In recent times, hydroponic farming has gained immense popularity among urbanites. This technique allows the urban home dwellers to grow their favourite fruits, vegetables, and herbs in their house. As it eliminates the use of soil, it prevents the numerous problems associated with the traditional soil-based farming.
There are numerous techniques for hydroponic farming all of which make use of nutrient-rich water solutions. In this write-up, we discussed them in detail.
1. Deep water culture system
In this technique, plants are directly dangled in aerated water. It makes use of net pots for hydroponics. The plants are suspended over a deep reservoir of oxygen-rich nutrient solution. As the plants absorb nutrients through the mineral-rich water solution, it is important to ensure the proper flow of oxygen into the water. Therefore, the grower should connect an air pump at the bottom of the reservoir. Also, in no case, the water temperature should exceed 60°F. Therefore, if required, you should use grow fans. This system is easy-to-install and cost-efficient.
2. Wick system
In this system, plants are anchored in a growing media on a tray that sits on a reservoir comprising a nutrient-rich water solution. The wick can absorb the water and it transfers the nutrients to the growing media. This system can be prepared at home through simple objects like ropes and strings. Plus, it doesn’t require many instruments like water pumps and heaters to work well. For medium, you can use coco coir, perlite, and vermiculite.
While this system is cost-efficient and easy to install, it not suitable for growing plants that demand a constant supply of nutrients and hydration.
3. Nutrient film technique system
This system directly suspends the plants above a stream of continuously flowing nutrient solution. It makes use of a submersible pump to ensure the proper supply of nutrients to the plants. A nutrient film technique is perfect for lightweight plants and heavier plants will need extra support to survive.
4. Ebb and flow system
Ebb and flow hydroponics comprise a flow tube and a water pump that sucks water from the grow bed and flushes it back into the reservoir. In this system, it is important to provide proper supply of oxygen and nutrition to the plants as it will ensure their vigorous growth. An ebb and flow system is suitable for all types of fruits, flowers, and vegetables. But the grower needs to take care of the pH balance as rapid pH change can result in flooding.
5. Drip system
This is one of the most popular hydroponic systems that make use of an aerated and nutrient-rich solution to provide nutrients to individual plants. There are two types of hydroponic drip systems: recovery and non-recovery. As compared with other techniques, the drip system is more suitable for growing larger plants. But it demands a significant amount of maintenance.
6. Aeroponics
In this technique, plants are directly suspended in the air. The water and nutrients reach the plant’s root in the form of mist. With this technique, great yields can be produced in lesser space. This system is cost-efficient but requires much effort on maintenance.Conclusion– These were the six techniques that are used in hydroponic farming. To choose the one that fits your home the best, you should consider the type of plant you want to grow and the amount of initial cost you can invest. Plus, you should also consider the amount of care and maintenance demanded by it.
