How the Aeroponics Hydroponics System Works
Hydroponics systems come in varying levels, from basic to hi-tech. Though every system is slightly different, they share a commonality, and it is the use of nutrient-dense water solutions for feeding the plants. However, one of the hydroponics systems does not use a water solution or grow medium; the plant roots hang in the air, and water is sprayed onto the roots.
If that got you interested, we would tell you what it is, how it works, the mechanism, and how to grow plants in it in detail.
We are talking about Aeroponics
What Is Aeroponics?
Aeroponics is made up of two words derived from Greek – “aer” meaning “air” and “ponos” meaning “labour”). It is a specialised hydroponics system that uses mist to feed plants. Research shows that there are multiple benefits of aeroponics gardening.
Now let us discuss the elements that make it so attractive.
Aeroponics Hydroponics System Components
The main parts that makeup aeroponics hydroponics include.
- A container (reservoir) to hold the plants.
- Submersible nutrient pump
- Tubing to pass water to the mister heads from the nutrient pump
- Mist nozzles
- Grow chamber (enclosed)
- Pots or grow baskets to suspend the plants
- Watertight containers to hang the plant root systems
- Timer to turn the nutrient pump on and off.
Types of Aeroponics Hydroponics Systems
Aeroponics hydroponics is primarily of four types:
1. Low-Pressure Aeroponics System
In a low-pressure aeroponics system, the plant roots suspend over the reservoir filled with a nutrient solution. Or they may be inside a channel attached to the reservoir. A low-pressure pump supplies the nutrients and water with the help of small sprinklers or jets. After that, water drips and drains into the reservoir effortlessly.
However, as the plants grow, their roots become incapable of absorbing the essential nutrients.
2. High-Pressure Aeroponics System
The setup is relatively expensive but perfect for commercial growers. In a high-pressure aeroponics hydroponics system, the mist is produced by high-pressure pumps. The water is atomized at 50 microns (this is much smaller than the width of a human hair). These tiny particles help roots absorb more oxygen.
High-pressure aeroponics technologies include water and air purification, low-mass polymers, nutrient sterilisation, and pressurised nutrient delivery systems.
3. Commercial Aeroponics System
Commercial hydroponics are constructed using high-pressure biological systems and hardware. The former comes with enhancements to ensure longer crop life and maturation. No wonder, these kinds of hydroponics are used for high-value crops in which several crops are grown on a commercial level.
4. Ultrasonic Fogger Hydroponics (Fogponics)
The last and final type of aeroponics is known as fogponics. In this, water is atomized to be less than 5 microns, even smaller than the size of the RBCs. These create fog in the chamber. This small size of water particles is perfect for younger plants and suits sensitive plants such as seedlings, herbs, and clonings perfectly.
How Does An Aeroponics System Work?
The aeroponics system is a unique kind of hydro farming technique that is partly closed and partly open. Unlike other hydroponics, it does not use a grow medium. Seeds are planted in small grow pots or foam pieces. Foam is also responsible for holding the root mass and keeping the plant in place. The plants receive light from one end, and from the other end, mist flows in.
The mist is a hydro atomized spray that contains water, plant growth hormones, and nutrients. The sprinkler and the nutrient pump in the system create mist in the aquaponics grow chamber. Generally, the mist is added from the top end of the chamber, and an automated timer regulates the supply of moisture and nutrients.
The roots are suspended in the air. Water and nutrients are either misted or sprayed onto the plant roots directly. The nutrients provided thus are 60% more efficient than a typical hydroponics system. They ensure ideal oxygen saturation in the roots with a sufficient supply of nutrients.
What Makes The Aeroponics Hydroponics System Work?
A good balance of water and nutrients is essential for the optimal growth of a plant. Unlike soil-based farming, the roots take up the water, and then the water supply is discontinued in aeroponics. But the humidity level is always maintained between 90-100% in the plant roots. Usually, the growers spray for about 3 to 15 seconds after every 1 to 5 minutes. The key is longer the spray time; longer is the break before the next spray.
All in all, the system receives oxygen in plenty, and the nutrient supply is adequate, neither more nor less. Each plant species is supplied with just the right amount of nutrients and is far better than traditional farming in soil.
How Does It Help A Plant Grow?
For nutrient absorption during photosynthesis, a plant requires two things: water and oxygen. The nutrients are transported from the surface of the roots taking water and nutrients along to complete the process. These elements move to the canopy level, where photosynthesis occurs while using light energy to convert carbon dioxide and utilize the nutrient solutions for plant growth.
How To Grow Plants With An Aquaponics Hydroponics System?
Aeroponics offers a fantastic alternative for indoor hydro farming. One can grow plants in either horizontal or vertical spaces. Not only do they take up less floor space, but they also preserve water in enclosed sealed space. Most pumps have one or two automatic pumps to spray nutrients on the plants. Till these two aspects are met, you will have a healthy growth of plants in aeroponics systems.
Who Should Invest In An Aeroponics Hydroponics System?
Beginners who know some basics of hydroponics can invest in aeroponics. Since the maintenance required is minimal, it is ideal for anyone starting.
Remember these things to allow your aeroponics hydroponics system to run at its optimum.
- As the grow chambers are always wet due to the nutrients sprayed or misted, it is essential to clean them regularly. This tells us that fogmonics require maximum declogging.
- Sterilize grow chambers with effective sterilizers such as hydrogen peroxide solution from time to time.
Wrapping Up
If you are someone planning to start hydroponics, aeroponics is an excellent option. Yes, you may need to learn a few fundamentals of hydroponics first, but once you are through, the rest will become a smooth sail. Most importantly, your crop yield is independent of the climate and hardiness zones, and you have complete control over the environment throughout the year.
Isn’t that great? So, what are you contemplating now? Get started right away with an aeroponics hydroponics system!
