Maximum Yield Modern Growing | Canadian Edition | May June 2017

nutrient application systems
Irrigation is a key component of hydroponic gardening and
a common cause of concern for many indoor gardeners.
Fortunately, the technology has come a long way since the
early days of manual watering and gravity-fed systems.
Today, there is a wide range of highly efficient and advanced
nutrient delivery equipment available for even the smallest
grower. Of course, ensuring nutrients flow at the optimal rate,
frequency, and concentration are all dependent on using the
correct delivery system. So, before you begin planting, give
a little consideration to choosing suitable pumps, drippers,
or emitters; matching up the correct irrigation method, and
ensuring even pressure within hydroponic system.
APPLICATION METHODS
Different hydroponic systems employ a diverse range of
nutrient delivery methods. Solution culture systems such as
nutrient film technique (NFT) and deep flow technique (DFT)
may appear to feature the simplest and straightforward
methods of hydroponic nutrient application. Nutrient solution
is continuously pumped to the top of each growing channel
or trough, through which it flows past the roots and back to a
central reservoir. However, factors such as nutrient flow rate,
equalized delivery volumes to each growing channel, and
control over EC and pH back at the reservoir all become part
of the nutrient management system. Similar considerations—
nutrient application frequency and volume—are required with
ebb and flow systems.
Drip irrigation, which is currently the most commonly
used hydroponic nutrient delivery system, relies on even
distribution of solution to each plant at the correct frequency;
factors that are largely based on variables such as plant
size, growing substrate properties, container volume and
dimensions, and environmental conditions.
Aeroponics requires nutrient to be delivered directly
to the root system via the use of high-pressure misters
or foggers, which may be intermittent or continuous.
Overhead sprinklers are also still used in some greenhouse
and outdoor systems, though they are not popular in indoor
gardens due to the leaf wetness and inefficiency of nutrient
distribution. The exception to this may be in propagation
areas where high humidity is beneficial to prevent
desiccation of clones while they form new roots.
All these delivery systems need to be paired with a method
of dosing or controlling the nutrient solution composition
before it is applied to plants. Many indoor gardens are reliant
on manual dosing to reach the correct EC and pH; however,
automation of even small hydroponic systems is becoming
increasingly popular.
Nutrient delivery in a multi-level, movable channel system.
Commercial nutrient dosing and delivery systems may be complex, but
scaled down models are suitable for indoor gardens.
“DRIP IRRIGATION, which is currently the
most commonly used hydroponic nutrient delivery
system, relies on even distribution of solution to
each plant at the correct frequency.”
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