Hydroponic Farming
Hydroponics is a form of agriculture where the plants grow in sand, gravel or liquid with added nutrients. The main component to hydroponics is that all of the growing is done without any soil.
There are five well-known methods to hydroponics, all with their own benefits and setbacks.
Ebb & Flow (Flood and Drain)
This method uses reservoirs to hold nutrient solutions. Above the reservoir is a tray that holds nutrients during flooding and a pump in the reservoir takes the nutrients up to the tray.
Pros | Cons |
Can reuse nutrient solution | Possible height restrictions |
Easy to build and maintain | Salts and minerals can build up causing nutrient deficiency |
System cost is low | |
Deep Water Culture (DWC)
This method uses a main reservoir that holds a bulk of the nutrient solution and an attached number of buckets. The solution makes its way through the buckets and each bucket is topped with a holed-lid that the plants will grow through.
Pros | Cons |
Great for water-loving plants | Plants can be prone to root diseases |
Fewer plants can result in larger yield | Roots could grow too large and clog irrigation channels |
Reuses water | Requires monitoring of pH levels |
Nutrient Film Technique
The method has long grow chambers, sometimes made out of PVC pipe. At evenly spread locations along the pipe, there are holes or baskets that hold the plants. The roots of the plants hang down in the hole and a shallow stream of water runs along the root’s tips.
Pros | Cons |
Building cost is low | pH levels need to be monitored |
Keeps water from going stagnant | May need a chiller |
Water can be reused | If the pump breaks, plants will die quickly |
Allows for many plants to be grown | Plants with short roots will need to be top fed until the roots grow long enough |
Aeroponics
Considered the most advanced method of hydroponics, aeroponics uses mostly mist to help the plants grow. Plants can be suspended in a closed or semi-closed environment. The environment would be split into two levels with the roots occupying the lower level and the canopy in the upper level.
Pros | Cons |
Water can be reused | High pH fluctuations |
Accelerated growth | Prone to root disease |
Increased nutrient absorption | Roots need to be watered more often for shorter periods of time |
Can have many plant sites | Sprayer can clog easier |
Drip System
A drip system is considered a simpler form of hydroponics that many people can handle. A reservoir holds a nutrient solution that runs through a main water line. The main water line breaks off into smaller water lines that lead directly to the base of the plant.
Pros | Cons |
Build cost is low | Can clog easily |
Water can be reused | Can be time consuming to set up |
Constant water movement means less chance of salt build up | Slower absorption rate |
Beware the Bills
While hydroponics can be an efficient way to grow plants in a controlled and monitored environment, the constant use of electricity and water could be reflected in the monthly energy bill.