moisture and the added advantage of having a pH neutral. Perlite is also pH neutral and highly porous, making it ideal for wicking systems. Vermiculite is extremely porous, and also has a high capacity for cation exchange. It can also store nutrients for later usage. These three media are best for hydroponics wick systems.
Wick systems are slower than other hydroponic systems. This restricts the possibilities of what you could grow using them. For each plant you put in the tray for growing make sure that at the very least one wick is flowing from the reservoir. These wicks need to be placed close to the root system of the plant. Although wicks can be functioning with aeration and a pump, many people choose to add an oxygen stone and an air pump to the wick system’s tank. This provides extra oxygenation for the hydroponic system.
What advantages does a Wick system provide?
- Simple: A wick system can be installed by anyone, and doesn’t require a lot of attention once it is running. The plants you plant will never be dry since the wicks supply water to them all the time. Plants such as lettuce thrive in the wick system. This will ensure a high yield on your investment.
- Space-efficientWick Systems are small and easy to install anyplace. They do not require power to operate. It’s a great system for educators, beginners or anyone who is interested in learning about hydroponics.
What are the drawbacks of wick systems?
- LimitationsLettuce and other herbs such as basil, rosemary, and mint are quick-growing plants that don’t require a lot of water. Because of their high demand for nutrients and hydration, tomatoes are not able to thrive in wick systems. Other plants can’t thrive in an environment that is constantly moist. A wicking system isn’t good for root vegetables, such as carrots and turnips.
- Highly susceptible to Rot. The hydroponics wick system is always moist and humid. This can lead to fungal infections as well as root rot that can affect your organic growing media and the plant’s roots.
3. Nutrient film technique systems
NFT (Nutrient film technique) Systems suspend plants above an endless flow of nutrient solutions that washes above the roots. The channels that support the plants are tilted so water can run down the length the tray before flowing into the reservoir below. The water in the reservoir is aerated with an air stone. Submersible pumps are employed to pump the nutrient enriched water from the reservoir. A recirculating hydroponics system is the nutrient film technique.
An NFT system is not similar to deep-water hydroponics. The roots of the plants are not immersed in water. Instead, the stream of water (or “film”) flows just at the end, and not through the roots. The roots’ tips will trap moisture in the soil, while the exposed root systems receive plenty of oxygen. The bottoms and sides of the channels are grooved so that water can flow effortlessly over the tips of the roots. This stops water from pooling on the root system or damming it.
Even though nutrient film technique systems are constantly recycling water it is advisable to empty the reservoir and replenish the nutrient solution each once or twice a week. This ensures your plants receive ample nutrition. NFT channels should be designed with an angle that is gradual. The water will not nourish the plants if the slope is too steep. If there is too much water being pumped into the channel, it will overflow and the plants can drown. NFT hydroponics is a popular commercial method because it can support several plants in a channel and is easily produced in mass quantities. Lightweight plants, such as mustard greens and lettuce, and also strawberries, are better suited to nutrient film technique systems. For larger fruiting plants like cucumbers or tomatoes you’ll require trellises to help support their weight.
What are the advantages to the use of a nutrient film?
- Low consumption: Since NFT hydroponics recirculate the water they do not demand huge amounts of nutrients or water to function. Since the water is constantly flowing, salts cannot build up on the roots. Nutrient film technology systems don’t require the growth of media. You can reduce the cost of purchasing media and hassles of replacing it.
- Modular design Nutrient film technique systems are ideal for commercial and large-scale projects. Once a channel is set up and operational, it’s easy to expand it. There are multiple channels that are able to be added to the greenhouse to provide support for various crops. It’s a good idea that each channel is fed by its reservoir. It’s unlikely to stop the entire operation if the pump malfunctions or if a disease spreads to the water.
What are the benefits from using the nutrient films technique?
- Pump failure: The plants could be dry when the pump stops functioning and the channel fails to circulate the nutrients in the films. The entire crop may die if it isn’t being given water within hours. A NFT hydroponic system requires continuous monitoring. You’ll need to pay attention to the performance of each pump.
- Overcrowding can lead to obstruction of the channel when roots grow too fast or are spaced too tightly. Roots can block the water flow and cause plants to starve. This is particularly true for plants in the lowest. Take into consideration taking plants off the lower part of the channel or moving to a smaller one if they seem to be performing poorly.
4. Ebb and flow systems
By flooding the grow bed below with a nutrient-rich solution Ebb and flow hydroponics works. The submersible pump in the reservoir comes with an alarm clock. The pump fills the growing beds with nutrients and water when the timer turns on. After the timer is over the gravity gradually removes the all the excess water out of the grow beds before flushing it back into a reservoir. The system is equipped with an overflow tube that will ensure that the flooding does not exceed a certain level and damage the stalks and fruits of the plants. The plants in the “ebb and flow” system are not continually exposed to water as others. The growing bed is submerged and the plants absorb the nutrients through their root systems. The roots dry out when the water recedes and the bed becomes empty. The roots become dry and oxygenate in the period prior to the next flood. The interval between floods will be determined by the size of your grow bed and how large the plants you have.
One of the most common techniques for hydroponic gardening is the ebb and flow method (also known as flood and drain). The plants are able to benefit from an abundance of nutrition and oxygen which stimulates rapid and robust growth. The ebb-and flow system is a flexible and easy configurable. The grow bed can be filled with different net pots and other vegetables and fruits. The ebb/flow system lets you to experiment more than other hydroponic system.
Ebb and flow systems can accommodate nearly all kinds of plants. One thing that will restrict your choices is the size of the grow tray. Root vegetables will require a deeper and more extensive bed than lettuce or strawberries. Ebb and flow plants are popular, including tomatoes, peas beans, beans, cucumbers and carrots. You can even attach trellises directly at the beds for growing. The most commonly used growing media in ebb flow hydroponics include “Grow Rocks” and “Grow Pebbles” (hydroton). They are simple to clean, reusable, and lightweight. This is an essential feature for ebb flow systems.
What are the benefits of an Ebb-flow system?
- Versatility When you have an electronic flow system, you can grow more plants than other systems for hydroponics. Ebb & flow hydroponics is extremely popular with vegetables, flowers and fruits. The best method to ensure that your plants receive the maximum yield is to ensure they have the right size grow beds and nutrition.
- DIY appeal: There are a myriad of ways to build your own hydroponic ebb and flow system at home. A visit to the hardware store or pet store will provide you with everything you need to construct an ebb-flow setup. Ebb and flow systems are more challenging to set up than DIY systems like deep water culture or wick. However, they allow for a wider range of plant life.
What are the disadvantages of an ebb and flow system?
- Pump failure Just like any hydroponics system, when your pump stops working and your plants are affected, they are likely to die. The ebb/flow system you have in place should be monitored to ensure it isn’t compromising the health of your plants. The plants will not get enough nutrients and water if water is flowing into and out of the system too fast.
- Rot & disease:Sanitation and maintenance are vital to the flow and ebb system. Root diseases and rot are often caused due to poor drainage. Ebb/flow systems that are dirty can attract pests and grow mold. Inattention to cleaning your garden could result in poor crop yields. Some plants don’t respond well to rapid pH changes caused by extreme flooding and draining.
5. Drip systems
In the hydroponic drip system the reservoir that is aerated and rich in nutrients is pumped through a series of tubes to the individual plants. The solution slowly drips into roots’ media to keep the plants hydrated and well-nourished. Drip systems are the most well-known and widely used technique for hydroponics particularly for commercial growers. Drip systems are utilized to water plants or large areas.
There are two types in drip system hydroponics. These systems are more popular among smaller growers at home. The excess water is then drained out of a grow bed into a reservoir. It will then be recirculated in the next drip cycle. Systems that do not have recovery let the excess water run off the media and out to the environment. This is more popular with commercial growers. Although a drip system that doesn’t recover appear to be a waste, large-scale growers are careful with water consumption. These drip systems only deliver the amount of solution that is required to maintain the growing media around plants dampened. Non-recovery drip systems use complicated timers to minimize the amount of waste.
You will need to adjust to fluctuations in the pH level of the nutrient solution if you are growing plants in a recovery drip system. This applies to all systems where wastewater is recirculated to the tank for storage. Growers must be aware of the reservoir’s condition and adjust it more frequently than they would in a non-recovery system. The plants can also drain the solution’s nutrients and altering the pH. Additionally, the growing media may become too rich in nutrients and will need to be changed regularly.
What are the advantages associated with drip systems?
- A wide variety of options for plants: A drip-system can accommodate larger plants than other hydroponics systems. This is among the main reasons why it is attractive to commercial growers. Melons, pumpkins, onions, and zucchinis can all be well supported by a correctly designed drip system. Drip systems have higher amounts of growing media than any other system, allowing them to accommodate larger root systems. Drip systems are ideal for slow-draining media like rockwool, coco coir, and peatmoss.
- Scale: Large-scale hydroponics operation can be achieved with drip systems. New tubing can be attached to the divert or reservoir system to allow for the growth of more plants. An existing drip system could be upgraded with new crops. Drip systems are common in commercial hydroponics due to this.
What are the downsides to a drip system
- MaintenanceIf you a growing plants using a non-recovery drip system at home, there is a significant amount of maintenance required. Monitoring the pH and nutrients of the solution is essential. If needed the draining and replacement of water will be required. The lines for recovery systems can become clogged by debris and plant matter, which is why you will need to regularly clean and flush the delivery lines.
- ComplexityDrip Systems are simple to make complicated and complex. This is not as essential for hydroponics professionals, however it’s not the best system for home growers. You can use simpler systems like ebb-flow for at-home hydroponics.
6. Aeroponics
Aeroponics systems hang plants suspended in the air, and expose the naked roots to a nutrient-filled mist. Aeroponics frameworks are enclosed structures, like cubes or towers which can house many plants simultaneously. A reservoir is utilized to store nutrients and water. The solution is pumped to a pump that disperses it as fine mist. The mist falls into the chamber after being expelled from the tower’s top. Certain aeroponics spray constantly the plant’s roots, similar to NFT systems that expose them to the nutrient films constantly. Some are more of an ebb-and-flow system spraying the root with mist on a regular basis. Aeroponics don’t require substrate media to thrive. The root’s constant exposure to air allows them to drink oxygen and expand at a rapid rate.
Aeroponics systems use less water than other type of hydroponics. Aeroponics uses less water than fields that are irrigated to cultivate crops. Vertical gardens is designed to take up less space and allow for numerous towers to be housed in one site. Aeroponics can generate large yields, even when space is limited. Aeroponic plants can also grow more quickly than hydroponically grown plants due to their increased oxygen exposure.
Aeroponics allows for year-round harvesting. Aeroponics permits the growth of nightshades and vines, such as bell peppers, tomatoes and eggplants. There are also baby greens and herbs, along with watermelons, strawberries, watermelons, ginger, and lettuce all flourishing in an aeroponic setting. The fruiting trees can’t be grown aeroponically because they’re too large and heavy. Additionally, plants that are underground that have extensive root systems, such as potatoes or carrots, cannot be grown.
