How it works

The roots of the plants are not permanently under water. From time to time, they are flooded, thus receiving the main nutrients necessary for healthy solid growth. After a specific period of time, the water withdraws and the drain-phase of the system begins. In fact the hydroponics flood and drain pot system consists of a tide-like movement of the nutrient solution, containing a flux and a reflux movement. How safe and useful is this system for the plants as such? Studies have shown that this is perhaps one of the most largely used systems in hydroponics.

In such hydroponics flood and drain pot systems the pump is usually submersible. The timer controls the cycle of the system. Usually, three quarters of the plants’ medium is flooded. Once the water level has reached the desired level, it is pulled back to the reservoir often simply using the gravity force. The cycle frequency very much depends on the dimensions of the recipient, more precisely its depth. Standard flood and drain systems are pretty shallow, not more than 15 centimeters. But there are also deep flood and drain equipments, where the cycle frequency is reduced given the longer amount of time it takes for the medium to dry.

The system’s weak spot

Ingenious and helpful as it may be, the hydroponics flood and drain pot systems run one major risk. Given the fact that it entirely depends on electricity, in case the power supply is damaged the entire system is compromised, and your project fails. In order to prevent such situations it is recommended that you take some supplementary precaution measures using some alternative power supplies, such as batteries or secondary generators. Thus in case one part of the system breaks down, adjacent elements would be able to take over and support the life cycle.