DUTCH BUCKET HYDRO SYSTEM BASICS
Dutch bucket hydro systems get their basic design principles from the ethos of recirculating hydroponics . However , Dutch bucket layouts are unique in the fact that irrigation water is pumped through individual large buckets , as opposed to a hydro table or deep water culture ( DWC ) reservoir . As can be surmised , the foundation of a Dutch bucket hydro system are the buckets themselves . In the most basic Dutch bucket setups , the buckets are situated on a shelving system that is placed over a nutrient reservoir . These buckets , in turn , house a cultivation medium that supports the plants ’ root zones . The Dutch bucket hydro system functions as water is pumped through hoses from the reservoir and finally into the buckets . There are many variations that can be used to disperse water within the buckets . Many of these choices resemble equipment you would use in simple irrigation systems — such as drip rings . Once the buckets are thoroughly soaked and plants get nutrients to their roots , the excess water drains from the bottoms of the buckets . This water is then gravity fed through PVC pipe back into the nutrient reservoir .
RECIRCULATING HYDROPONICS
As mentioned earlier , Dutch bucket hydro systems are excellent examples of recirculating hydroponics . Also known as closed-loop hydroponics , these setups are celebrated for being environmentally friendly . The hydroponics space is often viewed through two diverse schools of thought : recirculating and drain-towaste . Eco-conscious cultivators favor recirculating hydro systems because they continuously recycle precious water and nutrients . This practice greatly reduces environmental impacts . Conversely , in drain-to-waste systems , irrigation water is only run through the garden one time before it is disposed of .
“ DUTCH BUCKET LAYOUTS ARE UNIQUE IN THE FACT THAT IRRIGATION WATER IS PUMPED THROUGH INDIVIDUAL LARGE BUCKETS , AS OPPOSED TO A HYDRO TABLE OR DEEP WATER CULTURE ( DWC ) RESERVOIR .”
The water conservation practices of recirculating hydroponics systems are particularly attractive in dry climates like California . Especially for commercial producers in dry climates , such conservation methods could very well be the future of controlled environment agriculture ( CEA ). The fact Dutch bucket hydro systems conserve water and nutrients also makes them financially attractive : the less water and nutrients you use to grow your crops , the less money you need to spend on garden inputs .
PERKS OF DUTCH BUCKET HYDRO SYSTEMS
There are several perks to using Dutch bucket hydro systems . These advantages are related to versatility in crop choices as well as the overall simplicity in using Dutch buckets .
Large Plants One reason why Dutch bucket hydro systems are popular is because they are compatible with larger plants . Hydroponic setups generally require small plants . In these systems , crops are grown in small containers and cubes that are situated on tables and shelves . The fact Dutch bucket systems feature individual buckets gives them more versatility in growing bigger plants . In fact , most Dutch bucket cultivators only place a single plant per container . By giving plants ample space in their own containers , the garden canopy does not become crowded and plants can grow large .
DRIP HOSE
DRAIN
NUTRIENT SOLUTION
WATER PUMP Maximum Yield 43