Types of Hydroponics Systems

In today's post I want to briefly introduce the various hydroponic growing techniques that you may want to consider.

Nutrient Film Technique

A method of growing plants that provides a stream of nutrients to the roots of the plants in a gently sloped channel. The plants are started in small cubs and planted in small holes in the channel (or Gully).

This method uses both a submersible pump as well as gravity itself. The fertilizer circulates through the gullies and back to the reservoir in an endless loop.

Ebb and Flow

This hydroponic growing system has become one of the world's most popular. A nutrient solution is stored in a resevoir below the growing trays.

The plants are placed in the tray but each plant is in a separate container containing a growing medium such as Rockwool or similar. By setting a timer, the tray is flooded periodically with the nutrient solution. The tray is then able to drain back into the reservoir.

The reason this system has become so popular is because it is very easy to set up and does not require a lot of maintenance. an excellent hydroponic system for beginners.

Drip Feed Systems

This method consists of setting up a growing table with tray and a gutter such as plastic tubing with holes cut in the top. Generally a Perlite Vermiculite mix is used in ordinary gardening pots .

The tray allows for the unused nutrients to trickle back to the reservoir. A pump sends the nutrients through the tube onto the top of each individual pot. The tray allows for excess nutrients to flow back to the reservoir.

Aeroponics

Aeroponic growing involves spraying the plant's roots with a nutrient rich solution.In this setup the roots are separated from the tops of the plants and misted with the water/nutrient solution.

The main advantage of this system is that it help to aerate the roots of the plant thereby stimulating growth. It also uses less growing medium so a cost saver for larger operations.

Air Pump Systems

This is just a very basic technique that is excellent to learn about basic hydroponics. The plants are basically grown in a static water/nutrient solution. The roots have to be aerated using a pump.

Not recommended for the serious grower.