Hydroponic Gardening

Growing and caring for orchids is a very pleasurable experience for any enthusiast. There is however an alternative to growing orchids the traditional way and that is with hydroponics. Hydroponics allows you to grow crops and plants without soil or compost as the roots of the plants are placed in a mineral nutrient solution.

The Babylonians and Aztecs cultures grew plants without soil so technically they were using a form of hydroponics. Our technology and scientific knowledge has improved dramatically since the times of the Babylonians and Aztecs as well as our understanding of the benefits

In their natural environment, plants absorb mineral nutrients from soil when these nutrients dissolve in water. The level of our understanding of the required nutrients has enabled us to artificially introduce them into the plants water supply and as a result the soil is no longer required.

Please be aware that there is a difference between hydroponics and a soilless culture. Hydroponics is a type of soilless culture but other soilless cultures include sand and gravel.

There are many advantages using hydroponics which can be applied to the care of orchids.

No soil It should be obvious that you dont need to purchase any soil. No soil means that soil borne diseases are no longer an issue which reduces the need for pesticides.

No weeding required

Watering It is very difficult to under water an orchid but over watering is a very common problem. Hydroponics removes this headache and at the same time saves water.

Space Less space is required with hydroponics.

Light More of the plant is exposed to sunlight. Also, as more of the plant is exposed it is possible to see the roots so identification on any problems is easier.

Its easy The system is very easy to set up and once set up it requires very little maintenance.

Growth The orchid is given the correct nutrients in the correct quantities which means more beautiful and healthy orchids can be grown.

There are obviously many advantages which hydroponics provides. It wont however solve all the problems faced by the orchid enthusiast. Greater flower yield isnt always guaranteed and the costs can sometimes be higher than when grown in soil.

Orchid enthusiasts should make an effort to at grow at least a few orchids using this method. They will be surprised at the ease of using hydroponics and it will only increase their knowledge and experience in the care of orchids.

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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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In hydroponics the most widely use method of plant fertilization involves application of a nutrient. solution to the plant root. This is an effective method in most cases, but under certain conditions it may be quite ineffective. Though plant root systems can efficiently absorb the nutrients in normal circumstances, under conditions of root damage, nutrition deficiency or propagation from cuttings alternative strategies may need to be adopted. Foliar feeding, a technique of providing nutrients through the foliage of plants is often resorted to under such circumstances. Foliar feeding enables plants to absorb nutrients through the leaves. The minerals within the nutrients can then be translocated by plant within its tissues.

Nutrient Uptake in Hydroponics
Nutrient uptake, in hydroponics is a complex process that may be adversely affected by factors such as nutrient interactions, nutrient depletion, element unavailability due to the element being bound etc. Even environmental conditions like temperature can affect nutrient uptake through the roots. Plant pathogens such as fusarium pythium and phytophthora can also affect the normal functioning of the root zone severely restricting nutrient uptake. Other plant stress conditions such as anaerobic conditions in the root zone where oxygen is deficient, can limit nutrient uptake. Many other conditions can cause stress to plants such as humidity, lack of light, high radiation levels, etc. and directly or indirectly affect nutrient uptake. Under such situations foliar feeding has been found to be most effective in ensuring reliable nutrient uptake for healthy plant growth.

Foliar fertilization can thus help protect crop yields and quality against the vagaries of a wide variety of agents that can cause crop damage including climate, pests etc.

Foliar absorption
Absorption of nutrients in foliar feeding takes place through stomata on the leaves. These are located on the underside or on both sides of the leaf. The stomata normally function to enable gas exchange for photosynthesis and releasing water vapor in stomatal transpiration. But the leaf can also work as an organ for absorption and excretion of water and substances dissolved in it. Foliar feeding takes advantage of this to supply vital nutrients through the stomata. However, it is not possible for plants to be fed solely via the leaves; therefore the scope of foliar fertilization is limited. It is however, extremely effective as method of supplying micro nutrients.

There are several aspects of foliar fertilization that are not yet fully understood. There are several known and unknown factors that influence the effectiveness of foliar fertilization. It is known however, that the rate at which the nutrients supplied by the nutrient sprays are absorbed by the leaves and translocated within the plant is of critical importance. Also, practical experience provides several pointers for utilization of the technique for optimal benefit.

Application Considerations
The use of a good quality, non ionic wetting or sticking agents, such as Coco Wet, is vital to enable droplets to adhere to leaves. They also assist in the absorption of the fertilizer solution into the plant tissue. The foliar fertilizer solution is best applied as a fine mist until ‘run off’ so that the entire leaf surface is wetted. The effectiveness is also dependent on the timing of the application during the day. Early morning and evening are best suited as the conditions during these times of the day are ideal to allow the leaf to dry rather than stay wet for a long time. Foliar solutions are best applied while there is light but when temperatures are still cool; they should not be applied in hot, sunny conditions. In hot, sunny conditions the stomata are likely to be closed making the feeding ineffective. For the same reasons feeding is ineffective when the plants are wilting or under osmotic stress.

For the best results foliar feeding should be carried out on a regular, weekly basis. It is also found to be particular beneficial when limited to times of high nutrient demand. It is during stages of active growth such as during fruiting that foliar feeding is known to yield optimal results as during these stages leaves are particular efficient in absorbing nutrients.

Application in Hydroponics Cultivation
Even when hydroponic crops may appear to be well supplied with the necessary nutrients, it has been shown that they can still benefit from application of foliar fertilizers. Foliar fertilization was found in a number of studies involving hydroponically grown crops such as capsicum and potato, to dramatically increase yields. A weekly foliar feed applied to tomato crops grown in rockwool, also produced substantial improvements in both quality and quantitiy of the yields. It is believed that similar results can be obtained with a number of hydroponic crops with similar nutrient requirements. According to experts in the field, the process of foliar fertilization, is likely to emerge as a growth enhancing cultivation technique in the near future rather than just a ‘quick fix’ solution for mineral deficiency symptoms.

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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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How does a hydroponic system work?
In a hydroponic system, a soil-free medium is used to keep the plant in place. Options for this medium include sand, stone, or fiber. Because these are porous, they enable the absorption of air and water, which is required for plants to grow.

Typically in a hydroponic system, nutrition is efficiently directed to the roots of the plants. Thus, there is no need for the plant to expend its energy in developing long roots. As long as they are exposed to light, hydroponic plants will flourish.

What are the different types of hydroponic systems?
There are six different types of hydroponic systems. A brief description of each is given below:

Wick System
This is the simplest of the hydroponic systems. A rich nutrient solution is pulled into the growing medium with a wick. Coconut fiber, vermiculite, perlite, and pro-mix are used as growing mediums. This system works best with smaller plants because the wick can only supply a limited amount of water.

Water Culture
This hydroponic system consists of a styrofoam platform that holds the plants, while floating on a nutrient solution. Nutrients and oxygen are filtered to the plants’ roots by an air pump. This hydroponic system works best for plants which thrive on water, such as leaf lettuce. As with the wick system, the water culture system is not ideal for larger plants that require a more efficient feeding cycle.

Ebb and Flow
The ebb and flow system operates by temporarily flooding the plant’s grow tray with the nutrient solution and then letting it flow back into the nutrient reservoir. The cycle is controlled by a pump that is activated by a timer. This hydroponic system is more versatile than the previous two.

Drip System
This hydroponic system is widely used because it involves a simple operation. A timer is used to turn on a submerged pump that enables the nutrient solution to reach the plant via a thin drip. A recovery drip system recycles excess solution that is not absorbed by the plant; a non-recovery system allows this to go waste.

Nutrient Film Technique
This technique uses a constant flow of food so no timer is used. A tube is used to pump the nutrient solution into a tray where it can be absorbed by the plants’ roots. Any solution that is not absorbed automatically flows back into the reservoir. Typically, the plant is placed in a basket whereby the roots can hang freely into the solution. No other growing medium is required.

Aeroponics
The technology involved makes this the most complicated of the hydroponic systems. No medium is used as the roots grow in air, but are misted with a nutrient solution according to a precisely timed schedule every few minutes. The misting cycles need to be monitored to avoid the roots drying out.

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