Agriculture Academy’s

Intro to
Hydroponics
 Introduction to Hydroponics

Thank you for downloading this guide!

In this eBook, we are going to discuss hydroponics. The basic principles on

which hydroponics is based, the different variations thereof as well as
some advantages and disadvantages are all going to be covered in this
guide!

2
 What is Hydroponics?
Plants grown hydroponically are not planted in conventional soil, unlike so
many other agricultural crops. Instead, the roots are submerged in an
inorganic growing medium. Nutrient-rich water is then applied to the roots of
the plant. This is the basis for any hydroponic set up.

You might be thinking how a plant can survive, and even thrive, without soil?
To understand how hydroponically-grown plants grow and mature, you need
to understand the purpose that soil serves in supporting the life of a plant.
One of the most important functions of soil is its ability to retain water and
nutrients and supply these to the roots of the plant. In hydroponics, this need
is overcome by placing the plant in an inorganic growing medium, like
vermiculite, perlite, rockwool or an expanded clay substrate. Alternatively,
the plants can also be placed in a simple container without any substrate or
float on the water itself. The nutrient demands of the plants are then met
through regular applications of nutrient-enriched water to the rootzone of the
plant.
Nutrient-enriched water being placed into the system

3
Types of Hydroponic Set-Ups
A beginner can get easily confused and overwhelmed with all the variations of
the hydroponic method. So, let’s take a look at the different hydroponic
applications that you can try out.

1.The Nutrient Film technique (NFT). In this set up, plants are placed in
sloping hollow pipes or channels. Nutrified water is continuously pumped
through the channels over the root system. There is no need for additional
growing medium like vermiculite or rockwool. The NFT is a closed system that
recirculates water throughout the channels by pumping it first to the upper or
higher ends of the channels that then flows down the slope.

2.Wick Systems. This is one of the simplest hydroponic set ups and is perfect
for beginners. A reservoir of nutrient-enriched water is placed underneath the
plants. There is a wick that extends from the growing medium downwards into
the reservoir. The water moves through capillary action from the reservoir into
the growing medium and keeps the roots nourished and moist. Little specialist
equipment is needed for this design and it is very easy to DIY with some
buckets, rope and a drill.

3.Ebb and Flow. Also known as the flood and drain system, plants embedded in
a growing medium are placed over a reservoir filled with nutrient water. A pump
periodically forces the water up into the section housing the plants. The pump is
then turned off and the water gradually flows back into the reservoir. This is
another simple technique and apart from the pump and piping, little expert
equipment is required for success.

4.Deep water culture (DWC). Here, plants are placed in pots with growing
media or lightweight covers that float on the waters surface. The plants roots
then grow into the water. A pump oxygenates the water to keep the roots
healthy, but apart from that, no other mechanization is required. This makes the
Deep Water Culture system great for beginners or DIY projects.

4
 5. Drip Systems. This technique makes use of drip lines and a pump that
transports water from an underlying reservoir into the growing media encasing
the plants above. Usually, a dripper will be allocated to each plant which allows
for the fine-tuning of nutrient concentrations and watering intensity. The water
can be recycled, which saves time and money, or it can be siphoned out the
system, which maintains the optimal nutrient concentrations in the reservoir.

6. Aeroponics. Here, plants are suspended in the air vertically or horizontally. A

pump then delivers a misting of nutrient media to the roots of the plants at
scheduled intervals or on a continuous basis, depending on the needs of the
plant. This is a more advanced system requiring pumps, misters and timers,
among other equipment and should only be considered by expert growers to
make the investment worthwhile.

Wick System

Nutrient Film Technique (NFT)

Ebb and Flow

5
Deep Water Culture (DWC)

Drip System

Aeroponics

6
Advantages of growers. In conventional
agriculture, most of the water and
Hydroponics nutrients applied to the plants is
lost through drainage, runoff, and
No matter the type of hydroponics evaporation. In hydroponics, this
system you decide on, you will problem is overcome by applying
always have to consider the only the exact amount of water
advantages and disadvantages and nutrients needed by the
before you start your production. plants. The savings are further
Let’s start with the positives of improved in circulatory
growing plants hydroponically: hydroponics systems, as the same
water source is pumped through
Firstly, you can set up a the system over and over again.
hydroponic operation, big or small,
almost anywhere. Because no soil Hydroponic systems also allow
is needed, you can grow a you to overcome the constraints
considerable number of plants imposed by a change of season.
indoors even. You can maximize Climate-controlled systems allow
your yield because the roots of the grower to fine tune the
hydroponically grown plants are temperature and lighting to suit the
kept compact. This is possible needs of their plants. This can
because when they are provided open up the possibility of
with the perfect amount of water producing crops in their off-
and nutrients, roots do not need to season, which can ensure you
grow in search of more. You will receive a premium for your harvest
also be free from the constraints of and limit the need for expensive
poor soil conditions and and polluting international
environmental pollutants, allowing airfreight. The climate control also
you to grow almost any herb or means that plants grow faster.
leafy vegetable anywhere. Because you can alter the
environmental conditions as
The money saved on water and needed, the plants can always be
nutrient inputs is another provided with the optimal
advantage offered to hydroponic conditions for growth.

7
The lack of soil will also eliminate any soil-borne diseases or weed
infestations. If this problem is solved, then the money spent on the usual
control methods will no longer be required. The labour and time spent
mitigating pest and weed problems will also be removed. These savings
can either be reinvested into expanding production, or it will result in
improved profit margins. Furthermore, the plants will be less susceptible
to soil-borne pathogens and will not need to compete with weeds for
water or nutrients.

Lastly, you will be able to change crops or cultivars easily and quickly if
market demand fluctuates away from or towards certain products. You
will therefore be able to keep up to date with consumer trends and meet
demands as they arise.

Disadvantages of Hydroponics
It is easy to see why hydroponics is a favourite among commercial
growers and hobbyists alike. However, there are some obstacles that
every grower needs to consider before they start.

While a small, backyard set up may not be too costly, the startup costs of
a commercial hydroponics operation will be expensive. You will therefore
need to make sure that you have a solid business plan and contingencies
in case of unforeseen obstacles. This may be a barrier for small-scale
farmers who cannot afford the initial investment or be approved for the
necessary loans.

Relating to the expenses of setting up a hydroponic production, you will

need the expertise and experience required to make a commercial set up
a success. You do not want to waste money on mistakes and mishaps
that could have been easily prevented with the correct experience. This is
less of an issue for hobbyists, as making mistakes and learning from
them is all a part of the hydroponics experience.

8
Lastly, and this is especially so for large, electric-powered systems, the risk
posed by power and water outages is a big one. Because the roots of the
plants are not anchored in water-retaining soil, prolonged periods without
water or nutrient applications will be devastating and result in large scale
losses. It is therefore wise to invest in generators and boreholes if you are a
commercial grower.

Our Take Home Message

In conclusion, there are so many benefits of growing your plants
hydroponically. If you are interested in starting a backyard, small-scale
operation then do not hesitate. However, if you are looking to go big or
expand your production, more time and thought will be needed in
developing a business strategy, a budget and contingency plan before you
take that leap.

This guide contains images that were used under a Creative Commons License. Click here to see
the full list of images and attributions:

https://link.attribute.to/cc/1509929