At present, the concept of hydroponic drip irrigation system is somehow starting to gain ground among garden enthusiasts. Questions about it are also starting to build up, which is why this article is written to provide you the answers to some of the questions that have been raised. This article will also help you have a better understanding of what hydroponic drip is all about.
So what is a hydroponic drip system? There are a lot of types of hydroponic techniques and the drip irrigation system is one of it. The drip irrigation system is the most commonly used hydroponic technique, because of its simplicity and effectiveness in plant cultivation. In this system, plant nutrition is provided on a pre-determined basis by the use of a timer that controls the submerged pump.
This pump is connected to a main tube that further branches out into smaller tubes from where plant nutrients are being distributed unto the base of each plant. The nutrients will then tickle into the grow media, into the roots and finally into the reservoir. To get a better picture of it, just think of your homes drip system and add a little bit of twist of hydroponics to it then you have a hydroponic drip irrigation system.
What are the benefits and advantages we can get from this hydroponic drip irrigation system? Generally, many farmers are now using the drip system in commercial facilities engaging in long-term and quantity cultivation of specific crops like tomatoes, potatoes and other vegetables. But nowadays, many home growers are immerging and increasingly taking advantage of hydroponic drip irrigation system in home-based farming. Here are some of the advantages you can get:
1.Plenty of aeration since the roots are neither totally submerged nor totally dried out. However, you have to experiment to get the right combination and get the nutrients delivered effectively.
2.Nutrients are delivered exactly where you want them, thus promoting cost-efficiency and rapid growth of plants.
3.Nutrients can also be recycled with the use of recovery type of hydroponic drip irrigation system.

There are basically two types of hydroponic drip irrigation system for hydroponic cultivation. We have the recovery method that allows for more efficient use of nutrients with its recycling characteristic. With this type, you can use cheaper timer since it does not demand precise control over the watering cycles. But the hassle here is that you need to monitor closely from time to time since wide shifts in nutrients and pH levels can happen anytime.
Another type is the non-recovery hydroponic drip system which requires a more expensive yet more precise timer. With this, you can ensure that the plant nutrients are delivered on the precise times and quantities, which will help in reducing runoff and wastage. You can also let the system operate automatically. You just need to fill the reservoir with the right pH-adjusted nutrient, set the timer, and let it do its work. This is because pH and nutrient levels will not vary since the runoff is not recycled back into the system.
Your decision about which type of hydroponic drip system you will use depends on your available time, allotted money, and level of expertise. As much as possible, opt for the simplest system then progress from there as you learn more about hydroponic agriculture.