Non-circulating Hydroponics

As I peruse hydroponic sites on the web I am surprised at the lack of attention non-circulating
hydroponics is receiving. Global climate as it is, it’s amazing more growers aren’t trialing this method.

How long, with current energy conditions as they are, before we consciously realize, “mmmm… I’m using an awful lot of power” to produce that? The trialing of additional crop varieties, by professional growers, to commercially improve an already very sound, effective means of growing is necessary to bring this method to greater awareness and even higher levels operating efficiency.

Non-circulating hydroponics is not new. It’s conceptionally been used since the early Egyptians and Mayan empires. Presently, however, there are few commercial non-circulating hydroponic nurseries available as examples for others. The few that are available, however, should be examined and improved upon as a viable, inexpensive and resource saving method of hydroponic growing.

Specific cost breakdowns vary, but it doesn’t take an accountant to realize the savings. Depending on greenhouse square footage, initial investment in some circulating hydroponic operations can be staggering. Coupled with increasing utility and labor expenses, eventual ROI is uncertain. Non-circulating hydroponic set up costs are decreased substantially since pumps, irrigation pipes and tubing, timers, moisture sensors, etc. are not used. Initial investments to cover greenhouses, beds, and supplies for a non-circulating hydroponic operation realize returns at a much faster rate, with product quality of similar comparison.

The quality and cleanliness of hydroponic growing is clearly evident. Keeping the spotlight on non-circulating hydroponics is important for everyone. Enabling smaller growers a cost efficient and effective means of hydroponically growing will benefit not only the livelihood of families who grow but our local economy as well.