DIFFERENCES  IN HYDROPONIC SYSTEMS

Hydroponic gardening (growing plants and food without soil) is gaining a lot of traction among consumers, as more people take an interest in it.  There are a number of hydroponic systems out there, designed to help grow different plants in various quantities.  Sometimes these systems are pre-designed and sold as a unit or kit (a good option for beginners); more experienced growers often buy components and design their own systems.  Here are a few of the more common applications of hydroponics and how they function.

Ebb and Flow (also called Flood and Drain)
In this, the most common method of hydroponic growing, plants are set in a growth tray over a nutrient container, and a pump is used to “flood” the tray(s) with the nutrient solution. Excess solution not absorbed by the roots “drains” back into the reservoir and is recycled. A variation of this is the Drip System, which uses a pump to create a continual drip of nutrient solution into the growth tray.

Nutrient Film Technique (NFT)
In this method, the plant roots are suspended in a constant “film” or flow of nutrient solution, which is sent into one end of the tray by a pump, drains out the other end into the reservoir and is recycled. This is a highly effective hydroponic system for nourishing roots, but is also more technical and high-maintenance, since the roots are not anchored in a medium and are completely reliant on the solution.

The Water Culture System
The oldest hydroponic method, and one of the simplest, a platform of planters simply floats in the nutrient reservoir while the plant roots dangle in the solution. Sometimes an air pump is added to the system to oxygenate the solution.  If you’re a beginner, this is an easy and inexpensive way to get started.

The Wick System
This is also a very simple method, and no pump is required. A wick (such as an oil lamp wick or candle wick) simply draws the nutrient solution from the reservoir to the growth tray, where the plant roots absorb it.  This more passive method is low-maintenance, but it can sometimes over-soak the roots, making for a smaller yield.

Aeroponics
This variation of hydroponics is more technical, but very effective.  The plant roots have no anchor or medium; exposed to the air, they are continually sprayed with a vapor-mist of solution, allowing for quick absorption and lots of oxygenation.  When done correctly, this method can create large, quick-growing plants and lots of fruit.

All of these hydroponic systems are proven methods of growing plants without soil.  As you can see, some are more complex than others, and some more efficient.  Which system you choose depends on your budget, time factor and overall needs.