What Is Aeroponics?

Aeroponics is an advanced variation of hydroponics, where the plants are suspended in the air; its roots hang down and are periodically sprayed with water from a timed irrigation system connected to a main nutrient reservoir.

This soilless growing method is best for plants that need more oxygenation, as aeroponic roots are not damaged by dense soil or thick growing media. Depending on the plant and the specific type of aeroponic system, the grower generally uses little or no growing medium.

In aeroponics, a specially designed pump and spray system are immersed in the water and nutrient solution and programmed to release tiny water mists at the plant roots throughout the day.

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Since the roots will have more access to oxygen and moisture in an aeroponic system, they generally grow and yield much more than traditional growing methods. It also generally uses less water over time, as excess water not absorbed by the roots drains back into the nutrient tank, and the mist allows for higher nutrient concentrations with less liquid.

Most hydroponically powered plants will grow in an aeroponic system, from leafy greens and herbs to tomatoes, cucumbers, and strawberries, but with added benefits.

Due to the exposed root qualities of aeroponic systems, tubers such as potatoes, which would otherwise be unsuitable for hydroponic systems, will thrive as they will have more room to grow and are easier to harvest.

How does aeroponics work?

The seeds are planted somewhere where they will stay in place, such as foam pieces, tubes, or donuts, which are then placed in small pots or a perforated panel with a tank filled with nutrient solution underneath.

The panel elevates plants so they are exposed to natural (or artificial) light and circulating air, providing light at the top and nutrient mist at the bottom, and a wrap around the roots helps retain moisture.

A timed pump is located inside the tank or reservoir, pumping the solution up and through spray nozzles that spray the roots, and the excess liquid drains directly down through an outlet chamber into the reservoir. At the next timed interval, the complete cycle begins again.

Types of aeroponics

There are two types of aeroponics in common use: low pressure and high pressure. Low pressure is the most used by domestic producers because it is low cost, easy to assemble and its components are easier to find.

However, this type of aeroponic generally uses a plastic spray nozzle and a typical fountain pump to deliver nutrients, so the size of the droplets is not exact and can sometimes waste more water.

In aeroponic systems where the nutrient solution is continuously recycled, pH measurements must be taken regularly to ensure that the plants absorb enough nutrients.

High pressure aeroponics, on the other hand, delivers nutrients through a highly pressurized nozzle that can deliver smaller water droplets to create more oxygen in the root zone than low pressure techniques. It is more efficient, but much more expensive to install, which is why it tends to be reserved for commercial production rather than hobbyists.

High-pressure systems typically spray for 15 seconds every 3 to 5 minutes, while low-pressure systems can spray for 5 straight minutes every 12 minutes. Experienced growers adjust the spray interval based on the time of day and water more often at night, when the plants are less focused on photosynthesis and more focused on nutrient uptake.

With both types, the tank solution is kept in a temperature range between 60 F and 70 F to maximize the absorption rate of the plant. If the water gets too hot, it is more susceptible to algae and bacteria growth, but if it gets too cold, the plants can start to shut down and not absorb as many nutrients as they would at an ideal temperature.