Aeroponics
What Is Aeroponics?
Aeroponics is a system of growing plants. The roots are suspended in air and the nutrients solution is delivered to the roots by a fine mist or spray.
How Do Aeroponics Systems Work?
The plant roots are suspended in the air, where they get maximum exposure to oxygen.
The plants are suspended in place by a frame at the top of an enclosure using either small baskets or foam plugs that grasp the stems gently but firmly. This allows the roots to grow unobstructed into the chamber below while the crowns grow upward.
The root chamber is an enclosed container that needs to keep out light while keeping humidity in. But allows fresh air to enter so the roots will be sure to have plenty of oxygen.
The nutrient solution is pumped from a reservoir through the misters or sprayers at regular intervals so the roots are from drying out. In advanced systems, the sprinklers are set to come on for several seconds and then turned off for a few minutes, so this on-off cycle will occur hundreds of times a day.
Why Choose An Aeroponics System?
Plants grow very quickly in an aeroponics system. With air as the medium, roots have greater access to growth-stimulating oxygen than other systems provide. By growing plants in the air, there’s no resistance for the roots. They don’t need to use up any energy struggling to push their roots through a physical medium.
Another advantage of aeroponics is that it allows for high-density planting.
What Are The Disadvantages of Aeroponics?
The technical requirements are more demanding than other hydroponics systems. The systems are more expensive.
Aeroponics systems require more monitoring and maintenance, you will need to keep a close eye on the water pressure and output of the mister heads, as they tend to become clogged by the buildup of minerals in the nutrient solution.
They are more vulnerable to power outages because an outage can cause the root to dry out due to no spray or mist.
Despite these challenges, aeroponics systems can be a very rewarding way to grow plants, and many home growers have had great success!
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