Basic Concepts of Hydroponics...
There are 6 basic types of hydroponic systems; Wick, Water Culture, Ebb and Flow (Flood & Drain), Drip (recovery or non-recovery), N.F.T. (Nutrient Film Technique) and Aeroponic.
There are hundreds of variations on these basic types of systems, but all hydroponic methods are a variation (or combination) of these six.
Ebb and flow- Simple, reliable and the most common way to grow plants hydroponically. A nutrient reservoir periodically fills the grow tray to hydrate the soilless grow substrate, providing nourishment to the plants.
Aeroponics- Plant roots are suspended in air within a grow tray while roots are misted by a high-pressure pump providing a super oxygenated environment to the root system, thus achieving accelerated growth rates. Plants also excel by being propagated this way. This is a great feed method for rapid growth rates and for the inspection of bare plant roots.
Top Feed Drip- Emits nutrient solution through drip lines during periodic intervals. The grow substrate generally will hold more air space than an ebb and flow system and is also more desirable because of its smaller reservoir.
Nutrient Film Technique (N.F.T.)- An oxygen rich nutrient solution runs along the bottom of a grow channel forming a thin nutrient film solution allowing long roots to feed and upper roots to breathe oxygen. This method is popular with lettuce gardens.
Deep Flow- Roots are growing in a constant deep flow of super oxygenated nutrient solution. This is a great system for cooler environments and for growing lettuce and gardens on a floating raft board.
Passive Container Garden- This method is ideal for gardeners to grow lush healthy plants without having to water very frequently. A soilless grow substrate is used to allow the substrate to sit in the nutrient solution without getting water logged like conventional potting soil.
The system the gardener chooses to grow with will ultimately depend on their particular gardening needs and requirements.
Here are some helpful links
Simply Hydroponics - Replace bulb
Home Hydroponics - Virginia Cooperative Extension
Hydroponics - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia