beginner’s corner
NUTRIENT FILM TECHNIQUE
One of the more intricate hydroponic arrangements is
known as nutrient film technique (NFT). This also involves
the use of a reservoir and pump system. The plants are
situated in net pots that allow the root system to hang
down, and these pots are aligned in a row down the center
of a channel. The channel resembles a hollow tube with a
flat bottom and holes in the top for the plants. The nutrient
solution is pumped up from the reservoir to the top of the
channel. The channel must be positioned at an angle so that
the water flows over the lower tips of the roots and back into
the reservoir. The flat bottom on the channel allows for an
even layer of solution to cascade over its surface, feeding
the root system on the way down.
“INJECTING air through a pump and various
hoses allows the grower to control the size
of the bubbles and the amount of aeration.”
WICK SYSTEM
Wick systems work exactly the way you think they do. A pot
is connected to a reservoir by a large wick that soaks up the
nutrient solution and delivers it to the root system. As the
root system absorbs the solution, more is pulled up from the
reservoir below. The best media to use in a wick system are
coco coir or perlite, as they have a high level of absorption
and water retention. However, wick systems are more basic
than other types of hydroponic systems and they have their
drawbacks. Unlike other mechanisms that deliver water to the
root system, the wick method does not always provide enough
water to completely saturate the media. So, even though wick
systems are simple to use, they are best reserved for small
plants or if you have limited space.
GROW C
HANNEL
RESERVOIR/NUTRIENT SOLUTION
NUTRIENT PUMP
AIR STONE
WICK
MATERIAL
AIR
PUMP
RESERVOIR/NUTRIENT SOLUTION
AIR
PUMP
AIR STONE
AEROPONICS
One of the more advanced techniques of hydroponics is
called aeroponics. Aeroponics utilizes a net pot and hanging
root system like NFT. The roots hang above the nutrient solu-
tion reservoir, but the roots and root tips are not submerged.
Instead, the nutrient solution is delivered by means of a
pump and misting system. These deliver precise amounts of
water and nutrients at very specific times to ensure maximum
absorption. The physical design of aeroponic systems can
vary, as the upper tray that holds the net pots can be shaped to
fit your space. As you really can dial in on the specific needs of
your plants, aeroponic systems work extremely well. They are
fairly simple in design but can be expensive and tricky to put
together, so they are not for a beginner to hydroponics.
GROW TRAY
RESERVOIR/NUTRIENT SOLUTION
NUTRIENT PUMP
TIMER
108
grow cycle
AIR STONE
AIR
PUMP