YSTEMS :
PROS AND
CONS
Some novice gardeners might be intimidated to try growing via a deep water culture system , however , Keith Bouchard explains the setup is easy and offers some insight into the pros and cons of using this fast-growing propagation method . | by Keith Bouchard
Deep water culture ( DWC ) is a hydroponic cultivation method in which roots stay submerged in a culture of aerated water and nutrients . As the plants uptake water and absorb nutrients , they also excrete some wastes and the water should be changed as needed , once per week at a minimum . Topping off the water culture with a fresh mix of nutrients will suffice , however , best practices include emptying the old stuff first to replenish the root mass with a fresh mix of water and nutrients . Be sure to adjust pH to a range of 5.6-6.4 , depending on the variety being cultivated and stage of growth of the plants . DWC hydroponic gardeners see a noticeable difference in accelerated growth rate and overall results . When the environment is correctly tuned , DWC systems offer low maintenance , simple low-cost setup , and explosive root growth that supports large plant production . These are great benefits considering it is also a simple method and a great introduction to hydroponics .
Temperature is Key with DWC
With DWC , growers utilise containers full of water to arrange their garden . These containers can be independent and stand alone , or connected in a recirculating deep water culture ( RDWC ) system . Both scenarios can flood , so proper care needs to be used to prevent damage to property . Keep all electrical cords and connections raised off the floor . Mount them on a wall or hang them — just don ’ t leave them on the floor where leaks and spills occur . If using an interconnected RDWC system , be sure the connections are properly sealed using gaskets , bulkheads , or other drip-proof plumbing connectors . High summer temperatures can cause problems for any growroom , especially DWC setups where buckets or tubs of water will heat up and become a thermal mass . This will help with heating in winter and work against you in the summer . Winters are more forgiving for DWC , just be sure to maintain water temps above 10 ° C .
“ Deep water culture and RDWC are important cultivation methods for any hydroponic gardener .”
If average room temps are kept below 15.5 ° C , warm reservoirs further by placing them in a well-lit area , using a lid to keep the light out which will prevent algae and other unwanted growth . In summer , watch out for root rot , which can occur when water temps remain above 18 ° C . Pathogens and bad biology thrive in the warmer water . Typically , water temps run about five degrees cooler than room temps , so gauge the health of your DWC system by measuring your ambient room temperature . Start with proper growroom heating and cooling . If average temps remain above 25 ° C , additional cooling may be needed . Consider adding a water chiller to the reservoir if necessary .
Maximum Yield 31