What is hydroponics?
According to RHS, ‘Hydroponics is the science of growing plants without using soil, by
feeding them on mineral nutrient salts dissolved in water.’
There has been renewed interest in this method following wider installation of living walls,
roof gardens and other growing situations where conventional potting media is too heavy,
inaccessible or bulky.
Hydroponics seek to use science and engineering to efficiently mimic the vital elements of a
plant’s natural environment, delivering precise quantities of nutrients at precise times.
Today, according to estimates from the Associated Press, food produced using hydroponic
technology is worth $32 billion in sales.
In recent years, hydroponics has found application in the field of commercial production and
horticulture. Similarly, residents of cities with limited space are using this method to grow
fresh plants in their home and surroundings.
How it works:
Hydroponics works by using a nutrient-fortified water source to grow food without soil.
The nutrient solution is a balanced mix of macronutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium,
, magnesium and sulphur) and a very low concentration of micronutrients; copper, boron,
iron, manganese, molybdenum and zinc.
Growing systems can vary, but the most popular set-ups include the use of trays, troughs,
and pipes, and beds.
Wick System: In this system, the container is placed a short distance above the reservoir
containing the nutrient solution and nutrients are pumped from the reservoir and
transmitted to plant roots through Wick’s capillary movement.
Ebb and Flow: The grow tray is flooded with nutrient solution and is subsequently drained
back. Ebb and flow hydroponics use a basic system of flooding and draining. The grow tray is
flooded with nutrient solution and then the system utilizes gravity to return the water to the
reservoir for recycling through a drainpipe. A timer controls the amount of time it takes for
the tray to fill.
Deep Water Culture: Plants are kept in net pots and are placed on a floating platform on top
of a container of nutrient solution. The suspended roots and water are supplied with a
supply of water by an air pump.
According to RHS, ‘Hydroponics is the science of growing plants without using soil, by
feeding them on mineral nutrient salts dissolved in water.’
There has been renewed interest in this method following wider installation of living walls,
roof gardens and other growing situations where conventional potting media is too heavy,
inaccessible or bulky.
Hydroponics seek to use science and engineering to efficiently mimic the vital elements of a
plant’s natural environment, delivering precise quantities of nutrients at precise times.
Today, according to estimates from the Associated Press, food produced using hydroponic
technology is worth $32 billion in sales.
In recent years, hydroponics has found application in the field of commercial production and
horticulture. Similarly, residents of cities with limited space are using this method to grow
fresh plants in their home and surroundings.
How it works:
Hydroponics works by using a nutrient-fortified water source to grow food without soil.
The nutrient solution is a balanced mix of macronutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium,
, magnesium and sulphur) and a very low concentration of micronutrients; copper, boron,
iron, manganese, molybdenum and zinc.
Growing systems can vary, but the most popular set-ups include the use of trays, troughs,
and pipes, and beds.
Wick System: In this system, the container is placed a short distance above the reservoir
containing the nutrient solution and nutrients are pumped from the reservoir and
transmitted to plant roots through Wick’s capillary movement.
Ebb and Flow: The grow tray is flooded with nutrient solution and is subsequently drained
back. Ebb and flow hydroponics use a basic system of flooding and draining. The grow tray is
flooded with nutrient solution and then the system utilizes gravity to return the water to the
reservoir for recycling through a drainpipe. A timer controls the amount of time it takes for
the tray to fill.
Deep Water Culture: Plants are kept in net pots and are placed on a floating platform on top
of a container of nutrient solution. The suspended roots and water are supplied with a
supply of water by an air pump.
