How to Let Gravity Irrigate Your Crops

Is it really that easy? No, according to the laws of physics, you can't just let gravity irrigate your hydroponics garden. But there are some clever ways to use gravity to feed plants better. Let's look at some of what growers are used to doing with tray table drip systems and other kinds of hydroponics grow spaces.

Using Trickle-Down Systems

In economics, it's controversial, but in hydroponic gardens, trickle-down works. Growers often set up a vertical frame with descending tables, trays or buckets, and the pump the water up to the very top. The water then flows down, just like in a fountain you'd see outside of the restaurant or in a shopping center. It irrigates each bucket in sequence, so that plants get the water and nutrients they need to thrive.

Tray Table Designs

Another attractive gravity-fed idea is to set up a table at just a very slight incline. Then you pump the water to the top of the table. What happens is, due to the very shallow slope, the water moves down the pan and eventually into the drain where it gets saved in the reservoir for the next irrigation cycle.

As it goes, it spends time with each plant’s roots. Again, plants are slightly tilted so that the top plants get water first, etc. and then the water drains down to the bottom. Growers may use certain types of filters with materials like coco coir, rockwool, perlite, or other materials in addition to the sterile media they use for plant pots.

Some of these systems also do well outside in natural light. You can have a kind of ‘hybrid’ operation where you use the natural resources like natural light and heat, but use hydroponics to irrigate plant roots. This is an entirely viable way of gardening, as is hydroponic greenhousing and indoor grow box systems.

For more on each of these types of strategies, check out what Dealzer offers growers. We have over 5000 pieces of equipment available to order, and we stand behind their products with warranties and excellent support. Take a look at our blogs and catalog pages to better understand how hydroponics works in the 21^st century.