Deep water culture provides plenty of nutrient exposure for plant roots, new recirculation methods are making this method even more effective.

Deep water culture is a hydroponic technique that requires suspending a plants root system in nutrient rich water. The roots do not contact anything but nutrients, water,  and air. If the water is properly oxygenated roots can remain submerged for extended period of time, otherwise part of the root must stay above the water line to maintain exposure to fresh air. Deep water culture’s ability to expose plants to large amounts of nutrients and oxygen makes it capable of producing both large and fast yields.

Deep Water Culture Immerses Roots

  • methods of deep water culture use large buckets or tanks to hold nutrient solution
  • plants are then placed in nets or holders which allow the roots free access to the water below
  • floating holders can be used to automatically ensure the plants remain at a constant level relative to the solution

Deep Water Solution Levels Must Be Regulated

  • sitting water can vary in chemical levels over time and needs to be mixed often
  • growers have designed recirculating deep water culture systems
  • designs consist of tank systems that premix and regulate nutrient concentrations
  • combine solution in one tank prior to watering making it easier to maintain constant mineral and nutrient amounts

Pumps Can Help With Recirculation

  • pumps can be added to the system making the process even simpler
  • innovations in pump system designs means much higher levels of oxygenated water in grow tanks
  • deep water culture growing systems are now being used with extensive recirculation systems.

Compared to traditional static solution cultures which were not regular mixed current recirculated designs are contributing to significantly faster and better plant growth.