Fundamentally hydroponics is dissolving plant food in water and applying it to the roots of plants, and allowing the roots to breathe.

Below are some of the ways this can be done.

Static Pool Technique

Here the roots of the plants dangle into a pool of nutrient solution. The air gap above the nutrient solution is where the roots are able to breathe.

Aerated Pool Technique

With this technique air is bubbled into the nutrient solution. This increases the oxygen content and it prevents the solution from becoming stagnant.

Aerated Deep Flow Technique

Here the nutrient solution is aerated as it flows through a system.

Ebb & Flow Technique

The level of the nutrient solution rises and falls, like the tides. Alternating between feeding the roots and allowing them to breath. The timing of the cycle can vary depending on various factors.

Nutrient Film Technique

Here a thin stream of nutrient flows across a gulley or tube where the roots of plants are growing.

Periodic Wave

Here a wave of nutrient solution floods over the roots of plants periodically. The timing of the cycle varies depending on a number of factors.

Drip Technique

Here nutrient solution is dripped onto the roots of plants. This works much like drip irrigation systems, but with nutrient added to the water.

Spray Feeding

Here the nutrient solution is applied in a fine spray.

Fog Feed

Here nutrient solution in the form of a very fine mist is applied to the roots of plants.