Hydroponic Gardening

Commercial Hydroponics
With the first successful application of hydroponics techniques in the 1930s the stage was set for a paradigm shift in crop production from conventional geoponics or cultivation in soil to hydroponics or soil less cultivation. The first crops to be commercially harvested with hydroponics included tomatoes and peppers, but the techniques were soon successfully extended to other crops such as lettuce, cucumbers and others. It was not long before hydroponics techniques were successfully adapted even to cut flowers production; in fact any plant can today be grown hyrdroponically.

Commercial Systems Overview
Commercial hydroponics systems can be classified into bare root systems comprising nutrient film technique (NFT), deep flow and aeroponics systems and substrate systems.
Bare root systems do not use media to anchor the plant roots; the roots are left bare while in substrate systems plant roots are anchored in media such as perlite, vermiculite, sawdust, peat etc. Hydroponics is basically all about growing plants in a controlled environment and this is best provided outdoors in greenhouses that can incorporate several means to monitor, regulate and control the environment inside them. For instance, the air entering the greenhouse can be filtered to exclude entry to pests and parasites that can harm plant growth. Such means help provide optimal conditions for plant growth both in and out of season. In fact, hydroponics allows cultivation throughout the year which makes for year round availability of hydroponically grown produce at all major supermarkets across North America. Valued at 2.4 billion dollars the hydroponic greenhouse vegetable industry has a growth rate of 10 percent per year and accounts for nearly 95 percent of the greenhouse vegetables produced in North America.

Hydroponics Advantages
The extension of the growing season is not the only advantage contributing to the growing popularity of hydroponics production with both growers and consumers. There are several additional advantages as well including nutritious, healthy and clean produce, improved and consistent vegetable quality and elimination of the use of pesticides and herbicides. Pesticides and other chemicals used in conventional agriculture have an adverse environmental impact; the run off from these chemicals contaminate groundwater supplies. Commercial hydroponics systems eliminate these toxic chemicals and contribute substantially to keeping the groundwater free from contamination.

Yields
Commercial hydroponics systems have proved more productive than conventional systems of agriculture not only in the laboratory but even in actual practice. Most commercial hydroponics greenhouse facilities are built large to take advantage of economies of scale; typically these cover areas more than 10 acres while smaller ones measure around two acres. In the research greenhouse, yields with hydroponics techniques have averaged around 20 to 25% higher than in conventional soil cultivation. In actual commercial practice, however, over a number of years, the yield of hydroponically grown tomatoes can be more than double that of soil based systems due to the reduced turnover time between crops, better nutrition and crop management. Additionally commercial hydroponics growing techniques are also less demanding of chemicals for root zone sterilization and control of pests, weeds etc.

The dramatic increase in yields with hydroponics is best illustrated if we consider the actual production figures of soil grown and hydroponically grown produce. Field grown tomatoes average yields ranging between 40,000 to 60, 000 pounds per acre; on the other hand top growing hydroponics facilities in the US and Canada report average yields of more than 650,000 pounds of tomatoes per acre. Additionally, given the fact that only 10 years ago top hydroponics producers were producing around 400,000 pounds per acre, the increase in yields with improvements in growing practices has been truly phenomenal. Similar production figures can be quoted for other agricultural produce like cucumbers with 10,000 pounds per acre for field production and 200,000 per acre for hydroponic greenhouse yields. Hydroponics lettuce and pepper yields too average around four times the corresponding yields of agricultural production.

Global Trends
Given the number of advantages of hydroponics it is not surprising that hydroponics techniques are increasingly finding favor for commercial food production in many countries all over the world. According to recent estimates countries having substantial commercial hydroponics production include Israel 30,000 acres, Holland 10,000 acres, England 4,200 acres and Australia and New Zealand around 8,000 acres between them. The fastest growing area for commercial vegetable greenhouses is Mexico. There are several reasons for this including free trade and favorable winter conditions that attract vegetable growers in large numbers. Mexico has summers that are considered hot in the summer, but with greenhouses located at the right altitudes vegetables can be grown in the hot summers as well as the cold winters. Though much of the produce comes from low tech plastic houses, many of these greenhouses use hydroponics technology, which indicates the growing popularity of hydroponics in commercial food production.

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Hydroponics is used to grow plants without the nutrients available from soil. A method of supporting the plant and root structure is devised, and the roots are kept moist with a nutrient solution. Below are some of the more common hydroponic systems.

Ebb and Flow

In a hydroponic ebb and flow system, plants are supported by an inert growing medium in a container placed above the nutrient solution. A pump is used at preset intervals to pump solution into the container with the plants, thus flooding the container. An overflow tube is used to prevent the level of solution getting too high, with the excess draining back into the nutrient container. After a few minutes, the pump is switched off, and the nutrient solution drains back through the pump into the lower container.

Water Culture

In a hydroponic water culture system the plants are placed above the nutrient solution, with their roots immersed in the nutrient solution. Typically, a net pot is used to hold the plant, placed in a hole cut into a styrofoam sheet, which floats upon the nutrient solution. Air is pumped into the solution, typically using an aquarium air pump and air stone. The air keeps the roots from rotting.

Wick Systems

In a hydroponic wick system, the plant is supported by an inert growing medium such as perlite or vermiculite. A wick passes through the growing medium, with the ends of the wick placed in the nutrient solution. The wick draws the nutrient solution into the growing medium via capillary action, which contiues drawing the nutrient through the growing medium to the plant roots.

Drip

In a hydroponic drip system, plants are supported by an inert growing medium. Nutrient solution is pumped at preset intervals through a drip system, delivering nutrient solution to each plant. The system may be designed to recover excess solution, which is reused. In a non-recovery system, the pump timing must be carefully controlled in order to reduce waste and control costs.

Nutrient Film Technique

In this method, plants are supported within tubes or channels, typically within a plastic pot. The plants roots are irrigated by a shallow flow of nutrient solution, which is continually pumped in. The tubes (or channels) are placed at a slight angle to keep the nutrient solution moving.

Aeroponic

In an aeroponic system, the plant is suspended with its roots dangling in the air. Nutrient solution is sprayed onto the roots via a misting system, typically every few minutes.

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Hydroponics literally means water working however, in practical use, it means growing plants in a nutrient solution without soil. The hydroponic science had proved that soil isnt required for plant growth but the elements, minerals and nutrients that soil contains are. Soil is a place where the plant roots traditionally live and a base of support for the plant structure. Soil is simply the holder of the nutrients. By eliminating the soil, you eliminate soil borne disease and weeds and gain precise control over the plants nutritional diet. In a hydroponic solution, you provide the exact nutrients your plants need in precisely the correct ratios so they can develop stress-free mature faster and, at harvest, are the highest quality possible.

In commercial production, the two primary growing methods are NFT (Nutrient Film Technique) and drip (also known as substrate). There are a number of variations of these methods and also several others including the float system, ebb and flow system, Aeroponics and passive. The biggest difference between the NFT systems and drip systems is the use of a growing medium. In an NFT system, the plant roots are in a channel where a thin film of nutrient solution passes, keeping them moist but not water-logged. In a drip system, the plant roots are in a growing medium such as Perlite or Rockwool and the nutrient solution is dripped onto the medium to keep it moist.

NFT (Nutrient Film Technique)

With the NFT (also known Nutrient Film Technique) technique, the plants are grown in channels (also called gullies) in which the nutrient solution is pumped through. The plant roots are kept moist by the thin film of nutrient solution as it passes by. Ideally, the bottom of the roots is exposed to the nutrient solution while the top are kept moist but not water-logged.

With the development of on-demand dosing equipment, a nutrient reservoir can automatically be adjusted and, with proper aeration and pH adjustment, the system can effortlessly be kept fresh for weeks at a time. Most NFT channels are fed continuously at a rate of approximately 1 liter per minute. Since the plant roots are not in a growing medium, it is crucial that they are kept moist at all times. In most NFT systems, the nutrient solution is mixed in a primary reservoir, cycled through the channels and back to the reservoir.

NFT is ideal for short term crops like lettuce, leafy crops and herbs. In many locations around the world, Larger NFTchannels are used for long term crops such as tomatoes and cucumbers. One great benefit of NFT, especially for leafy crops, is that no washing is necessary since there no growing medium and no soil, and hence the crop is clean. Growers, chefs, grocers and consumers all appreciate this.

Most growers have found flat bottomed channels or gullies provide greater surface area for root development and oxygen uptake, resulting in better, faster plant development. NFT channels are usually set up on waist-high stands that slope slightly to allow the nutrient solution to drain to one end.

Aeroponics

Though Aeroponics is a unique way of growing; it is not a common means of commercial production. Aeroponics is the method of growing where the plant roots are constantly misted with a nutrient solution. Designs include an A-frame with boards on each side, plant plugs set in each side and a mister between the boards spraying the roots. A round, large diameter PVC pipe set vertically with plant plugs all they way around and a mister mounted inside is another way to set up an Aeroponic system.

Ebb and Flow

The Ebb and Flow method of hydroponics simply floods a growing area for 5 or 10 minutes and then the nutrient solution drains away. The nutrient solution is stored in a reservoir that can be located under the grow table. In an Ebb and Flow, the plant roots are usually grown in a medium of Perlite, Rockwool or expanded clay pebbles. Ebb and Flow is common in hobby systems but not often found in commercial production. This is also know as flood and drain.

Float

The float system can be an economical means of hydroponic crop production in areas where raw materials are limited and manufactured hydroponic systems and components are not availableFloat systems take advantage the surface of the nutrient solution. Most float systems are long, rectangular reservoirs built out of cement or wood and lined with a durable, poly liner. Holes are cut in a foam board which floats on the surface of the water and plants in net pots are set in the holes. The plant roots dangle in heavily aerated nutrient solution.

Passive

A passive system does not use timers or pumps to flood the root zone. The roots usually draw what they need by dangling into the nutrient solution. Being a slow growing system, passive system is not as productive as the other methods discussed. Passive hydroponic systems are sometimes used by hobbyists.

Drip (Substrate)

Long term crops like tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers are grown using the Drip system. In this system, the nutrient solution is delivered to the plants through drip emitters on a timed system. Depending on the stage of development of the plant and the amount of available light, the emitters are usually scheduled to run for approximately 10 minutes/hour. The drip cycle provides the plants with fresh nutrients, water and oxygen, thus flushes the growing medium.

Commercially, in a drip system, Perlite or Rockwool are the most common mediums for the plant growth. The biggest variables in a drip system are in the growing medium and the container that holds that medium. Perlite is often bagged in thin, plastic sleeves. Holes are cut in the bag and plants, usually 3-4, are set in with the roots growing down into the Perlite. Recently, a bucket system has been developed to contain Perlite for drip systems. Each bucket holds loose Perliteand one or two plants. In either of these methods, a slot or hole is cut in the container to allow excess nutrient solution to run out. A drain line below the bag or bucket collects the excess.

The Perlitetray is the another method of a drip system that is becoming popular for lettuce and herb production. Usually it is about 24 inches wide by 1014 feet long. An aluminum tray, coated with a non-toxic material, is filled with Perlite and set on a gentle slope of 1-inch to 10-feet. The nutrientsolution is continuously dripped in at the higher end of the tray and allows trickling through the Perlite to the other end. Basically, this system is a combination of drip and NFT techniques.

In this case, there is no need for a large nutrientreservoir tank or the periodic dumping of used nutrient. Injectors are used, in most drip systems, to add nutrient concentrates to water when the feed cycle starts.

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Deciding which hydroponic system you will use will depends on how much money you will spend, what kind of plants you are able to grow, and how successful your garden will be. Therefore, it is imperative that you choose a system that matches your budget, needs, and experience. Hydroponic systems vary in what kind of equipment is required, how the nutrients are delivered, and what media can be successfully used.

The main kinds of the hydroponic systems are:

Wick Hydroponic System – The wick hydroponic system is the simplest and typically the most inexpensive system, and is thus commonly the choice of beginners to hydroponics. It is a “passive system”, which means that it does not have any moving parts. It works by drawing the necessary nutrients into the growing medium from a reservoir with a wick. This should only really be used for smaller plants that do not require much nutrients or moisture, as the wicks cannot supply the plants with these things very quickly.

Ebb and Flow Hydroponic System – The Ebb and Flow system, which is sometimes referred to as the “Flood and Drain” system, is a much more advanced and complicated system. This system works by using a pump that is placed into the reservoir to regularly flood the grow tray with the nutrient solution and then draining it back into the reservoir. The pump floods the tray at regular intervals for a set period of time by using a timer.

In larger, more professional ebb and flow systems, the solution is pumped into a group of buckets. The advantage of the bucket or modular system is that each plant is grown in its own container and therefore can be moved or handled much more easily.

Nutrient Film Technique – This system delivers a constant flow of nutrients to the plants with a pump, so no timer is required. This system doesn’t require a growing medium; the plants are simply suspended in a plastic tray with the roots dangling in a nutrient solution. While the lack of a growing medium may save you some money because you won’t have to pay to replace the medium after every crop, this system is a little more high maintenance than most and the roots may dry out very quickly if something goes wrong with the pump and the flow of nutrients is interrupted.

Drip Irrigation Hydroponic System – In this system, a timer delivers the nutrient solution through the base of each plant through drippers. Continuous drip systems can be recovery or non-recovery, meaning that the used nutrient solution can either be returned to the reservoir or run off as waste. Recovery systems are more cost effective because they use the nutrient solution more effectively, but non-recovery systems require less maintenance because the pH balance and nutrient strength remains constant.

Aeroponic Hydroponic System – Aeroponics is a newer and more high tech method of hydroponic growing. Like the nutrient film technique, there is no growing medium. The plants are suspended with the roots in the air and the nutrients and moisture are supplied in the form of a mist. A timer ensures that the pump delivers a new spray of mist every few minutes. Like the nutrient film technique, it is imperative that the pump is always functioning correctly, because even a brief interruption can cause the roots to dry out.

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Hydroponics represents the practice of raising plants without soil. This makes it ideal especially if you are trying to grow a garden indoors. Generally, hydroponics grows plants in nutrient-rich water. Hydroponics is a highly beneficial method of gardening both for home and commercial use. There are no weeds to deal with, and hydroponic plants and use less space.

Since this form of growing is water-based, its easy to fully automate a hydroponics system, so if you take a vacation, the plants will not suffer. The water is usually reused, as opposed to standard growing methods where a good deal water is lost through evaporation or runoff. This is a benefit for people who are looking to conserve water or have very little as a resource.

With indoor hydroponics, plants typically receive sunlight through artificial means such as grow lights. One thing to keep in mind for indoor hydroponic gardens is air circulation. Quality air circulation will help prevent fungal diseases and allow the plants to draw out the necessary CO2 they require.

The most vital ingredient in hydroponics however, is the nutrient solution that is used with the water. Standard fertilizers will not work because they lack some of the elements necessary that the plants would otherwise extract from the soil. Specially-formulated hydroponic mixtures are needed. The nutrient solution should be changed every two weeks.

There are three different ways of growing hydroponic plants. The simplest one, the nutrient film technique, just uses a bowl as a container. Holes are placed in the top to hold the plants. An aggregate system of hydroponics uses neutral material, such as foam chips or clay pebbles to enclose the roots and provide support to the plant. The more common aggregate system is the flood and drain method. For this method, one will fill a container with the neutral material. The container is then filled with the nutrient solution when it gets low.

Other methods include aeration and aeroponics. Aeration uses an air pump to deliver oxygen to the roots that are immersed in the solution. Aeroponics suspends the roots in a mist rather than a solution.

For anyone who is thinking about getting into gardening, hydroponics is a very good way to go. For someone who has a small space to plant a garden, a lot can be produced in a small area through hydroponic techniques.

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