Types Of Hydroponic Systems Designs
The modern technology age has enabled people in moving the garden that is outdoors into an environment that is carefully controlled where every facet associated with the growing process can be fine-tuned. Thanks to hydroponic technology that has enabled people in ditching the traditional soil and maximizing the nutrient absorption and all the while producing higher yields and saving water. Hydroponics simply put is a way to grow plants in water which has dissolved nutrients. The plants in some cases are stabilized in medium gravel or clay, and in other times the roots are partially submerged or suspended in water. No matter the case, the soil will be placed through nutrient-rich water that will eliminate water waste along with reducing the space required to grow the plants. More details about hydro grow system: https://www.hydroworld.com.au/hydroponic-systems/
The Different Types
Hydroponic systems over the years have advanced and come a very long way since it was initially envisioned. Take a look at the some of the best hydroponic system designs that are found in the present-day cultivator's grow room,
Ebb and Flow- This includes the utilization of a reservoir system and a tray. It is the reservoir system that holds the nutrient solution and the water. Above this sits the floor table. The reservoir and flood table are connected through two tubes. One is attached to the pump placed in the reservoir while the other is fixed to an overflow. The plants that grow in this system are potted through the neutral medium. It sits just one or two inches beneath the water surface that enables the root system in absorbing as required while getting proper aeration.
Deep Water Culture- This includes the plant's suspension above the nutrient solution where the root system is submerged completely. Overwatering will deprive oxygen to the root system; the nutrient solution here is aerated through oxygen bubbles which flow upward right from the reservoir's bottom. This provides the root system with the needed oxygen. Injecting air via hoses and a pump will allow one to control the aeration amount and the bubble size respectively.
Nutrient Film Technique- This is a highly intricate hydroponic arrangement that includes the utilization of a pump system and reservoir. The plants are put in net pots which enable the root system in hanging down. The pots are kept in a row which is akin to a hollow tube having holes above and a flat bottom for the plants. It is the reservoir that pumps up the nutrient solution to the top portion of the channel which should be positioned in an angle to help the water is flowing over the roots' lower tips and back to the reservoir while the channel's flat bottom allows an even layer of the solution for cascading over the surface and feed the root system.
Wick System- Here a pot is attached to the reservoir through a big wick which soaks the nutrient solution thereby delivering the same into the root system. As the root system absorbs this solution, more amounts from the reservoir that is situated below are pulled up. The best media that should be used in this system include perlite or cocoa coir because it has high water retention and absorption level. Wick systems, however, are basic compared to other hydroponic systems. As opposed to other mechanisms which deliver water in the root system, in the wick system sufficient water is not always provided to saturate the media completely. Despite being easy to use, it is best for limited space or small plants.
Aeroponics- This is a highly advanced hydroponic system. It uses a hanging root system and a net pot. The root hangs on top of the reservoir, but both the root tips and the roots are not submerged. The nutrient solution rather is delivered through the misting system and the pump. They provide a precise quantity of nutrients and water at specific times to offer maximum absorption. The aeroponics’ physical design may differ because the upper tray which holds the pots may be shaped for fitting the desired space. This way, this hydroponic system works perfectly well. It is simple in design yet can be tricky and costly to put together. So, this is not the right choice for beginners.
Drip System- This is another advanced and sophisticated hydroponic system. The drip system comes with a reservoir system which uses an air pump for keeping the solution in the reservoir moving while the nutrient pump will send the solution to the plants. The root system, in this case, is not exposed. Plants are grown in the usual hydroponic medium such as vermiculite or coco coir. As the reservoir pumps up the water, this is given to the plants from hoses. The water drips from here to the medium as well as controlled through a timer for going on and off during definite intervals. Setting this system is not a snap so advanced hydroponic gardeners should use it.
Hydroponics and its Multiple Benefits
These days the majority of the gardeners are opting for hydroponics for the following reasons,
Better Plant Yield- The specialty about hydroponic plants is it produces a better yield of vegetables and fruits as these are densely spaced together in comparison to the land size that is required for growing the same amount of plants. Besides, in this system, most elements which can enhance the growth of the plant can be controlled better such as the type and amount of light, nutrient content, water's pH level and more.
Less Water- These systems utilize less water; in fact, 15 times less water compared to traditional watering methods used in a field crop. Here the water is captured and then reused instead of running off and draining to the environment.
Less Space- The best part, these systems are available in assorted designs such as vertical stacking systems which occupy minimal space.
Locally Grown- The indoor hydroponic systems enable plants to grow just anywhere all throughout the year.
If you wish to make, most of such hydroponic systems get in touch with a specialist at the earliest.