If you’re used to simply growing plants in pots, whether indoors or out, terms like “hydroponics” and “deep water culture” might sound like straight science fiction to you.
But they are actual terms that describe real systems and techniques used to grow plants without conventional growing media.
And, on top of that, deep water culture hydroponics offer some serious advantages over traditional techniques. Here’s what you should know.
What Is a Deep Water Culture Hydroponic System?
In a deep water culture (also known as DWC) system, a plant’s roots are suspended in an aqueous solution that carries both nutrients and oxygen.
The reason it is possible to grow plants with their roots exposed directly to the water is because in a DWC system, the water is heavily oxygenated with an air pump and air stone.
If the water were not oxygenated adequately, the plants would drown, so that is a very important distinction to draw.
One of the most critical elements of a deep water culture system is that sufficient oxygenation protocols are in place to ensure optimal delivery and to prevent the plants from drowning.
In addition, this aqueous solution also carries the nutrients directly to the plants’ roots. Rather than relying on a solid or liquid fertilizer applied to the soil, it is mixed directly into the water with which the plants’ roots are in contact.
One of the reasons these systems are called “deep water” systems is because enough water is used that you can measure out the nutrients needed and the volume of water should maintain the balance (with appropriate monitoring) without the need to make frequent adjustments. Some systems can also be automated.
It’s not that the system is physically “deep” as the name suggests, but that the volume of water is such that monitoring and maintaining the optimal nutrient balance is streamlined.
In addition, because the plants’ roots are exposed directly to the water, you never need to keep to a watering schedule so long as your hydroponic system is functioning as intended; plants will draw water through their roots as needed.
What Are the Advantages of Deep Water Culture Systems?
As you might imagine, there are numerous benefits associated with deep water hydroponic systems:
- Because the plants’ roots are in contact with water, you can never “forget” to water.
- The solution makes it possible to maintain an optimal balance of nutrient density and streamlines delivery.
- Optimal growing conditions help plants grow faster and produce bigger yields.
- Even though it might not seem like it, DWC systems actually waste less water than traditional setups because you can recirculate the water.
- DWC systems are associated with fairly low maintenance costs.
- They are among the most beginner-friendly and cost-effective hydroponic
Where Can I Get Hydroponic Growing Accessories?
If you’re kicking around the idea of starting a deep water culture system at home, make AC Infinity the first place you look. They carry a wide range of hydroponic growing accessories and other tools for indoor growers. Visit their website and get in touch with them if you have any questions.
