Basic Types of Hydroponic Cultivation
In natural conditions, soil functions as a reservoir of natural mineral nutrients, but the soil itself is not as essential for the prospective growth of plants. Plants need chemical elements such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and sulfur (S). These are only the vital "macroelements" (the most important substances), and other less important additional elements known as "microelements" are iron (Fe), chlorine (Cl), manganese (Mn), boron (B), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and molybdenum (Mo).
If you have been growing plants in a standard soil substrate, keep in mind that water serves only as a means of transporting nutrients. Water can also partially absorb minerals contained in the soil, allowing direct entry to the plant roots. In hydroponics, all nutrients and minerals are dissolved in the water bath, and the growing medium serves more as a support and fixation for the plant. Hydroponic media can be various and are available in all specialized hydroponic supply stores. For example, "Rockwool cubes" are a suitable hydroponic material that helps supply roots with oxygen while maintaining a sufficiently sterile environment for the root system. In water cultivation, however, roots do not always need to be completely submerged in the water bath. There is, for example, an "aeroponic" growing method where roots are grown freely in space and nourished only by spraying, preferably in the form of a fine water mist that irrigates the root system at regular intervals. Growing in coconut medium is also considered hydroponics, although coconut sometimes more closely resembles a classic substrate.
Six Types of Hydroponic Growing Systems
Aeroponics ι Drip System ι Ebb and Flow ι NFT ι Water Culture ι Coconut Fiber
Aeroponic System
One of the most "high-tech" growing systems
No growing medium is essentially needed here. Plant roots hang freely in the tank space and are misted with nutrients in the form of mist vapors. The advantage of such cultivation is direct nutrient entry into the root system. The plant can better and more quickly absorb necessary nutrients, which guarantees faster growth and rich flowering. In "aeroponic" cultivation, great emphasis is placed on a stable solution acidity value and balanced nutrient content.
What You Will Need:
- Water tank
- Powerful pump and misting nozzles
- Pressure piping and lines
- Growing medium (Rockwool)
- Fertilizers
- pH and EC meter