nutrient application systems
Irrigation is a key component of hydroponic gardening and a common cause of concern for many indoor gardeners . Fortunately , the technology has come a long way since the early days of manual watering and gravity-fed systems . Today , there is a wide range of highly efficient and advanced nutrient delivery equipment available for even the smallest grower . Of course , ensuring nutrients flow at the optimal rate , frequency , and concentration are all dependent on using the correct delivery system . So , before you begin planting , give a little consideration to choosing suitable pumps , drippers , or emitters ; matching up the correct irrigation method , and ensuring even pressure within hydroponic system .
APPLICATION METHODS
Different hydroponic systems employ a diverse range of nutrient delivery methods . Solution culture systems such as nutrient film technique ( NFT ) and deep flow technique ( DFT ) may appear to feature the simplest and straightforward methods of hydroponic nutrient application . Nutrient solution is continuously pumped to the top of each growing channel or trough , through which it flows past the roots and back to a central reservoir . However , factors such as nutrient flow rate , equalized delivery volumes to each growing channel , and control over EC and pH back at the reservoir all become part of the nutrient management system . Similar considerations — nutrient application frequency and volume — are required with ebb and flow systems . Drip irrigation , which is currently the most commonly used hydroponic nutrient delivery system , relies on even distribution of solution to each plant at the correct frequency ; factors that are largely based on variables such as plant size , growing substrate properties , container volume and dimensions , and environmental conditions . Aeroponics requires nutrient to be delivered directly to the root system via the use of high-pressure misters or foggers , which may be intermittent or continuous . Overhead sprinklers are also still used in some greenhouse and outdoor systems , though they are not popular in indoor gardens due to the leaf wetness and inefficiency of nutrient distribution . The exception to this may be in propagation areas where high humidity is beneficial to prevent desiccation of clones while they form new roots . All these delivery systems need to be paired with a method of dosing or controlling the nutrient solution composition before it is applied to plants . Many indoor gardens are reliant on manual dosing to reach the correct EC and pH ; however , automation of even small hydroponic systems is becoming increasingly popular .
Nutrient delivery in a multi-level , movable channel system .
Commercial nutrient dosing and delivery systems may be complex , but scaled down models are suitable for indoor gardens .
“ DRIP IRRIGATION , which is currently the most commonly used hydroponic nutrient delivery system , relies on even distribution of solution to each plant at the correct frequency .”
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