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Hydroponics is an art of gardening without soil i.e. growing plants in a nutrient solution root medium. Hydroponics operates on the principle of providing plants exactly what they need and when they need it.
How does hydroponics work?
Hydroponic systems function by facilitating precise supervision over factors like temperature and pH balance and maximized exposure to nutrients as well as water.
Hydroponics administer nutrient solutions according to the requirements of the particular plant being grown.
Major Types of Hydroponic Systems
• Wick System
In the wick system, there are no moving parts. In other words, such systems do not need electricity, pumps, or aerators, making them perfect for an amateur. Under this mechanism, the nutrient solution is simply drawn into the growing medium from the reservoir with a wick.
• Ebb and Flow (Flood and Drain)
Ebb and flow systems are highly popular as plants are placed in a tray, which is periodically filled with nutrient-rich water pumped out of a reservoir placed below. Using gravity, the system tends to return the water to the reservoir to be reused.
• Deep Water Culture (DWC)
Oxygen is pumped into the reservoir through an air pump and subsequently pushed through an air stone. The oxygen facilitates the plant to uptake the maximum amount of nutrition that results in accelerated plant growth.
• Nutrient Film Technology (NFT)
This process is wholly water-based and needs pre-designed channels in order to deliver nutrients. You have to put the nutrient-rich solution into your reservoir, which will later be pushed into channels.
• Aeroponic System
Aeroponic systems take care of plants with nutrient-laden mist as it simply leaves the roots to dangle in the air, where they are periodically puffed by misting devices.
