nutrient application systems
Float or raft systems may seem like a simple way to supply nutrient solution , but oxygenation , EC , and pH still need careful control .
DESIGN AND LAYOUT
Layout also affects the distribution of nutrient solution to individual plants around a drip irrigation system . Drip systems may consist of either in-line or microtube systems . In-line systems are more suited to large media beds where the emitters are directly attached to or embedded in the irrigation supply pipe , which runs down the center of the bed . Microtube systems use tubing of a smaller diameter , which is installed into the lateral irrigation lines with emitters or drippers fixed on the end . Each plant or growing container can have one or two microtubes with emitters pegged into the substrate near the base of plant . Using microtubes allows a more uniform pressure at the emitters , provided the irrigation is correctly designed and has a pump of sufficient capacity . One of the main issues encountered by hydroponic growers is the differences in volume of nutrient solution received by plants in various parts of the drip system . Some plants may end up overwatered while others are constantly too dry , and these issues become difficult to remedy once the irrigation system is in place . To achieve uniform and constant nutrient flow rates to all emitters in the system , a ring or loop layout can be installed . This consists of emitters placed into lateral irrigation pipes connected at both ends to a ring main system , evening out the flow and pressure round an irrigation system . Each ring main is supplied by a main irrigation pipe running directly from a pump or pressure water supply . This largely prevents the issue of plants furthest away from the pump receiving the lowest volume of nutrient solution at each irrigation . Selecting the correct irrigation pipe diameter is an aspect of hydroponic system design that is often overlooked . The type , number , and flow rate of the irrigation emitters determine the size of irrigation lateral pipe needed in terms of flow rate and pressure required . As such , if the flow of nutrient appears too low from some emitters , it is often more effective to increase the diameter of the delivery pipes rather than invest in a more powerful pump . A large capacity pump will not compensate for irrigation pipes that are too small to carry the nutrient solution flow rate required .
Growers setting up hydroponic systems for the first time or renovating an established indoor garden to improve nutrient management and delivery need to take solution flow and delivery into consideration . Under- or overwatering of individual plants , slow or insufficient flow rates in NFT systems , and inaccurate dosing can all be prevented with the correctly designed irrigation system .
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