The key to operating a successful hydroponic system is to deliver appropriate nutrients at proper intervals. There are several watering methods to help growers accomplish this including static and continuous flow solutions and aeroponics.

Hydroponics use nutrient rich solutions to provide nutrients and minerals for developing plants. Because all the nourishment plants need is in the solution and little if anything in the growing medium proper timing and concentrations of solution delivery are crucial. Systems must be designed to expose root systems to the right amount of nutrients and gases for optimal growth. Several different systems have been developed by gardeners are static solution culture, continuous flow solution culture, and aeroponics.

Static Solution Culture

In hydroponic systems that use static solution culture the plants’ roots are suspended on a pool or tank of nutrient rich water. The solution must be constantly aerated or the level kept just below the root line to ensure the root system has adequate access to oxygen. These systems must be constantly monitored to ensure that nutrient and chemical levels remain  consistent.

  • The most common type of static solution growing is deep water culture cultivation. This method can utilize pumps and timers to automate many of the daily tasks and help improve quality.

Continuous Flow Solution Culture

By continuously moving water over and around roots continuous flow systems make it easy to ensure they get enough oxygen and mineral levels are uniform. These designs will often utilize mixing feeder tanks with suitably mixed nutrient solution. This makes it simple to regular the chemical levels and minerals being given to the plants.

  • Ebb and flow system use tanks and pumps strategically placed along with gravity to provide regular watering.
  • Growers who focus concentrated nutrient solutions along small irrigation channels use the nutrient film technique. This method allows for an optimum mix of nutrients and gases and can be one of the most efficient hydroponic techniques

Aeroponics

Aeroponics is the gardening system that uses only the mist or light spray of nutrient rich solution feed plants. Roots are suspended often in an enclosed container where they are consistently exposed to nutrients and oxygen.

Passive Hydroponics

Top Irrigation – Sub Irrigation

Hydroponic system with solid growth mediums either deliver nutrients from below in sub irrigation or from above in top irrigation. Bottom irrigation depends on capillary action to draw solution up from below. Top irrigation techniques are often used with medium that drains well and must be regulated to prevent flooding.