Growing plants in nutrient-rich water instead of soil is known as soilless cultivation or hydroponics. One of the numerous varieties of hydroponic systems available is an open system. This article will go through the four different kinds of hydroponic systems, what an open hydroponic system is, how it differs from a closed hydroponic system, and other related ideas.
A hydroponic system that is constantly flowing and open to the air is known as an open hydroponic system. Usually, a reservoir holds the nutrient solution, which is then pumped into the growth tray where the plants are located. A drain is then used to return the extra nutrient solution to the reservoir. The plants may always get the nutrients and oxygen they need to thrive thanks to the continuous flow of nutrition solution.
An open hydroponic system does not recycle the nutrient solution like a closed hydroponic system does. Instead, after a given amount of time, the nutrient solution is removed and fresh nutrient solution is added. By doing this, the nutrient solution is always kept clear and free of any accumulation of salts or other potentially toxic materials that could stunt plant growth.
The nutrition solution is continuously recycled in a closed hydroponic system, sometimes referred to as a recirculating hydroponic system. A reservoir holds the nutritional solution, which is then pumped to the growing tray where the plants are located. The extra nutrient solution is then emptied back into the reservoir and cycled once the plants have absorbed what they require. This makes sure that the nutrient solution is continually recycled, which may be good for the environment and economical use of resources.
Hydroponic systems can be divided into four basic categories: deep water culture, nutrient film technology, drip irrigation, and ebb and flow. Nutrient film technique uses a thin film of nutrient solution running over the roots, whereas deep water culture requires suspending the plant roots in nutrient-rich water. Ebb and flow includes flooding the growth tray with nutrient solution and then draining it back to the reservoir, whereas drip irrigation uses a drip line to provide nutrient solution to the plant roots.
A hydroponic system known as a “open culture” exposes the plant roots to the atmosphere. A spray or misting device is used to deliver the fertilizer solution to the roots of the plants. Small plants like lettuce, herbs, and microgreens are frequently grown using this kind of setup.
A form of hydroponic system known as a closed soilless culture system grows plants’ roots in a soilless material like coconut coir or rockwool. Using a drip or flood and drain system, the nutrient solution is given to the plant roots. Larger plants like tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers are frequently grown using this kind of arrangement.
As a result, an open hydroponic system is a variety of hydroponic system in which the nutrient solution is continuously flowing and the surplus solution is not recycled. Contrary to closed hydroponic systems, which recirculate the nutrient solution, this method does not. Hydroponic systems can be divided into four basic categories: deep water culture, nutrient film technology, drip irrigation, and ebb and flow. Furthermore, there are various varieties of soilless culture methods, including closed and open culture systems. You may select the ideal hydroponic system for your unique needs and tastes by being aware of the various varieties available.
Yes, photosynthesis requires light for plants to develop, however in hydroponics, direct sunshine is not always required. You can use artificial grow lights to give plants the light spectrum they need to grow. This makes hydroponics a flexible and adaptable method of growing since it enables its use inside or in locations with little natural light.