How Are Hydroponics Being Watered?

by Daniel Gruttadaro

Overview

The method by which plants are grown hydroponically determines how they are watered. Growing methods include deep water culture, nutrient film, run to waste, passive subirrigation and static solution culture.
Nutrient Film

In the nutrient film technique, the roots are in a channel and are given access to a constant shallow stream of nutrient-rich water, thus allowing them access to water and air.

Deep Water Culture

In the deep water culture method, the plants roots are submerged in water. In a sense, plants grown with this method are perpetually watered.
Run To Waste

In a run to waste system, plants are in an inert growing medium such as clay or sand and nutrient-rich water is periodically placed on the medium. This is the most common method for large, commercially grown plants such as tomatoes.
Passive Subirrigation

In a passive subirrigation hydroponics system, there is a separate reservoir with the nutrient-rich water, and the roots obtain the water through capillary action.
Static Solution Culture

In a static solution culture, the roots are bathed in still water. This is considered a simple method for beginners.