Also known as Flood and Drain system, it is a common method of hydroponics. This system promotes healthy root growth by periodically pumping nutrient solution to the plant’s roots and then draining it, allowing the plant to alternate between wet and dry conditions. It is mainly composed of food-grade ABS trays and nutrient solution circulation system (including a nutrient solution tank, circulation pump, pipeline, etc.).
HOW IT WORKS?
● Flood phase
■ There are conveying pipes on both sides of each plant bed, with a pump installed at the front end of the pipes. An automatic irrigation controller manages the nutrient solution from the fertilization system to the plant bed to ensure the flooding is completed within a certain time.
● Ebb phase
■ When the flood pump stops working, after the plants are irrigated, the automatic irrigation controller manages the return pump to send the nutrient solution back to the return tank.
ADVANTAGES
1. Water-saving: Completely closed system cycle can reach 90% water utilization rate.
2. Time-saving: Speeds up the planting schedule by days compared to traditional methods.
3. Adequate root oxygen: During the drainage phase, the roots are exposed to the air and can absorb sufficient oxygen to help prevent root hypoxia.
4. Reduce disease risk: Regular wet and dry alternation helps prevent root disease and rot.
5. Low management cost: Whether manually operated or assisted by a microcomputer controller, one person can complete the irrigation of 0.2 to 0.5ha of seedlings in 20 to 30 minutes.
Suitable for growing vegetables (examples)
● Tomatoes
●Strawberries
●Cucumbers
●Leafy vegetables such as mustard, spinach and bok choy
●Herbs such as basil and pesto
●Roses
●Carnations
●Tulips
●Succulents
Ebb and Flow systems are suitable for growing a variety of vegetables and fruits, especially those that require a higher water and nutrient supply. It is also suitable for planting flowers, providing a stable and favorable growth environment, thereby increasing the quality and quantity of flowers while improving planting efficiency.
Learn what hydroponic grow channels are used for, how NFT growing channels work, and where they fit in modern hydroponic equipment and hydroponic growing systems.
