![]() This results in plant growth rates far greater than those found in soil-grown plants. The roots of the plants are bathed in highly oxygenated, nutrient-rich water, with or without the support of an inert medium, such as gravel, perlite, or other substrates. Hydroponics is a form of plant cultivation in which plants are grown without soil by using mineral nutrient solutions dissolved in water. (Print Friendly PDF) IntroductionĪs freshwater resources become increasingly scarce across New Mexico and arid regions around the world, water-conserving farming techniques, like hydroponics, are being used by crop producers to extend water use while consistently producing high-quality, safe food for local communities. Respectively, Extension Aquatic Ecology Specialist, Department of Extension Animal Sciences and Natural Resources, New Mexico State University and Lead Faculty at Controlled Environment Agriculture, School of Trades, Technology, Sustainability, and Professional Studies, Santa Fe Community College. One of the most common and successful ways of commercially greenhouse growing via drip systems is with rockwool slabs and cubes.Hydroponics: Water-saving Farming for New Mexico’s Arid EnvironmentĬollege of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, New Mexico State University Drip irrigation, which is also sometimes referred to as micro-irrigation or trickle irrigation, consists of a network of pipes, tubing valves, and emitters. Ebb and Flowĭrip Systems – Drip irrigation is defined as any watering system that delivers a slow moving supply of water at a gradual rate directly to the soil. Plants are grown in individual rockwool blocks in tray, the tray is then flooded with nutrient solution until the rockwool cubes and roots are saturated, then the tray is drained to allow air back into the blocks. A3 Continuous Flow (A3CF ®)Įbb and Flow – Also called flood and drain, this method does just that. ![]() The plant takes what it needs, and any remaining water (and fertilizer) flows away through the drain channel. ![]() The textile (Biostrate™) then wicks this water to the plant channel. Fresh water is pumped from the storage tank directly into the supply channel. Vertical RackingĪ3CF – The A3 Continuous Flow (A3CF ®) consists of a plastic profile which incorporates 2 separate channels: a supply channel and a plant channel. This type of grow can be installed and operated by commercial indoor farms, vertical farms, schools and many other educational entities. Vertical racking – Rack systems are stackable shelves outfitted with recirculating hydroponics and LED lighting, often used in warehouse and container farms. These units stand vertically and are often used in container farms due to their space efficiency. ![]() Vertical towers – Tower systems are usually aeroponic or hydroponic by design. Bato buckets have seen extensive use throughout Europe and the US, and can be connected easily, allowing hydroponic systems to be scaled to virtually any size needed. CBOPS, PRE-EMPT, GRODAN, FERTS., NFT Systemīato System – Also called a Dutch bucket setup, these buckets are perhaps the most commonly used container for growing plants in an indoor growing system. NFT – Nutrient film technique, A hydroponic growing technique that irrigates plants with a shallow stream of nutrient solution flowing through a growing channel. Plants are suspended over a nutrient solution and roots grow freely into the solution.īEAVER BOARDS, PRE-EMPT, FERTS., Deep Water Culture DWC – Deep water culture, A hydroponic growing technique often associated with floating rafts or bubble buckets.
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