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Understanding the Wicking Action of AutoPot’s Watering Systems

Home / Understanding the Wicking Action of AutoPot’s Watering Systems

There is a long-standing debate concerning the “best” hydroponic system. But to argue for the superiority of a specific system, we must first understand the definition of hydroponics. In short, hydroponics or hydroponic gardening is the process of growing plants outside of traditional mediums and typically involves the “working” of water to save liquids, energy, and resources.

If we examine hydroponics based on this definition, then the “best” system would be one that saves us the most time, energy, and resources. However, since most of us are interested in results as opposed to savings, the most superior hydroponic systems are those that manage both results and efficiency.

Of all the hydroponic systems available to growers, the AutoPot Watering System is a great example of a prefabricated wicking system that gives growers great results with the added benefit of water, nutrients, and energy savings. But what makes AutoPot the perfect hydroponic system? Let’s take a look at the science behind the wicking action of Autopot’s Watering Systems. 

What are Wicking Hydroponic Systems?

Often called the “simplest” hydroponic system, a wicking system involves the capillary action of a porous medium delivering liquid nutrients to the root zone. Just as a wick might deliver oil to a flame in a lamp, so can porous media like coconut coir, peat moss, or rockwool transport water and nutrients to the growing ends of roots. 

A wicking system is so simple because it requires only a few pieces of hardware to function. For example, only four pieces of equipment are typically needed: a growing container, a reservoir, wicks, and an air pump. To function, the growing container is placed on top of the reservoir, the wicks are suspended from the container into the nutrient solution and the air pump is used to aerate the nutrient solution. By the capillary action of the wicks and medium alone, the nutrient solution in the reservoir is naturally absorbed and lifted to the bottom of the container. This system delivers great results. By relying on the wicking action of a porous medium, plants can regulate their own drinking habits as long as the reservoir is full; and, unlike flood and drain or drain to waste systems, plants with underdeveloped roots will not be overwatered due to forced irrigations.

The nutrient solution in the reservoir is naturally absorbed and lifted to the bottom of the container

The Wicking Action of the AutoPot Watering System

AutoPot has taken the simple concept of the wicking hydroponic system and used it as the main nutrient delivery method in all of their passive hydroponic systems. The same equipment above is used, but what makes the AutoPot system so special is one device – the AquaValve. This small, unassuming feature is solely responsible for the self-watering technology behind any scalable AutoPot system. Its parts are simple, but as we all know from experience, sometimes the simplest solutions are the most efficient. AutoPot’s AquaValve works like a miniature float valve, letting in just enough water and nutrient solution to allow your plants the opportunity to quench their thirst. As the AquaValve lets water into the AutoPot tray, the porous medium throughout the container lifts the nutrient solution towards the root zone. 

The AquaValve is solely responsible for the self-watering technology behind any scalable AutoPot system
A overview of the Autopot System in GreenHouse application

The Benefits of Growing in an AutoPot Watering System 

Like a traditional wicking system, the capillary action of the AutoPot Watering system can benefit growers on three fronts. For example, growers can benefit from self-watering plants, enhanced control of crops, and savings of water, nutrients, and power.

  • Self-Watering: All AutoPot’s are self-watering. This means that as long as your AutoPot’s reservoir is full of water and nutrients, your plants will be able to irrigate themselves, free of any electric pumps or timers.
  • Enhanced Control: Not all plants grow at the same rate. Thanks to AutoPot’s AquaValve, plants have the ability to irrigate themselves. This benefit allows growers to let individual plants progress at their own pace, without the fear of over or under-watering. 
  • Water, Nutrient, and Power Savings: Because AutoPot’s are passively fed by mainline tubing, there is absolutely no waste. Growers can expect the results of a traditional system, with the added benefits of increased water, nutrient, and power savings. 
AutoPot’s AquaValve, plants have the ability to irrigate themselves

Nutrient Programs for AutoPot Watering Systems

If you’re interested in growing in an AutoPot System, consider investing in AutoPot specific fertilizer. GreenPlanet Nutrients, for example, has formulated two nutrient programs that have had tremendous success in AutoPot Watering Systems: the GP3 3 Part AutoPot Program and the Dual Fuel 2 Part AutoPot Program

GreenPlanet’s GP3 AutoPot Program 

Offer your garden flexibility, control, and increased solubility with the AutoPot and GreenPlanet 3-Part feeding system. Perhaps the most intricate, and yet traditional nutrient system, 3-Part programs have been a part of our industry for decades.

By accompanying GreenPlanet’s clean formulations of Micro, Grow, and Bloom with additives like Vitathrive, PK Spike, and Rezin, the chances of success in any AutoPot system are not only increased, but guaranteed. Formulated for the veteran grower, GreenPlanet’s AutoPot 3-Part feeding program promises increased flexibility, solubility, and results at harvest time.

GreenPlanet’s Dual Fuel AutoPot Program 

Want to get growing with AutoPot? For product information and purchasing inquiries, contact a member of the GreenPlanet sales team, or your local garden supply store. 

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