Aeration of an Ebb and Flood system is an important aspect of its operation; automatic displacement eliminates air which has been de-oxygenated by the roots as the water rises to its highest flood stage; when the pump turns back off, gravity pulling the water back downward re-exposes the space around the roots to atmospheric pressure, which re-fills the voids in the medium.
Photo: hydroponics.net
The film of water left around the roots during Ebb has a high surface to mass ratio which means that even as the roots absorb oxygen, its high surface area facilitates re-oxygenation which can sustain the roots as long as their surfaces remain damp; the high oxygen content of water filmed this way suppresses most harmful lifeforms keeping the root zones disease free; a function that must be performed by cooling the solution in other types of hydroponics, to protect it from pythium, a form of water mold responsible for a condition called 'root rot'; wherein the outer cells of the roots die, turn brown, and slough off when handled. Need for supplementary oxygenation using air pumps is also eliminated which increases reliability; and reduces complexity.
Ebb and Flow hydroponic systems are also quiet, while using less power than other hydroponic systems which means that they can be used in environments where acoustic signature and excessive plumbing is objectionable, such as residential or classroom applications where space is at a premium.
Aeration in Ebb and flow Hydroponic
6:32 AM
ThanateTan
