Plant and Garden Reference Information

Continuous Flow Hydroponics

In addition to static solution, another planting method that does not require soil is continuous flow hydroponics. This method is much like static solution culture where nutrient solution delivers the required elements to each plant for growth. However, the solution flows regularly rather than remaining stagnant.

In a continuous flow hydroponics system, the planting area is installed at a slight slope so that solution delivered to the top of the planting area will flow at a rate of approximately 1 liter per minute to the other end. This allows the constant even delivery of well aerated nutrient solution to plant roots.

The continuous flow hydroponics setup requires a pump to deliver water to the higher end of the planting bed. This may be an external or submersible water pump. It should be noted that the flow of water through the bed should not exceed 2 liters per minute as this will not allow enough time for adequate absorption of nutrients by the plant roots.

Timers may be used to automate the delivery of nutrients into the water as well as the solution to the planting bed. However, unless the setup continually drains and fills with fresh water then the reservoir should be drained and refilled regularly.