There are different types of farming methods we are practicing under modern farming. One is the concept of hydroponics. Hydroponics is growing plants in a nutrient solution or an inert medium without soil. There are different types of hydroponic systems. Irrigation water is the nutrient supplier to these both systems. Hydroponic is not like other greenhouse systems. High production knowledge, technical skills, financial investment and experience are must to use this method because it is highly demanding system.
When hydroponic farm is set in a vertical manner, such a vertical farming method is known as vertical hydroponics. This system use water efficiently up to 90 percent. In here, there is a top to bottom water flow. So, gravity plays a major role in this system.
Types of Vertical Hydroponic Systems
There are several kinds of vertical hydroponic systems.
Vertical hydroponic tower
In here, tube is connected to a small water source at the bottom of the tower. Then water pump to the top of the hydroponic tower by hydroponic pump. Then water bring down to the water source due to the effect of gravity. This is doing under control. It delivers nutrients also to the plant. There is only one tube and there can be numerous channels to supply water and nutrient to the plant. Plants are growing in cups which make by net with 45 degrees of angle. Then water can flow easily through plant roots.
Zig-zag Vertical hydroponic System
Vertical hydroponic system called Zig-zag also another kind of vertical hydroponic systems. Pipes arrange in a zig-zag shape with in this method. Holes are there on the pipes. The net cups holding the plants are in those holes. This Net cup is placing with 90-degree angle. First, water pump to the top and begin to down flow within the system. At the indoor system, light is concerned. Because of that multiple light panels arranged on top of pipes. Light is providing in equal manner due to their arrangement.
Stacked hydroponic set up, a frame hydroponic system, zig-zag hydroponic system, rain tower hydroponic set up, vertical gutter garden are few simple hydroponic systems.
Advantages of vertical hydroponic
Optimal use of space and optimal results: –
In here, numerous plants can grow than in a conventional soil setting. More plants can grow in a less space. There will be high growth with adequate lighting and selective nutrients.
No necessity of soil: –
Most pest and diseases are invited due to the soil. Hydroponic systems don’t use soil. Withing the system, it is easy to supply water due to the absence of soil and makes the tower lighter. Also, it is easy to control weed. So, there is no need of weeding.
Automatic maintenance and reduced wastage: –
The water and nutrients inside the tube stay without any spilling. Also, it reuses nutrients and water until they reach to the zero point of use. So vertical hydroponic system ensures minimal wastage and optimal usage.
Compact design: –
This system has a larger capacity of production and small space occupancy due to the design. So, there is a very compact form.
Disadvantages of vertical hydroponic
Supplying light: –
Light is very essential on a hydroponic system. It is easy to tackle light when setting up this system outside. But, in indoors system it is trickier. There is a equal amounts of light and distance requirement for all the levels of plants. So separate light panels should place to solve this problem.
Numerous requirements of resources: –
Although, production of this system is high, utilization of resources is also costly. The water system, the light panels, monitoring the water reservoir are increasing cost and time also.
Water flow difficulties: –
The water needs to be delivered in a vertical form because the plants are grown in one above the other in this system. So, water should send to the top. This is done against to the gravity force and it requires high power pumps. If the water flowing is not constantly happened water is collected at the bottommost. Then it will badly affect to the plants which are below.