Systems
The Main Hydroponic Systems
Hydroponic systems differ mainly in how they deliver nutrients and oxygen to the roots. Passive systems need no pump. Active systems use one.
Passive Systems
- Kratky: plants sit in net cups above a reservoir with no pump. As the plant drinks, the water level drops and leaves an air gap for the roots.
- Wick: a wick draws nutrient solution from a reservoir up into a growing medium.
Active Systems
- Deep water culture (DWC): roots hang in aerated nutrient solution, with an air pump and air stone.
- Nutrient film technique (NFT): a thin film of solution flows along sloped channels past the roots.
- Ebb and flow: a tray floods with solution on a timer, then drains back to the reservoir.
- Drip: a pump delivers solution to each plant through emitters, either recovered to the reservoir or run to waste.
- Aeroponics: roots are misted with nutrient solution in an enclosed space.
Choosing One
Passive systems are the simplest, with fewer parts that can fail. Active systems give more control and can support larger or faster-growing plants, but they need power and regular checks. Start with the system that fits the space and the amount of attention you can give it.
Next: Nutrients.
