It offers excellent water holding capacity, adequate aeration for proper root growth, does not decompose and lasts indefinitely. Light, porous, sterile and easy to handle, it allows for an optimum ratio of water to air for root growth, even when overwatered. Chemically inert, taking on the nutrient charge of the solution applied to it, rockwool is an excellent media to start seeds and cuttings. With your hydroponic system in place, now you must supply it with nutrient solution. The four widely used methods are manual, flood and drain, wick and automatic pump.
Gardeners are all too familiar with the manual watering system.
You simply determine when and how much water your plants receive. With this method, though, be sure to apply the same amount of nutrient solution on a regular basis. Nutrient solution fills the growing tray to a predetermined level from a separate holding tank. With this method, you have the option of recycling the solution. Wick watering simply enhances a naturally occurring plant process.