What Are Hydroponic Systems and How Do They Work?

Hydroponics is the art of gardening without soil.  Hydroponics is a Latin word meaning “working water.”  In the absence of soil, water goes to work providing nutrients, hydration, and oxygen to plant life.  From watermelons to vegetable to orchids, plants flourish under the careful regimen of hydroponics.  Using minimal space, 90% less water than traditional agriculture, and ingenious design, hydroponic gardens grow beautiful fruits and flowers in half the time.

What is hydroponics?

Hydroponics is the process of growing plants without using soil. Hydropics flowers, herbs and vegetables are grown in inert growing media and provide nutrient-rich solutions, oxygen and water. This system promotes rapid growth, higher yields and higher quality. As a plant grows in the soil, its roots are always looking for the necessary nutrients to support the plant. If a plant's roots are directly exposed to water and nutrients, the plant does not need to exert any energy to maintain itself. The energy that the roots use to get food and water can be reapplied to the ripening of the plant. As a result, leaves grow vigorously and fruits and flowers bloom.

Plants use photosynthesis to sustain life. Plants capture sunlight with chlorophyll, a green pigment found in their leaves. They use the energy of light to break down water molecules absorbed through their roots. Hydrogen molecules combine with carbon dioxide to produce carbohydrates, which plants use to nourish themselves. Oxygen is then released into the atmosphere, a key factor in preserving the habitability of our planet. Plants don't need soil for photosynthesis. They need the soil to provide them with water and nutrients. When nutrients are dissolved in water, they can act directly on plant roots by waterlogging, spraying, or soaking. Hydroponics innovations have proven that direct exposure to nutrient-filled water is a more efficient and versatile way to grow than traditional irrigation.

How does hydroponics work?

Hydroponic systems work by allowing for minimal control of environmental conditions such as temperature and pH balance, and maximum exposure to nutrients and water. Hydroponics has a very simple principle: give plants what they need, when they need it. Hydroponics provides nutrient solutions according to the needs of the particular plant being grown. They allow you to control precisely how much light the plant receives and for how long. pH can be monitored and adjusted. Plant growth accelerates in a highly customized and controlled environment.

By controlling the plant environment, many risk factors are reduced. Plants planted in gardens and fields are introduced to many variables that negatively affect their health and growth. Fungi in the soil can transmit diseases to plants. Wild animals like rabbits can rob your garden of ripe vegetables. Pests such as locusts can attack crops and wipe them out in the space of an afternoon. Hydroponic systems end the unpredictability of growing plants outdoors and underground. Without the mechanical resistance of the soil, the seedlings mature faster. By eliminating pesticides, hydroponics produces healthier and higher quality fruits and vegetables. Without obstacles, plants are free to thrive.

What are the components of a hydroponic system?

To maintain a flourishing hydroponic system, you will need to become acquainted with a few components that make hydroponics run efficiently.

Growing media

Hydroponic plants are usually grown in an inert medium to support the weight of the plant and secure its root structure. The growing medium is a substitute for soil, but it does not provide any independent nutrients for the plant. Instead, the porous medium retains the water and nutrients in the nutrient solution, which is then transported to the plant. Many growing media are also ph neutral, so they do not upset the balance of the nutrient solution. There are many different media to choose from, and specific plants and hydroponic systems will determine which medium is best for your efforts. Hydroponic growing media are readily available online and at local nurseries and garden stores.

Air stone and air pumps

Plants submerged in water will soon drown if the water is not sufficiently ventilated. Air stones disperse small bubbles of dissolved oxygen into your reservoir of nutrient solution. These bubbles also help distribute dissolved nutrients evenly in the solution. Air stones do not produce oxygen themselves. They need to be connected to an external air pump via opaque food-grade plastic tubing (opaque plastic tubing will prevent algae growth). Air stones and air pumps are popular aquarium parts that can be easily purchased at pet stores.

Pots

Pots are mesh planters that hold hydroponic plants.  The latticed material allows roots to grow out of the sides and bottom of the pot, giving greater exposure to oxygen and nutrients.  Pots also provide superior drainage compared to traditional clay or plastic pots.

Deep water culture systems

Deep water culture hydroponics are simply plants suspended in aerated water. Deep water culture systems, also known as a DWC system, are one of the easiest and most popular methods of hydroponics on the market. A DWC system dangles net pots holding plants over a deep reservoir of oxygen-rich nutrient solution. The plant’s roots are submerged in the solution, providing it with perpetual access to nutrition, water, and oxygen. Deep water culture is considered by some to be the purest form of hydroponics.

Since the root system is suspended in water at all times, proper water oxygenation is vital to the plant’s survival. If there is not enough oxygen supplied to the plant’s roots, the plant will drown in the solution. Add an air stone connected to an air pump at the bottom of the reservoir to supply oxygenation to the entire system. The bubbles from the air stone will also help circulate the nutrient solution.

It is very easy to assemble a deep water culture system at home or in a classroom without needing expensive hydroponics equipment. You can use a clean bucket or old aquarium to hold the solution and place a floating surface like styrofoam on top to house the net pots. Plants in DWC systems should only have their roots submerged in the solution. No part of the stem or vegetation should be underwater. You can even leave about an inch and a half of the roots above the waterline. The air stone bubbles will pop out of the surface and splash onto the exposed roots, so they will not be at risk of drying out.

What are the advantages of deep water culture systems?

· Low maintenance: Once a DWC system is set up, there’s very little maintenance required. Just replenish the nutrient solution when needed and make sure your pump is running oxygen to the air stone. The nutrient solution typically only needs replenishing every 2-3 weeks, but this does depend on the size of your plants.

· DIY appeal: Unlike many hydroponic systems, deep water culture systems can be made cheaply and easily at home, with a quick run to your pet store and local nursery to pick up the air pump and nutrients.

What are the disadvantages of deep water culture systems?

· Limitations: Deep water culture systems are adept at growing herbs and lettuce but they struggle with larger and more slow-growing plants. DWC systems are not ideal for anything that flowers. However, with some extra work, you can grow plants like tomatoes, bell peppers, and squash in a DWC system.

· Temperature control: It’s important that your water solution does not exceed 68°F and does not go below 60°F. In a DWC system, the water is static and not recirculating, so it can be more difficult to regulate temperature.