Basically, hydroponics is the science of growing plants without the use of soil, but instead, feeding the roots themselves directly. Hydroponics is a word that describes the action rather well in that the Greek word hydro means water and the word ponos means work, and the system works very well in water.
Even back in 372 BC, it was understood that actual soil was not needed to grow plants. The “secret”, of course, is that plants need water to grow, as well as nutrients. In the ground, using soil, plants must form an extensive root system in order to have enough water and nutrients, but plants grown in a hydroponic system make substantially smaller roots. The plant does not need a large system of roots because water and nutrients are right there for it.
Soil gardening requires diligent care at all times, making sure that the plant receives enough water, being careful to not over water it, feeding the soil at specific intervals, weeding, avoiding overcrowding the plants, and such. Hydroponics means using much less space and the plant itself takes or rejects water on its own. This means that the plant now can grow more and much healthier than if it was in the soil. Hydroponic growth is faster and the yield will be much greater as well. One has but to look at the amount of oxygen these plants receive to understand why hydroponics works so well.
Rockwool – A common growing medium is rockwool, which is a medium that will hold a tremendous amount of water yet is porous enough to allow the plant to get the oxygen it needs. Rockwool is made up of limestone and volcanic rock, and is spun to make the “wool” part, then pressed into easy-to-use cubes.
Interestingly enough, the plants need to be spoon-fed. The nutrient solutions or fertilizer is measured by the spoonful into water, which is then used to feed the plants. These concentrated liquids ordinarily are separated into two kinds: one for growth and the other to encourage bloom.
Testing pH Levels – One of the secrets of hydroponics is the testing of the growth medium for its pH level. If the pH is too high or too low, there are liquids sold that will bring back the correct pH for the plant. The pH level should be checked once a week before the plant becomes deficient.
Active & Passive Growing Systems – One may have an active or passive system of hydroponics. Passive systems basically use a wick type of structure to deliver the nutrients to the plant, however they also can result in an over watered plant. An active system will use a pump instead to deliver nutrients and water to the plant. It can be set for the maximum efficiency.
Using the pump will give maximum results and is often used to save the nutrient solution, as the solution will be returned to the reservoir. To do so, it passes through the air, allowing oxygen to enter the solution. It creates a win-win solution for the gardener as well as the plant.
Whitney Segura is a product tester for garden compost equipment, as well Whitney is an owner of one of a large manufacturer and distributor of greenhouses, hydroponics, and garden containers.
Article Directory: EzineArticles
Have you ever wondered how hydroponics works? This beginners
guide will teach the history, the different types of growing
mediums & systems, how to test the pH levels, and more
gardening tips.
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