Hydroponics Overview
Since it was the first research topic of Parmelinore, it seems only appropriate that it be the first entry here.
Hydroponics is roughly defined as the growing of plants without using soil, and using water to supply the nutrients precisely. Many blogs on the internet can tell you about the benefits of hydroponics; eliminating soil means that pests and diseases which grow and live in the soil are less of a concern, and using water to supply the plants all the nutrients they need to thrive means that they will be able to - potentially - grow faster and produce more (and sooner) than comparable plants grown in soil. There are many different varieties of hydroponics, but the easiest way to understand them is probably to start from the basics.
All plants require water, air, nutrients, and light to grow, as well as some kind of structure by which they will be able to hold themselves up. Each different type of hydroponics takes a differing approach to fulfilling these requirements, and each has different strengths and weaknesses in so doing. A deep dive on each will be reserved for the future; however, a brief overview is appropriate here:
The Kratky system uses water with nutrients and leaves a layer of air above, so that plants can develop ‘air roots’ to get what they need from the air as well as the portions of the roots which are in the water, for nutrients and water. It is the simplest method.
Deep Water Culture (DWC) uses water with substantial amounts of air pumped into it, through bubblers or airstones or the like, so that every part of the roots has access to air and nutrient-filled water.
Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) uses constantly flowing water over the roots of the plants to deliver the nutrients and water they need.
Ebb-and-flow systems typically grow plants in a medium (such as gravel, clay pebbles, or the like) and use alternating periods of flooding the roots and letting the water drain away.
Wicking systems look the most like traditional soil-based gardening, and use a substrate to support plants and wick the nutrient-filled water up from a reservoir below to the roots of the plants.
Each type is useful for different contexts and different plants, and at Parmelinore, we have grown plants in all of them.