X ponics: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 13:23, 20 March 2013

Overview

Hydroponics allow to grow plants indoors (e.g. in a greenhouse), hence allowing to grow crops that may not be cultivated outdoors in the region where you live. In addition, it also provides nutrients together with the water, avoiding you to fertilise the plants. Also, yields are up to 4x greater than with tradional soil-based growing, and less water is used.

Aeroponics -->
Air-dynaponics -->

Types

File:Hydroponics NFT setup.JPG

A regular hydroponics setup using NFT

Regular hydroponics is often operated using NFT (Nutrient Film Technique). This uses a shallow (film) of nutrients; about 1-2mm deep. Flat-bottom rain gutters can be used as growing channels.

Regular drip lines can be a low-cost/uncomplicated alternative if you do not require the advantages of a hydroponics system and just wish to use a system to water your plants indoors. Fertilisation can then be done manually.

Making the nutrient solution

One of the main difficulties with X-ponics systems is how to obtain the nutrient solution. In developing contexts, these may be difficult to come by, and are often also too expensive for most people in the developed world. However, the nutrient solution can also be made DIY using either liquid fertiliser of a wormery ("worm tea") or from comfrey concentrate/tea^[1].

References

Template:Reflist

External links

↑ Making comfrey concentrate

[1] Making comfrey concentrate

[1]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 ==Overview==
-* Hydroponics -->
+Hydroponics allow to grow plants indoors (e.g. in a greenhouse), hence allowing to grow crops that may not be cultivated outdoors in the region where you live. In addition, it also provides nutrients together with the water, avoiding you to fertilise the plants. Also, yields are up to 4x greater than with tradional soil-based growing, and less water is used.
 * Aeroponics -->
 * Air-dynaponics -->