Passive Hydroponic Systems use capillary action to draw water through the planting medium. Systems included in passive hydroponics are reservoir systems, wicking systems, and capillary mat systems.
In a reservoir system plants are grown in containers containing a combination of growing medium. Fast draining media like leca, or perlite are usually on the bottom of the containers and the top portion is filled with a hydroponic mix such as a vermiculite/perlite mixture, or peat moss mixes (Pro Mix, Sunshine Mix).
The planted containers are then put into a reservoir. Almost any tray can be used as a reservoir. Tupperware storage bins or kids swimming pools make good and affordable reservoirs.
Water/nutrient solution is manually poured into the reservoir which contain the plants. This solution is replenished by the gardener as the plants need it. This is a system that requires daily monitoring so as not to let the plants dry out.
A capillary mat is about 1/4″ thick and are made from coco or soft polyester. This mat has great wicking ability. When containers are placed on the mat it compresses. This indent is below the water level allowing plants to draw up the solution as they need it. Less water is put into the reservoir and daily monitoring is recommended.
In a wick system the plant container is held above a reservoir. Lengths of wicking material hang from holes in the bottom of the plant container. The other ends of the wicking material hang into a reservoir filled with the water/nutrient solution. Capillary action draws water up the wick to the roots The wick system is self regulating, and the amount of water delivered to the plants depends on the amount of water lost through evaporation and transpiration. As long as the reservoir has water, the plants are being watered.
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