Hydroponics As a Crop Production Technique

Media-Based Production

• There are two types of hydroponic growing methods. One is media-based; the other is water-based. Because the equipment is costly, Growing Edge Hydroponics urges their customers to weigh their options based on budget, time, space, and lighting before purchasing equipment. Media-based systems use a growing medium that will hold nutrients at the root of the plant. The medium also acts as support for the plant. There are two types of media-based systems; ebb-and-flow and top-feed. The ebb-and-flow system floods the media with water and nutrition. After the water drains through, the media holds the nutrition at the roots and the roots can absorb oxygen. The top-feed system delivers the nutrient solution slowly, using drip emitters. Media-based growing costs more and is messier than water-based systems because of the media. This system has more flexibility to it and is easier to set up. This system has the added security of the media at the plant root, giving plants a higher rate of survivability in the event of a power outage or maintenance issue.

Water-based Production

• Water-based systems operate without media. There is no media to hold the nutrients at the root of the plant, so this system requires a continuous flow of both water and nutrient solution. The most common water-based system uses channels with support for the plant. The plant roots hang through a tube so the root tips are submerged in the nutrient solution. Water-based systems are more compact, allowing a large number of plants to be grown in a smaller space. This system is more complicated to learn, set up and operate than the media-based system. It costs less to operate than a media-based method. However, the plants in water-based systems are quickly at risk during mechanical failures or power outages.

Which System To Use

• Water-based hydroponic growing is an exceptional choice for commercial production. Growers save money on soil sterilization, cultivation, weed control, and damage from soil borne insects or disease. Common commercial crops include tomatoes, lettuce, cucumbers and peppers. Herbs and flowers can also do well in large scale production. Hydroponic equipment suppliers, such as Crop King, based out of Lodi, Ohio, offer training classes for people who want to grow on a commercial scale.