The different types of hydroponics systems available include
nutrient film, drip watering, aeroponics, Ebb and flow and passive systems.
Nutrient film
Hydroponics gardening utilizing an
oxygen rich nutrient solution, is an
ideal system for a wide range of
crops including lettuce, strawberries, herbs, flowers, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, squash and cucumbers.
Drip watering
Popular with small commercial hydroponics growing operations,
hobbyists and schools this system
is designed to grow tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, herbs and flower crops.
Aeroponics
Excellent for starting large crops of
seedlings, transplants and cuttings
or growing plants or crops to full
maturity, this system sprays the
roots with nutrient-rich water.
Ebb and flow
Popular for rooting cuttings, germinating seedlings and vegetating
young plants which are fed automatically with a simple flood and
drain watering method.
Passive systems
Great for home or office this sys-
Photo: http://www.hydroponics-simplified.com/images/bato-bucket-2.jpg
tem can grow any type of vegetative, flowering or fruiting plant. The
plant determines when it needs
water and nutrients.
Relatively simple to operate and
very easy to maintain, hydroponics
systems providethe right conditions
allowing plants to grow between
two and four times faster than
those in soi l.
Advantages of hydroponics
• No soil is needed
• The water stays in the system and
can be reused- thus, lower water
costs
• It is possible to control the nutrition levels in their entirety- thus,
lower nutrition costs
• No nutrition pollution is released
into the environment because of
the controlled system
• Stable and high yields
• Pests and diseases are easier to
get rid of than in soil because of
the container’s mobility
Disadvantages of hydroponics
• The hydroponic conditions
(presence of fertilizer and high humidity) create an environment that
stimulates salmonella growth.
• Another disadvantage is pathogens attacks including damp-off
due to Verticillium wilt caused by
the high moisture levels associated
with hydroponics and overwatering
of soil based plants.
Photo: http://www.motherearthnews.com/~/media/Images/MEN/Editorial/Blogs/Organic%20Gardening/Hydroponic%20Vegetable%
20Gardening%20Could%20Soil%20Go%20Out%20of%20Style/Hydroponics.jpg