HYDROPONIC SYSTEMS AND MEDIUMS
Here are some examples of some commonly used growing mediums in hydroponics:
The distinguishing factor of hydroponics is that there is no soil used to grow plants. Instead, we can use a variety of growing mediums. A growing medium is any material you use to grow your plants in, excluding soil.
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Rockwool: Small, dense cubes made from basalt rock heated and spun into fibers
Peat Moss: Partially decomposed plant material with good water absorption
Vermiculite & Perlite: Lightweight, porous rocks to provide easy water movement and absorption
Each of these growing mediums can be used in a variety of hydroponic systems. A hydroponic system is the specific method used to grow food utilizing soilless culture growing strategies. There are a variety of hydroponic systems, each with their own sets of advantages and disadvantages.
Nutrient Film Technique (NFT): A thin film of water is distributed along a slightly inclined surface to distribute nutrients to plants. This system requires two water retention basins (1 at the beginning and 1 at the end of the system) and a water pump to circulate the water. This method of growing is great for leafy greens and small herbs, but does not provide enough structure for rooting vegetables like tomatoes or cucumbers. This system is not as space efficient as other systems.
Deep Water Culture (DWC): Reminiscent of the floating gardens created by indigenous Aztec cultures, DWC employs the suspension of the plant's roots in nutrient-filled water. Using a water pump or an air stone, water can be circulated and disturbed to promote nutrient exchange between the roots and the water. DWC can generate a larger number of plants in a smaller square footage than traditional row crops can.
Dutch Buckets: Commonly using vermiculite and perlite as the growing medium, dutch buckets are filled with these materials and then utilize a drip emitter to pour strong stocks of solution directly on the base of the plant. This system is great for many types of plants including rooting vegetables like cucumber, tomato, and peppers. Because this system commonly requires a strong, automated nutrient delivery system, it can be more expensive and more difficult to properly set up.
Vertical Farms: Vertical farms are among the newest types of hydroponic systems and can be generated through a variety of different styles. Plant walls, vertical stacks, and home made systems are all types of vertical farms. These types of systems and can also sometimes be grown inside with the aid of LED lights. While the lights can be expensive, growth can be accelerated and generate large amounts of produce in a small space. Vertical towers easily grow leafy greens, and can also grow rooting vegetables, but requires more cleaning and system maintenance.
Aeroponics: Aeroponics are the most high tech form of hydroponic growing systems. Through aeroponics, plants are suspended in the air while a mist of nutrient filled water is used to nourish the roots. This system is expensive to generate but extremely water efficient compared to other systems. Leafy greens and small herbs grow best in this system.
