Wick Based Hydroponic System Abstract: This article discusses the way the wick hydroponic system works. This method of hydroponic gardening has provided growers a cost-effective and efficient alternative to adopt! There are basically 6 types of hydroponics hydroponics systems, including Wick, Water Culture, Ebb and Flow, Drip, Nutrient Film Technique, and Aeroponics. Of each of these systems, there are hundreds of variations, but all hydroponic systems are a combination of these six.
Among the different types of hydroponic systems, the Wick system is the simplest kind. It is a passive system, with no moving parts. The nutrient solution passes in the growing medium through a wick that is used as the reservoir. This system can use a variety of growing medium, e.g. Perlite, Vermiculite, and Pro-Mix and Coconut Fiber. As with other hydroponic systems, the wick hydroponic system, although simple, does have its own advantages and disadvantages. Perhaps the biggest drawback is that larger plants, or those that require a large amount of water, may absorb the nutrient solution much faster that the wick hydroponic system can supply it with! When the wick hydroponic system is used, the plants are not suspended directly into the water; rather, they grow in some water-retaining material like rockwool or cocon ut coir. As mentioned above, the wick hydroponic system is passive, and energy or electricity is not used to provide the nutrient solution to the plants. In wick hydroponic system, the watering rates are controlled by the plants. Simply put, the tail end of a wick is placed in a reservoir that contains the nutrient solution. The other end of the wick is placed in the growing medium, nearer to the plant roots. Since the plants need more water and nutrient, it is drawn up the wick and into the water-retaining growing media by capillary action. As the plants take in the solution from one end, more of it is pulled into the wick at the other end. In Hydroponics, there is a great need for good aeration. In the wick hydroponic system air is sucked by the plant roots along with the nutrient solution. An adequate growing medium also helps to ensure that the plants receive enough air. Alternatively, pump and air stones may also be used to aerate the nutrient solution. With the wick hydroponic system, as the reservoir gets depleted, it can c an be filled up again by hand. It is not necessary to use a pump as is done in the flood and drain hydroponics system. The primary attraction of the wick hydroponic system is its simplicity. It is entirely possible to make a homemade wick hydroponic system, in a fast fast and economic manner. Additionally, the fact that the growing media gets a continual supply of water makes the wick hydroponic system rather a convenient method for growing water-loving plants such as lettuce.
The drawback of the wick hydroponic system is that not all plants grow well with a constant water supply. As well, the passage of the nutrient solution to the plant roots through a wick may be inadequate for larger and faster growing plants. Finally, the perpetually moist growing media obstructs aeration, causing plant roots to wither. The fact still remains through, that the wick hydroponic system has made it possible for plant growers to adopt a simple, cost efficient way of hydroponic gardening.
