Back 2 Basics Part Vier!

Hi! Today's article will explain the basic fundamental principles involved with the hydroponics method normally referred to as the "ebb & flo(w)" or "flood (fill) & drain" technique.

The "ebb & flo" method can be one of the most simplistic types of hydroponics gardening styles to implement and control because of it's intrinsic unsophisticated nature. This comparative ease of application should not mask the possible beneficial production advantages.

The basis for these systems is to have (a) growing tray(s) or channel(s) that hold(s) the growing media into which the fertilizer nutrient solution is forced using gravity or an appropriate pump. This influx of ion-rich liquid subsequently forces air out of the growing media and when the pump stops, the nutrient drains out to a level determined by the relative positioning of the transfer fittings with fresh oxygenated air being sucked back into the substrate. The nutrient juice flow is cycled using a timer adjusted according to the specific growth stage requirements and atmospheric conditions present.

The exact liquid levels achieved are dependent on the placement of the fill & drain fittings as seen in the series of diagrams.

The 1st diagram represents a system in which there is only 1 fitting where the nutrient is pumped in to a level determined by the power of the pump, and when the pump shuts off, all the nutrient is allowed to drain out.

The next picture shows the same basic setup, but a "riser" is attached to the fill/drain fitting to keep a certain level of liquid in the tray. This can be used where infrequent waterings are desirable, but less concentrated solution should be used to prevent toxicity if the level is allowed to decrease greatly due to evapo-transpiration.

The 3rd diagram shows a system where a second fitting is used to control the maximum level to which the pump is allowed to raise the solution before it is drained.

The 4th drawing is basically the same as the 3rd, but the drain level is increased as with graphic #2.

The last representation exhibits a style where, according to the fittings used, a given amount of nutrient solution is expelled each cycle. This allows for use of fresh fertilizer each time, thereby decreasing the risk of imbalances, but the cost is accounting for environmental runoff. This runoff should be managed as with used nutrient solution from a recycling system where the excess solution should be used to fertilize other crops to prevent environmental damage.

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