Irrigation and hydroponics 

Subcategories

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  Passive hydroponic systems

  Passive hydroponic systems are systems that are primarily intended for use with soil or coco. The systems do not work with clay granules because clay granules do not have good enough transport properties and must be sprinkled with nutrient solution from above.

  How it works

  Passive hydroponic systems are systems that work by gravity and/or capillary action.

  Gravity: the water reservoir is located above the planters and is transported to the roots through pipes.

  Capillary action: the nutrient solution is located below the roots is transported upwards by suction force, like a cotton wick.

  A constant water level of the nutrient solution is achieved by water valves. These function with a float, similar to a toilet flush.

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  Water treatment

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  Ebb and flow systems

  The plants are arranged on a table located above the container with the nutrient solution.
  A timer is used to set the time intervals at which the nutrient solution is pumped out of the tank to flood the table and then allowed to drain (subside).

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  Hand watering

  Classic device for hand irrigation with adjustable nozzles

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  DWC systems (Deep Water Culture)

  DWC systems are active hydroponic systems where the plant is placed in grid pots and stabilized with expanded clay balls. The roots grow downwards out of the grid pot and are permanently suspended in the nutrient solution.

  To prevent root rot, the nutrient solution is very strongly enriched with air by permanently pumping air into the water with an air pump. The air is distributed into tiny air bubbles via a ball, like those used in aquariums.

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  Aeroponic systems

  Aeroponic systems work with spray mist, with which the roots of the plants are wetted.

  The plants or rooted cuttings are placed in pots with a grid structure and suspended in a mist chamber above a container of nutrient solution. The plants are usually stabilized with some expanded clay balls.

  The roots hanging in the air are continuously misted with a nutrient solution and grow downward into the chamber. Unabsorbed nutrient solution flows back into the container, so there is no wetness buildup or accumulation of harmful nutrient salts on the roots, and oxygen is available to them in unlimited quantities. The roots of the plants are optimally supplied with water, nutrients and oxygen.

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  Drip irrigation systems

  Drip irrigation systems are designed for clay granules (inert media with free drainage). The substrate is (actively) sprinkled with nutrient solution from above using an electric air or water pump.

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  pH/EC measuring instruments

  pH and EC meters are required for hydroponic growing systems.

  EC meters measure conductivity, which is a result of the salinity of a solution.

  pH meters measure the acid-base value.

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  NFT systems (Nutrient Film Technique)

  The nutrient solution is continuously pumped from the tank into the "channel" and washes around the roots. What is not absorbed by the plants flows back into the tank to be pumped into the channels again. The nutrient solution in the tank is replaced every two to three weeks to ensure a continuous, balanced supply of nutrients.

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  Irrigation accessories

In the field of hydroponics/aeroponics there are several different systems.

Find the right hydroponic system

We have created a simplified overview to help you quickly find the right system for you:

	How it works	Advantages	Disadvantages	Cultivation media	Yield	Ideal for
Passive hydroponic systems	Operate with gravity or capillary action of the substrate or supporting materials.	inexpensive	Systems that work with capillary action include wear parts	all		normal and SCROG
Drip irrigation systems	Nutrient solution is dribbled onto the growing medium from above using a pump.	very suitable for mother plants	regular water changes necessary	theoretically all, but we do not recommend soil		normal and SCROG
Aeroponic systems	The roots are sprayed with nutrient solution from below.	best possible nutrient supply	regular water changes necessary Water sprayers must be cleaned manually	Clay granules		SOG
DWC Deep Water Culture Systems	The roots are immersed in nutrient solution enriched with air.	best possible nutrient supply	regular water changes necessary not suitable for mother plants	Clay granules		SCROG
Ebb and flow systems	A timer is used to set the time intervals at which the nutrient solution is pumped out of the tank to flood the table and then allowed to drain (ebb).	very good nutrient supply	regular water changes necessary	Clay granules		SOG

These are the most important and from our point of view the most common systems. There are more systems, but for various reasons we do not offer them at the moment.