Hydroponics
By: Houston Swan
Hyroponics definition
Hydroponics is the process of growing plants in sand, gravel, or liquid, with added nutrients but without soil.
Three different types of hydroponic systems
Wick system- It is a passive system which means no moving parts. The nutrient solution is drawn into the growing medium from the reservoir with a wick.
Water Culture- The platform that holds the plants is usually made of Styrofoam and floats directly on the nutrient solution. An air pump supplies air to the air stone that bubbles the nutrient solution and supplies oxygen to the roots of the plants.
Aeroponic- The roots hang in the air and are misted with nutrient solution. The mistings are usually done every few minutes. Because the roots are exposed to air, the roots will dry out rapidly if the misting cycles are interrupted.
Water Culture- The platform that holds the plants is usually made of Styrofoam and floats directly on the nutrient solution. An air pump supplies air to the air stone that bubbles the nutrient solution and supplies oxygen to the roots of the plants.
Aeroponic- The roots hang in the air and are misted with nutrient solution. The mistings are usually done every few minutes. Because the roots are exposed to air, the roots will dry out rapidly if the misting cycles are interrupted.
3 Advantages
Some advantages to hydroponics are that hydroponics provide extra oxygen to plants. Hydroponics also helps plants absorb nutrients much faster. Last hydroponic growers are able to control the hydroponic nutrients.
3 Disadvantages
Some disadvantages are that the initial set cost of a hydroponics system is high. Another disadvantage is that the gardens can also become susceptible to a power outage. The last disadvantage is that water-based microorganisms can be easily introduced.