This article talks about hydroponics and the different methods for growing hydroponically. The first one method is passive hydroponics. Passive hydroponics is the lowest yielding method however it is the easiest. One of the main benefits for growing hydroponically is that there is unlimited space for your plant’s roots to grow but in passive hydroponics this advantage does not apply.
The next method on the production scale is deep-water culture. This method is very simple in design and limits the risk of root damage. One negative to this method is the difficulty of growing in large scales because of the size of the reservoir compared to the tray.
Flood and drain or ebb and flow systems are very popular for indoor grow rooms because of they are simple, versatile, and efficient. One negative for this system that is so popular is that the cycling of nutrients is dependent on a submersible pump. The growing medium, often rockwool or coco-coir, dries easily and therefore needs to be watered multiple times a day.
Another type of re-circulating hydroponics system is the drip or sprinkler system. This system allows the roots to have large amounts of oxygen. The nutrient solution, also very rich in oxygen, flows 24 hours a day.
The final method for growing hydroponically is the Nutrient Film Technique or NFT. This is where the plant is grown in a sloped pipe and the roots are allowed to grow freely without any medium. This is the highest yielding method of hydroponic growing. This is the most yield productive for a number of reasons. This method allows for the roots zone to have optimal oxygen levels at all times. It also allows the roots to have constant nutrient uptake. This hydroponic system is the hardest to master but can be very rewarding if done properly.
Article by, Brett McCormick, managing partner of Good Green Builders. Good Green Builders is a grow room contractor in Oakland, California. For more information or a free consultation give me a call at (415) 246-8055.
Source: www.hydroponics.com
