hydroponic systems
“ MODULAR WATER CULTURE SYSTEMS ARE AVAILABLE AND OFFER THE FLEXIBILITY OF BEING ABLE TO RELOCATE OR REMOVE SPECIFIC PLANTS WHILE KEEPING THE REST ON THE SYSTEM .”
TRADE-OFFS FOR THE VARIOUS TYPES OF WC SYSTEMS
It is difficult to state which system outproduces the other . Success is not really that simple . There are many different viewpoints regarding how to succeed with your crop .
Disease is a big concern when the root systems for one plant share the same water as others . This is true for most recirculating grow media systems , as well as DWC systems . When using a system where water is shared between several or many plants , greater care must be given towards cleanliness and the observation and interception of root disease . Various pathogens such as pythium , fusarium , phytophthora , botrytis , and rhizoctonia are common . Knowing and understanding the disease is key to preventing and controlling it . Fusarium is a fungus and thrives in very wet conditions . A symptom plants may exhibit when infested with fusarium is leaf wilt . An inspection of the roots will confirm their unhealthy nature by displaying a brownish or beige color instead of the white observed on healthy roots . Botrytis , also a fungus , is found nearly everywhere , even the greenhouse and hydroponics . Commonly called gray mold , this disease must have some food source before it invades plants . Often , wounded or dying tissue can become this source . Rhizoctonia is also a fungus that often is responsible for root and stem rotting . Damping-off and leaf blight are two frequently seen symptoms . Pythium is often referred to as water mold because it thrives in watery places .
Though sometimes called a fungus , it is not ; rather , it ’ s an oomycete . It ’ s found in poor-draining , overwatered fields and greenhouses , as well as hydroponic systems . Phytophthera is also another oomycete like pythium . When a plant is infected by this disease , that plant will not be able to absorb nutrients or water due to extensive dead root tissue .
Controlling disease and preventing root rot is vital with DWC systems . Fungicides are generally only effective for short-term applications , and do not have much impact on non-fungi infestations . There are a number of effective fungicides and other specific treatments available . Check the reference QR at the end of this article for more information . Phytophthera , not being a fungus , is very difficult to control . Often , if detected , it is best to discard and destroy all infected or contaminated plants and then sterilize the entire system before replanting . Maintain a high level of oxygen in the water for WC systems as this will reduce the opportunity for disease to start . Clean and disinfect between grows and anytime possible when sign of infestation might be visible .
Energy costs are higher for continuously recirculating systems . The oxygen level in DWC systems drops off rapidly if circulation stops . This is not an issue for most grow media systems . There are also additional pieces of equipment to run , such as an air pump and water chiller , in addition to the water pump . Often , the air infused into the system will warm the nutrient solution and may then require chilling to allow the solution to retain the dissolved oxygen better .
Start-up and maintenance costs can be higher for WC systems . Leaks can be a catastrophe . To have a reliable system , source and purchase only reputable components and accessories for your WC set-up . The more accessories that you incorporate into your system will add to maintenance , as well as improve how you can control the growing environment .
Space utilization and flexibility is always valuable to most every grower . If overall yield is a goal , then you will want to be able to grow more plants in the same space . Being able to relocate plants as needed throughout the growth cycle is important to harvest or maintain the crop you have . Water culture systems can provide excellent space utilization if designed properly as the focus is optimum production . Modular water culture systems are available and offer the flexibility of being able to relocate or remove specific plants while keeping the rest on the system .
Water culture is capable of awesome crop production when designed and maintained correctly . As with most any grow technique , you will want to do your homework first , then carefully design and plan your system and your protocol for plant care . As each crop matures , always take notes to make future crops are even better and your success more certain .
50 Maximum Yield USA | February 2017