Fogponics is a technique that is part of aeroponics. All the essential nutrients are delivered by fog. The fog provides a continuous fertile environment rich in nutrients for plants. By using fogponics, the root system has all-encompassing coverage because the tiny droplets of fog that defies gravity can reach all the way surrounding it.
What is Fogponics?
Fogponics makes use of foggers exclusively. Through the fog, plants receive everything they require, like water, nutrients, and oxygen.
Growing Plants With Fog
The fogponics system uses foggers that can pump out and then vibrate at a high pressure to change the nutrient-water mixture into humidity. A fogponic system efficiently permits nutrients to enter all plant’s root system areas since tiny water droplets can travel through crevices or tight spaces between the roots that are hard to access with other methods.
The system utilizes electric foggers to pump out and vibrate under pressure to change the water and nutrient mix into humidity, similar to the humid environment common in rainforests. This results in a continuous humid, nutrient-rich, and humid fog for plants’ roots.
Fogponics vs. Hydroponics
The main difference between fogponics and traditional hydroponics is the delivery of nutrients and oxygen. Hydroponics systems supply oxygen to the plants by an air pump.
In a fogponic system, the vegetation is suspended within the air inside foam trays which expose their root structures. This provides them with plenty of oxygen instead of being submerged in oxygenated water. Nutritional elements are supplied by foggers, which typically operate on a schedule.
The advantage of foggers over sprayers or misters, like those used in conventional aeroponics, is that they can atomize water droplets and create smaller particles, typically smaller than 10 microns.
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Fogponic System Design
You’ll require these tools to set up the system.
A Container With a Lid
You will need a container or bucket to hold water and at least one plant. The lid will protect your reservoir and stop the fog from dispersing. You will also have to drill holes for the pot to sit with your plants.
The Net-pot
Get the size that is suitable for your needs. Fill it up with the growing media such as hydroton, vermiculite, or perlite. Next, set the net pot over the reservoir. It should be secured by its lid or by styrofoam. It will ensure that when plants are placed into the pot, the roots will stay elevated over the water in the reservoir.
Fogponic Hydroponic Nutrient
Use the liquid version of nutrients since it is the best choice for the fogponic system. You can also choose powder form, but ensure that it dissolves completely. Beware of any organic form of nutrient as it could clog your fogponic system. Once you have selected the nutrients, place them into the reservoir.
Ultrasonic fogger
A fogger is the most crucial part of the fogponic system. Place it into the reservoir and turn it on to let fog pour out.
A Micro Fan
It can be placed either on top or beneath the plant’s roots. Make sure to point the fan in the direction that will help regulate the growth of the roots.
pH Measuring Tools and Control Kit
Get a pH gauge to examine the pH of the Fogponics system. Whenever you find the system’s pH is either too low or high, simply add the proper pH control kit to it.
The Best Plants to Grow Using Fogponics
In theory, it is possible to cultivate any plant using Fogponics. However, it is recommended to choose the appropriate plants to get the most benefits.
There is a wide variety of plants you can cultivate with fogponics. The best ones are small vegetables, herbs, leafy greens, and spices. Marijuana can also be a very popular option for plants grown in fogponic systems. The fogponics system works well with green vegetables, such as spinach, lettuces, kale, cucumber, and beans. The majority of herbs, such as mint, basil, and chives thrive well within the fogponics system since they have a limited lifespan.
Here’s a list of plants that can be successfully grown in a fogponics system:
- Basil
- Mint
- Beans
- Chives
- Chamomile
- Chervil
- Cilantro
- Cucumber
- Dill
- Marijuana
- Kale
- Lettuce
- Lavender
- Marjoram
- Oregano
- Parsley
- Rosemary
- Spinach
- Tarragon
- Thyme
Advantages of Fogponics
1. Tiny Droplets Offer Excellent Coverage
Small droplets are less likely to impact roots. This is why fogponics is an excellent method for cloning. Since the cuttings and seedlings are not sturdy, the low-pressure fog won’t harm the cuttings or roots of the seedlings.
Additionally, the hanging roots will receive more air than they do in soil. Furthermore, fogponics does not deliver extra nutrients due to the small characteristics of the fog, which is crucial for seedlings, as they don’t require a lot of nutrients.
2. High Concentration of Essential Nutrients
In a fogponic system, the nutrients are not lost while traveling through the reservoir, as in a hydroponic system.
3. Easy to Maintain
The fogponics has only one unit to clean and maintain, not many heads as an aeroponics system.
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Disadvantages of Fogponics
1. Salt Built-up
In a fogponics system, the salt build-up is a crucial issue, as it causes foggers to block. So, it’s important to keep cleaning using a brush or vinegar solution so that the fogponics run efficiently.
2. Risk of Power Outages
The fogponics system relies on electricity to operate the entire system. So in case of power outages, the fog will stop, and the plants will be unable to absorb the moisture and nutrients. This may result in a dry out and the death of the plants.
3. Heats by the Atomizer
If the fogponics system is running continuously for a prolonged period, the atomizer will increase the temperature of the reservoir. The warmth can dry out and melt the fogs. The plant roots could dry out later.
If this happens, then we need to lower the temperature. This can be done by using a timer in foggers. Another option is using chilling techniques like adding ice or a water chiller.
4. Higher Set Up Cost
The initial setup cost of a fogponics system is high. Higher consumption of electricity by the fogponics system makes it uneconomical.
