Air is incredibly good for plants. The more oxygen that a plant gets access to, the healthier and faster the plant will grow. Aeroponics is mainly distinguished through the minimization of support features, maximizing exposure to the air. The less physical contact between the plant and the support structure, the more opportunity there is for the roots to absorb oxygen.
The increased aeration within mist-form nutrient solution also delivers higher levels of oxygen to the plants’ roots. This stimulates growth and prevents diseases or pathogens from taking hold. Clean air is an excellent purifier for plants and the aeroponic environment.
Plants growing through aeroponics get all their needs met through nutrient-rich mist, directly applied to the naked roots. To hold the root structure and plants in place, pieces of foam or support collars are used around the bases or stems. These collars must be firm enough to stabilize the plant, without holding it so tightly that it can’t grow. A common design in aeroponics involves an elevated platform, where plants hang over a reservoir of water. Pumps and sprinklers turn the contained water into a mist, adding a nutrient solution in order to feed the plants. These misters apply the exact necessary moisture directly to each crop’s root zone. Plants who are getting water exactly where and when they need it (in their root zone), require less water and growing room in order to maximize their health and happiness. In places where water is scarce, aquaponics can make a massive difference. Some research studies have shown that aeroponics can reduce water usage up to 95% when compared to traditional irrigation.
There are several minerals that are absolutely essential to happy, thriving plants in Aeroponics. In addition to oxygen, healthy plants will need:
- Calcium
- Nitrogen
- Phosphorous
- Potassium
- Magnesium
- Sulfur
PH
The pH of the reservoir is also incredibly important. Individual plants will have varying preferred pH levels. However, aeroponics in general favors a slightly more acidic environment, somewhere around a pH of 6, with the safe range being anywhere between 5 and 7. This is very important to keep in mind when introducing new water to the system. This can be tested with digital or paper tests and adjusted with additives. You can find a basic pH up and down solution on Amazon, or your local garden store.
EC
The electrical conductivity, or EC, of your reservoir can give you special insights into how your plants are doing. Plants are designed to only absorb what they need, at the time that they need it. In colder months, plants typically absorb more nutrients than they do water, and vice versa when it’s warmer. Any alterations in your reservoir’s temperature will mimic the cycle of cold and warm months, and may affect how your plants start to prioritize, and in turn, affect the water’s pH. Too many nutrients and not enough water can lead to leaf-burn, and too much water with less nutrients can slow plant growth. Plants grow best when exposed to a constant level of EC. If during a cycle, you find the EC readings are low, then the plant isn’t taking in enough nutrients or the solution you’re using isn’t strong enough. When the EC readings go higher, the nutrient solution is too strong, and may need to be diluted.
