Hydroponic Technology
Fun Dive Into Deep Water Culture
We foray into DWC — an active form of hydroponics.
“Grow food without soil.” Since its rise in popularity, hydroponics has made many bold claims. These claims were amidst great devastation at the time.
Soil mismanagement caused the Dust Bowl in the early 20th century. And its crop failures hastened the Great Depression. Of course, people’s ears would perk up.
Half of habitable land on Earth is now used for farming. Important coalitions like the Save Soil movement advocate for building healthy soils. Yet we have a growing population of 8.1 billion people on Earth. We continue to disrupt habitat for human sprawl, and our food demands keep growing.
At some point, we need to consider sustainability and more ways to grow food. We could grow in empty lots throughout towns. Install rooftop gardens. Hydroponics offers us another option, as well. Let’s swim deeper into the subject of Deep Water Culture.
Active vs Passive Hydroponics
Do you recall our past discussions? We covered two main types of passive hydroponics — the Kratky and the Wicking methods. Passive hydroponics means there is no water circulation.
Passive hydroponics tends to have a lower cost of entry. Whereas, active hydroponics can have better yields and longevity. Also, active forms of hydroponics allow you to grow bigger plants faster. Yet, active systems cost more while being more manageable.
Active hydroponics means to circulate the water. Some brands offer pre-built, all-in-one units. With some research, creativity, and substitutions, you could build one for less cost.
Deep Water Culture
So, what is DWC? Deep water culture relies on hanging plant baskets on a nutrient solution. Believe it or not, roots need air, too. In soil, there are air pockets.
Not only do plants need oxygen, but they need water and nutrients. The reservoir contains these in a DWC setup. Most plants prefer a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Add your nutrients to the solution, then you want to balance your pH.
Plants don’t spend as much energy growing vast root systems when they get what they need from the solution. It can cut grow cycle times in half. A leafy green that takes two months to grow in soil could yield in a month like this.
You have a few cons with Deep Water Culture. Variables fluctuate, like temperature and pH, more in smaller systems. And if the power shuts off, your plants could suffocate in low-oxygen water. Consider your needs when deciding which type of system is right for you.
Make a DWC System
Could you make a cheaper system than a prebuilt one? Do you like the challenge of doing it yourself? Regardless, one may find the components readily available and assemble them.
If you want to build an active system, DWC is one of the easier choices. But you will need a few things to get started. You will need the following:
- A reservoir like a tote or 5-gallon bucket — food grade.
- Air Pump
- Air Stone
- Air Lining
- Drill
- Grow Lights (optional)
- Hole Saw
- Hydroponic Nutrients
- Hygrometer
- Net Cups
- pH/PPM meter
- Substrates like LECA or coco coir
Putting the pieces together should be simple. Cut a circle in the reservoir lid smaller than the basket lip. Fit the basket(s) in the lid.
Fill the reservoir with enough water to touch the bottom of the net pot. Attach the airstone to the air pump with the tubing. Plug the pump up to electricity and place the stone in the water.
Add your nutrients to the water according to their instructions for seedlings. Mix it and balance the pH as needed.
Fit the lid and fill the pots part of the way with a substrate. Place seedlings and fill the substrate around them. Their roots should be fine as long as the water remains oxygenated by the air stone.
Some great crops to grow in hydroponics. These include beans, herbs, leafy greens, strawberries, and tomatoes. A tree is too large for DWC hydroponics. Try experimenting with dwarf varieties of things to see what works for you.
Final Thoughts
When presented with a problem, it makes sense to invest in several solutions. On one front, we should protect and rebuild our soils. On another front, we could use less land by growing our food indoors or on water.
While Kratky and Wick Systems cost less to install, DWC requires less upkeep over time. It has upsides like reducing yield times and being easier to assemble. But, it requires electricity and could experience fluctuations.
Buy a premade unit if you want to plug and play. If you want to be technical or frugal, make your own. Either way, you are now equipped with the knowledge to do so.
If you have considered hydroponics, now you know more about one type of active system. So, have you already tried passive systems? Deep Water Culture is a great way to dip your toes in the water with active hydroponics. May this fuel your curiosity and spark new ideas for a more sustainable humanity.
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