Indoor Farming Irrigation Systems

Irrigation Systems

Irrigation is critical for plants to meet their water and nutrient needs. Within an indoor or vertical farm, there are basically two main irrigation systems to choose from: Hydroponics or Aeroponics.

Hydroponics

Hydroponics is the most known and developed system and can also be applied in greenhouses. We can split hydroponics into four irrigation principles:

Ebb & Flow
In the Ebb & Flow system, the benches are filled with water. The plants with susbstrate absorb the water after which the bench is drained again.
NFT (nutrient film technology)
This system is often used in greenhouses as well and is therefore a proven system. There is a constant thin layer of water flowing through a gutter, which continuously supplies water and nutrients to the plants.
DWC (Deep water culture) (only in a single layer set-up)
This system is based on the principle that plants are floating on a pond which provides nutrients. The key idea is that there is a biological balance being created in the pond.
Shallow water system
As a DWC system cannot be applied in a multilayer setup an alternative has been created to have a small layer of water in a bench. This is basically a middle ground between NFT and DWC.

Some projects are based on aquaponics, which is a combination of fish- and vegetable production with an interconnected water system that utlilizes the feces of the fish as nutrients for the plants.

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Aeroponics

Aeroponics is another well-known method of irrigation. Aeroponics is a method of supplying water and nutrients to the roots of the plants by mist. Small particles of water are sprayed onto the roots and stick to the them. The advantage of this system is that, in addition to access to water, the roots also have access to oxygen, and this ensures better development. An other positive effect of this system is that water supply is minimal, so less water has to be circulated.

Of course, the Aeroponics system also has some disadvantages. First of all, the system is rather sensitive to power shortages, as there is no water reserve for the plants. Secondly, maintenance of the system is crucial as, for instance, a blocked nozzle can have a huge effect on the output of the system.

Please get in touch with us to discuss the different options and their associated pros and cons.

Indoor Farming Irrigation Systems

Irrigation Systems

Hydroponics

Do you want to know more about irrigation systems in indoor farming?

Do you want to know more about irrigation systems in indoor farming?

Aeroponics

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