Types of Hydroponic Systems

Hydroponics is the name given to growing plants without using soil, but by using a nutrient solution containing the minerals and enrichment plants need to sustain healthy growth. Plant roots are placed among a growing medium, which is completely inert to support the plants and to protect their delicate root systems.

Hydroponic gardening is a very efficient way to grow plants, as it is possible to grow an amazing array of plants in areas where gardening would be normally hindered. People living in cold climates can easily grow vegetables all year round in indoor gardens. Correct use of hydroponic systems could also mean your plants grow up to 50% faster than plants grown in soil.

As plants grown hydroponically are receiving their nutrients directly from the nutrient solution, it is possible to grow more plants in much smaller areas and in smaller containers.

It is possible to grow just about any plant with hydroponics systems. Vegetables and herbs respond well by offering much greater yields in much shorter growing times as compared to vegetables grown in soil.

Even though your plants will have access to the nutrients they need, plants still need to be stabilized and supported as they grow. This is why the majority of hydroponics systems promote the use of a growing medium to support the delicate root structure of the plant while it grows.

Growing Mediums

Typical growing mediums could include rockwool, sand, gravel, perlite, or vermiculite. Each of these mediums is inert and used simply to support the plant and assist with stopping the roots from being drowned by constant immersion in water or nutrient solution, while at the same time allowing the roots access to some level of oxygen.

The most effective types of growing mediums will not only support plants, but also to protect the roots from exposure to sunlight. Growing mediums should also allow plenty of oxygen to access the roots while still giving them access to the water and nutrients they need to survive and flourish.

Light

Plants require light in order to photosynthesize, so if your hydroponic garden is an indoor garden then you may consider using artificial light. A regular light bulb will not be any good in this situation. You will need to consider artificial light that mimics the correct spectrum and intensity as sunlight in order for the plants to receive any benefit.

Nutrients

Correct nutrients are vital to successful hydroponic growth. The types and levels of nutrients required will vary greatly depending on the types of plants you’re growing, so be sure to check the requirements of your intended plants.

The nutrients and minerals are dissolved in water and fed through the hydroponic system to the root systems. Always be sure to check the pH levels in your nutrient solution.

Aeration

Plants still need oxygen and carbon dioxide to live. Adequate aeration of the root system will not only prevent the roots from drowning by too much exposure to water or nutrient solutions, but also allows the plant to ‘breathe’.

Ebb and Flow Systems

Ebb and flow systems are excellent for small-scale hydroponic gardens. Essentially a flood and drain system, nutrients are pumped up to the roots and drained back down to the reservoir. This allows plenty of aeration.

Drip System

Drip systems are thought to be the most commonly used hydroponic systems. Nutrients are pumped in timed intervals up to the plants and then dripped onto the base of each plant using a small drip line. Some systems will have a nutrient reservoir to collect and re-use any excess nutrients that have run off.

Nutrient Film Technique

The nutrient film technique hydroponics system works a little differently in that the plant roots are partially exposed to the air and partially submerged in a mobile nutrient solution.

The nutrients and water are pumped up to the plants and then run back down to the reservoir. It is possible that a nutrient film system may hinder the growth of some plants, as the roots aren’t able to aerate fully, which may cause damage to the root structure.

This effect can be counteracted by introducing an ebb and flow system or by using a growing medium.

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