What is Hydroponics?

Hydroponics is a method of growing plants without soil by using mineral nutrient solutions in a water solvent. The concept behind the types of hydroponics is to bring the plant’s roots efficiently into contact with the water, oxygen, and nutrients that are essential for growth.

As our soil quality begins to deteriorate, many people are looking for alternative methods to grow fresh vegetables for their future homes. Because of this reason, hydroponics agriculture will become more popular in the future.

Below are six different types of hydroponic systems

• The Wick hydroponic system is a simple type of hydroponic system. 
• The Deep Water Culture (DWC)system is the simplest of all active hydroponic systems.
• The Ebb and Flow hydroponic system.
• Drip systems are probably the most widely used type of hydroponic system.
• N.F.T. (Nutrient Film Technique) hydroponic system.
• The Aeroponic hydroponic system is probably the most high-tech type of hydroponic gardening.

All hydroponic methods are a variation of these six basic types of systems. No matter what hydroponics system you choose growing your own veggies, herbs and flowers are fun and easy.

There are quite a number of factors to consider before you start growing plants at home using a hydroponics system. Understanding the types of hydroponics systems, how they work, choosing a system, and even what plants to grow are the first thing to consider.

This guide will discuss the types of hydroponics systems, their pros and cons, and every other vital detail about them.

Advantages of Hydroponics

• Plants grown using indoor hydroponics systems don’t depend on growing seasons to flourish. The result is all year harvest is achieved in less time than soil-grown plants.
• Experienced hydroponics farmers report that they get yields up to double what they would normally expect from soil-based farming. This is possible due to the efficient delivery of water, nutrients, and oxygen to the plant roots, faster than would be the case in soil.
• Hydroponics systems use up to 90% less water than soil-based farming/gardening, due to the re-circulation of the water used to irrigate the plants.
• No negative environmental impact of water run-off.
• Reduced the possibility of fungi, soil-borne diseases, or pests. Hence there’s little or no need for pesticides.
• It requires less labour compared to traditional farming.

Disadvantages of Hydroponics

• It can be expensive to set up depending on the type of system used.
• Although there is less physical labour involved, managing this system requires diligence and daily monitoring.
• If the delivery of nutrients, oxygen or water to your plants is interrupted, the plants can suffer and die very quickly.
• Hydroponics is often not cost-effective.

Other Types of Hydroponics