“SOLUTION CULTURE SYSTEMS are often
seen as the purest form of hydroponics
as plant roots are suspended in nutrient-
rich water and only a minimal amount of
substrate is used to support the plant.”
Those early solution culture trials eventually evolved into
a wide range of crop production systems used for organic
and non-organic hobby and commercial grows. Along with
nutrient film technique (NFT), solution culture incorporates
many innovative variations of float, raft, raceway, pond,
and deep flow technique (DFT) systems. Solution culture is
also incorporated into aquaponics, where fish production
and hydroponic crops are combined.
Commercially, float systems are used to produce
vegetable crops such as lettuce, herbs, and other greens.
They are also used to raise field transplants. These systems
allow growers to evenly water the young seedlings while
feeding them a well-balanced nutrient solution that can
be adjusted in composition and strength during the critical
stages of development before seedlings are transplanted
out in the field. Under greenhouse production, large-scale
float systems maximize the growing area as the need for
pathways is reduced and automation can be adopted
where required. On a smaller scale, mini raft systems
can be set up with as little as a plastic container, some
polystyrene sheet, and a well-balanced nutrient solution,
making these systems ideal learning tools for younger
students and those with restricted space.
Top: NFT systems are ideal for leafy greens. Center: Many small vegetable
crops, including scallions, are suited to float systems. Bottom: Mini float
systems can be used to grow baby salad leaves on a compact scale.
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Maximum Yield