The Hydroponic System
In recent years, hydroponics has become an alternative form of gardening and agriculture. The term hydroponics simply describes the process in which plants are grown without the use of soil. A hydroponic system includes a water based solution that has had nutrients added to it as well as a container in which the plants are placed. There are several different types of these hydroponic systems available.
The Aggregate Culture Hydroponic System
The aggregate hydroponic system is often the easiest to use for the beginning hydroponics gardener. Aggregates are substances such as sand and gravel in which the plants are placed and the nutrients are fed into the aggregate tank at intervals to keep the roots moistened. The size of the particles in the aggregate is an important factor, as particles that are too large will require more frequent additions of nutrients and smaller particles will not drain properly, making the top layer of your aggregate an ideal breeding ground for algae.
The tank is flooded and then drained, leaving enough nutrients and water on the roots to keep the plants healthy until the next flooding. The draining process also keeps the aggregate aerated. This flooding process should take approximately ten minutes, while the drainage step may take up to thirty.
The advantage that this type of hydroponic system has over other types of systems is the fact that the aggregate provides additional support for the roots of your hydroponic plants.
The Water Culture Hydroponic System
Another type of hydroponic system is the water culture system, also known as the aquaculture. With this type of system, the plants are totally immersed in a solution of water and nutrients. If you begin with small plants, your nutrient system should be changed every two weeks. As your plants become more mature, you can limit this change to once a week. You also need to ensure that no light reaches your solution, as the combination of the two can stimulate the growth of algae.
Air must also be continuously pumped in to the solution to keep it aerated in this type of hydroponic system. You should choose an aerating system that is right for the size of plants that you have in your hydroponic system. An aerator that supplies powerful bubbles may damage the roots and stems of less mature plants.
When performing the plant transplants themselves, you will need to ensure that the plant has enough support. Plants that grow close to the ground such as lettuce will support themselves while plants that grow on vines such as tomatoes will need to be supported by wrapping the vine around a string.
With the water culture hydroponic system, you will need to use a vast amount of water as well as spending the extra time to ensure that the plants remain supported as they mature. Again, this type of system may not be ideal for beginner hydroponic gardeners.
The Aeroponics Hydroponic System
The most advanced type of hydroponic system is the aeroponics system. This method of hydroponics incorporates the use of a mist spray to supply the plants with a continuous supply of nutrient solution. The plant is placed in a closed container that is totally dark and equipped with several sprayer nozzles. You should place these nozzles to ensure that some of the mist is able to reach the plant roots. This infusion of mist keeps the humidity level inside the hydroponic system at approximately 100%.
Again, this type of hydroponic system is one of the more advanced and should be used only by an experienced hydroponic gardener.