The Different Hydroponic Systems

Hydroponic gardening (growing plants and food without soil) is gaining a lot of attention among consumers, as more people take an interest in it. As such, several hydroponic systems have come out – each designed to help grow plants in various quantities. Sometimes, these systems are pre-designed and sold as a unit or kit (a great alternative for beginners); more experienced growers usually buy components and design their own systems. Here are five of the more common applications of hydroponics and how they function.

Ebb and Flow (also referred to as Flood and Drain)
In this most common system of hydroponics, plants are placed in a growth tray over a nutrient container, and a pump is utilized to “flood” the tray(s) with the nutrient solution. The good thing about this system is that those that aren’t absorbed by the roots are drained into the reservoir and are recycled. The Drip System, where a pump continuously drips nutrient solution into the growth tray, is a variation of this System.

Nutrient Film Technique (NFT)
Here, the roots of the plants are suspended in a constant “film” of nutrient solution; a pump sends this flow into one end of the tray, and empties it out to the other end into the reservoir. This system is great at nourishing roots but this is also seen as too technical and high-maintenance since the roots are not anchored in a medium.

The Water Culture System
The oldest hydroponic systems, and one of the simplest, a platform of planters simply floats in the nutrient reservoir while the plant roots dangle in the solution. To oxygenate the system, often, an air pump is utilized. The Water Culture System is definitely an easy and inexpensive way to start a hobby in hydroponic gardening.

The Wick System
This is one of the few methods that does not use a pump. A wick (such as an oil lamp wick or candle wick) simply draws the nutrient solution from the reservoir to the growth tray, where the plant roots absorb it. This more passive system is low-maintenance, but it can sometimes over-soak the roots, making for a smaller yield.

Aeroponics
This is perhaps the most effective, and the most technical of the hydroponic systems. The plant roots have no anchor or medium; exposed to the air, they’re continually sprayed with a vapor-mist of solution, making way for quick absorption and lots of oxygenation. When done correctly, this method can generate large, quick-growing plants and lots of fruit.

These hydroponic systems are proven methods of growing plants without soil. As you can observe, some are more complicated than others, and some more efficient. Choosing the method for you primarily depends on your time, budget and overall needs.

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