More About Hydroponics Systems

 

In theory there are basically 6 types of hydroponics systems; Aeroponic, Drip and Drain, the Flood model, NFT, Water Culture and Wick. The most popular types are often the most simple but we shall examine each type more closely in the following article.

Wick

This is the more simple of the two, it excludes some of the more complex technologies and does not rely upon any moving parts, which makes it a good method for beginners, with whom it proves extremely popular. The plant is supplied all the minerals and nutrients it needs via a solution which is piped into a reservoir. Unfortunately this system may be considered too simple as it can be slightly more difficult to control the specific amounts of nutrients and minerals reaching each individual plant.

Water Culture

Another rather simple technique where the plant grows on a platform which gently floats upon the surface of the solution containing the nutrients and minerals. This is the method most preferred in educational circles mainly because you can clearly see the roots growing in the solution. Sadly the variety of plants that grow well with this system is rather limited and, outside of education, it is one of the least commonly used types of hydroponics.

Flood & Drain

This types of hydroponics utilizes a little more technology than the previous two mentioned systems. A pump is used to flood the roots with the nutrient solution at regular intervals (with the aid of a timer). Many more plant species are able to grow well with flood & drain and this is one of the reasons why it is often used in small scale agricultural situations. Unfortunately, due to the pump and timer, your crop needs to be growing near an adequate power supply which limits more large scale agricultural uptake.

Drip

Drip hydroponics systems also uses a pump and timer but rather than flooding the roots in this method the solution is allowed to drip onto the base of the plant. Below each plant is a simple drip tray recovery setup which redirects any excess solution back into the reservoir.

NFT

NFT is an abbreviation of "nutrient film technology". This system is much simpler than it sounds, basically the plant grows in rockwool which is placed in a gro-tank containing the nutrient solution. Through capillary action the fluid works it's way through the rockwool and to the roots. More complicated versions incorporate a pump and timer to provide a flowing solution. Again such systems require a nearby power source so use is rather limited in agricultural situations.

Aeroponics

Although aeroponics is considered rather an advanced method it is growing in popularity as the preferred method of growing such things as herbs, in the home. This is due, in part, to the availability of small aeroponics kits but also because of the fact that crops grow so well. This system involves the misting of suspended plant roots using a special pump and timer system.

Summary

The most basic hydroponics systems do not use pumps or timers and are therefore not restricted by the availability of a power source. The more complicated methods rely, very much, upon a pump and timer to deliver the solution and while slightly better results may be gained it is important to remember that you could very easily lose your whole crop if your power supply fails for a sustained period. I would suggest that if you use such a method you plan ahead for such a possibility and have a backup, simpler, system ready to go if disaster strikes.

 

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