| abstract |
Hybrid hydroponic plant growing systems are designed specifically for urban home, community and small farm gardening without the need for arable soil or broadcast irrigation. The innovative hybrid hydroponic systems provide a “hybrid” growing environment including a limited, containerized amount of soil-like growing media combined with soluble fertilizer creating a hydroponic nutrient solution. The use of containerized growing media allows the units to be utilized regardless of the availability of arable soil, irrigation water, or runoff capacity. Multiple hydroponic techniques, such as drip system, nutrient wicking, ebb-and-flow, and/or deep water culture are combined to optimize plant nutrition at different stages of plant growth. Incremental fertilization, water monitoring, and drain systems are designed for easy use by non-professional gardeners. Water recirculation minimizes water use and fertilizer runoff. The units are easily adapted to solar and other off-grid power techniques. |