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.