![]() These factors are important to understand, as they all interact with the nutrient solution in different ways and can limit the effectiveness of the hydroponic system if not considered carefully. A thorough water analysis will show hardness, alkalinity, mineral content and pathogens. The makeup of the starting water should be known, and can be obtained through a simple water analysis (please contact Rx Green Technologies for a complementary test and follow-up analysis). WATER QUALITY: Water quality is one of the most important components of an effective hydroponic system. Without proper protocols in place, crop losses may occur as a result of poor system management. Knowledge and regular maintenance of all system components is required in order to prevent system failures. These systems require special practices to provide optimal growing conditions. PROBLEMS WITH HYDROPONIC GROWINGĬontrary to popular belief, recirculating hydroponic systems are not an “easier” solution as compared to drain-to-waste irrigation. Overall, recirculating hydroponic cultivation allows for increased nutrient regulation, decreased nutrient and labor input, and increased plant density (which may correlate with increased yield). Weed pressure is nonexistent in hydroponic growing, meaning no chemical or mechanical weed control is required. Eliminating soil from a growing system also greatly reduces the chances of soil pathogens invading host plants and causing crop losses. ![]() The high solubility of liquid nutrients in a hydroponic system allows for less nutrient material to be used, further reducing input costs and potential pollution from waste water. Recapturing the water also allows for a potential reduction in environmental pollution that can be caused by excess nutrient material in soil and ground water. Water loss and extraneous costs are mitigated, especially when compared to traditional soil-based agriculture. In a recirculating hydroponic system, water is continuously recaptured and recirculated to the plants, with nutrients injected as needed (as determined by frequent monitoring). ![]() ![]() Water conservation is one of the most important benefits of hydroponic cultivation, but nutrient and labor efficiency savings are also of great importance. The main reservoir and the individual buckets may be aerated to increase the levels of dissolved oxygen available to plant roots. The residual solution post-feeding is siphoned back to a central reservoir and recirculated throughout the system at the next feeding. Top- and bottom-feeding can be used as long as the requisite equipment is in place. TYPES OF HYDROPONIC GROWING SYSTEMSĭUTCH BUCKET HYDROPONICS: Also known as deep water culture (DWC) this system is ideal for larger plants, including Cannabis. While the convenience of automatic plant watering and increased resource conservation make hydroponic systems attractive, recirculating systems require very specific management protocols to ensure success. Increased waterconservation, reduced fertilizer use and enhanced disease control are just a few of the reasons many farmers may choose a closed-loop, hydroponic cultivation operation. Hydroponic crop production has many benefits over traditional, soil-based farming. Recirculating hydroponic operational systems include flood tables, “Dutch buckets”, and undercurrent or nutrient film technique (“NFT”) feeding structures. For the sake of this content, “hydroponics” will refer to systems thatĪre recirculating in nature and utilize soilless, inert or inorganic media. Some may classify hydroponic growing as any method utilizing soilless media, including peat-based potting mixes and coco coir. Hydroponics is a term inclusive of many different, highly-varied systems of plant nutrient feeding.
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