Types of Hydroponic Systems
Hydroponics doesn't just have one style of growing produce. There are many different formats you can choose from. I chose 6 different types so you can get an idea of the flexibility available.
The Wick system is the simplest passive system, which means it has no moving parts. This isn't the best system for large plants because it may not function properly. The problem with the wick system is it's inability to provide large amounts of water that certain large plants might need.
The Water Culture system is the most simplest active, meaning it does have moving parts. Lettuce is the best plant suitable for this system. There aren't many other plants that work well with this system. Large plants and long-term plant aren't good for this system.
The Ebb and Flow system, a.k.a. the flood and drain system, is the next system on the list. This system is compatible with many different growing mediums such as gravel or grow rocks, this particular system is driven by electricity so there is a possibility for the system to fail. One such situation would be a power outage. You will also need a growing medium that stores water efficiently.
The Drip system has two kinds, the recovery and non-recovery, this is probably the most used hydroponics system in the world. The major differences between the two is that the recovery system reuses runoff nutrient solution and the non-recovery doesn't. Each type has their own advantages and disadvantages. The recovery system is more efficient then the non-recovery system, but it will need to be monitored to make sure it has the correct pH level. The non-recovery can be better because you know when you need to change the water and won't have to be guess and check like the recovery type does.
N.F.T. stands for nutrient film technology, and this is another type of hydroponic system. In this system the plant roots are allowed a small river of nutrient solution at the bottom of the container. Since the water is in a constant flow the plant will not be at risk of drying out.
The last hydroponic type discussed is Aeroponics, this one is a little unusual. This system is a spray or mist style of system. In this type of system, the roots of the plant get sprayed with a nutrient solution that allows the right balance of nutrients and oxygen, but it still keeps the reservoir circulated. Since, this type doesn't use any kind of medium, due to the misting of the roots. it can be considered a non-hydroponic system.
As research improves, and further advancement occurs, an exciting and yet provocative questions arises. Will there be additional types of systems that may produce better results, and enhance the potential for hydroponics to impact our future even more?
Hydroponics doesn't just have one style of growing produce. There are many different formats you can choose from. I chose 6 different types so you can get an idea of the flexibility available.
The Wick system is the simplest passive system, which means it has no moving parts. This isn't the best system for large plants because it may not function properly. The problem with the wick system is it's inability to provide large amounts of water that certain large plants might need.
The Water Culture system is the most simplest active, meaning it does have moving parts. Lettuce is the best plant suitable for this system. There aren't many other plants that work well with this system. Large plants and long-term plant aren't good for this system.
The Ebb and Flow system, a.k.a. the flood and drain system, is the next system on the list. This system is compatible with many different growing mediums such as gravel or grow rocks, this particular system is driven by electricity so there is a possibility for the system to fail. One such situation would be a power outage. You will also need a growing medium that stores water efficiently.
The Drip system has two kinds, the recovery and non-recovery, this is probably the most used hydroponics system in the world. The major differences between the two is that the recovery system reuses runoff nutrient solution and the non-recovery doesn't. Each type has their own advantages and disadvantages. The recovery system is more efficient then the non-recovery system, but it will need to be monitored to make sure it has the correct pH level. The non-recovery can be better because you know when you need to change the water and won't have to be guess and check like the recovery type does.
N.F.T. stands for nutrient film technology, and this is another type of hydroponic system. In this system the plant roots are allowed a small river of nutrient solution at the bottom of the container. Since the water is in a constant flow the plant will not be at risk of drying out.
The last hydroponic type discussed is Aeroponics, this one is a little unusual. This system is a spray or mist style of system. In this type of system, the roots of the plant get sprayed with a nutrient solution that allows the right balance of nutrients and oxygen, but it still keeps the reservoir circulated. Since, this type doesn't use any kind of medium, due to the misting of the roots. it can be considered a non-hydroponic system.
As research improves, and further advancement occurs, an exciting and yet provocative questions arises. Will there be additional types of systems that may produce better results, and enhance the potential for hydroponics to impact our future even more?