Mike Straumietis Talks About the Drip System
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The Drip System as Explained by Mike Straumietis
Mike Straumietis of Advanced Nutrients says the drip system is the most commercially viable option for hydroponically grown plants. It is also the most popular.
In drip systems, individual pots are used for plants. Mike Straumietis explains that the water from the reservoir is connected to these plants by a network of tubing. Pressure to the water supply can be applied in two ways: through a regular water pump or by gravity.
Each plant gets at least one drip emitter, which is ideal. These emitters allow you to control water flow since you can set different flow levels for various plants. This feature of control adds to the overall versatility of the system. The flow of water and nutrients to the plants has to be regulated in this system. Also, remember that the growing media needs enough time to breathe between flows.
If the drip system is uncontrolled, it may flood and drown the plants. This is why a timer system is needed to regulate the amount of water and nutrients flowing into the plants. In drip systems, the pump is normally operated several times a day.
The system also requires planning and effort in the early stages. However, after the drip lines are installed, the system can do its job with minimal oversight.
According to Mike Straumietis, drip systems have two main methods based on how you treat excess water. They are recirculating or recovery systems and non-circulating or non-recovery systems.
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The excess water left behind in the medium can flow back into the reservoir in recirculating systems. This system is used for smaller drip hydroponic setups such as ones found in homes.
Recirculating systems are more efficient. That said, it also has some issues. Take, for instance, when the wastewater flows back to the reservoir, the pH level of the reservoir water is affected. To prevent this, periodic maintenance for recovery systems explains Mike Straumietis.
For non-circulating systems, excess water is allowed to run off as waste. It is normally not very desirable to waste water and nutrients like this. That said since drip systems are very conservative, wastage is relatively less.
Commercial growers with bigger gardens choose this setup. They can use timers to have maximum control over the water flow, which can also keep run-off to a minimum. In addition, it requires less maintenance to the reservoir water compared to recirculating systems.
Mike Straumietis is the Founder and CEO of Advanced Nutrients. For more on Mike and Advanced Nutrients, click here.
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