Aeroponics
Knowledge Center
We first define Aeroponics Systems, a term routinely used to describe several types of systems.
The true aeroponics system encourages the complete
drain out of nutrient between cycles. During this "dry"
cycle air displaces the exiting nutrient.
In the pure aeroponics system the plants roots are allowed to fully
drain while still in a humid, dark environment. The roots are able
to uptake more substantial concentrations of nutrient without burning
as they are not continuously submersed.
NFT stands for Nutrient Film Technique. Generally
it is a flat bottom gutter type system. It may have an extruded
top which holds net pots or it may be open with pots placed directly
into the bottom. The nutrient flows past the pots by gravity in
a thin film (due to the flat bottom) and most often continuously.
NFT systems have been successfully used in the commercial growing
of lettuce. They have no misters and must use a grow medium. They
don't oxygenate the nutrient well but are suitable for small plants.
Deep flow aeroponics systems are
aeroponic because they use misters to oxygenate and distribute the
nutrient and deep flow because they incorporate a riser into the
grow chamber to prevent all the nutrient from draining out. Systems
of this type typically hold about one inch of nutrient in the grow
chamber. The accepted logic is that this provides a buffer if there
is a power failure. This "insurance" against electrical
failure comes at the expense of productivity and more incidences
of root rot and pathogens not generally experienced in the pure
aeroponics system.
If there is a power failure the pure aeroponics system will be safe
for several hours because the lights will also be off (this does
not apply to greenhouses).
Bubbler aeroponics systems are like a bucket deep
flow aeroponics system in that the roots hang into the nutrient
in the bottom while being sprayed by misters above and / or exposed
to bubbles from air stones below. They will grow bigger plants than
their sister deep flow aeroponics systems but are not as space efficient.
Moving around or through the plants is more difficult. They also
present the problems of root rot and pathogens.
Aeroponic systems from Astrogrow are pure aeroponic systems capable
of growing extremely large plants. We invite you to visit the rest
of our knowledge center for detailed information on all of the elements
of aeroponic growing from nutrient to propagation.
Visit the other chapters of our knowledge center for
detailed information on all aspects of aeroponic gardening.
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