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Deep Water Culture (also known as DWC) is a hydroponic method of plant production by means of suspending the plant roots in a solution of nutrient rich, oxygenated water.

[edit] Traditional methods

Traditional methods favour the use of plastic buckets with the plant contained in a net pot suspended from the centre of the lid and the roots suspended in the nutrient solution. An air pump powered aquarium airstone oxygenates the nutrient solution, if sufficiently oxygenated the plant roots can remain submerged indefinitely. Once the plants are ready to flower the level of the nutrient solution is gradually reduced to expose the roots to the air.

Plants absorb vastly more oxygen directly from the air than from the oxygen dissolved in water. Deep water culture allows plant roots to absorb large quanties of oxygen while also allowing the uptake of nutrients. This leads to explosive growth throught the life of the plant.

[edit] Recirculation Deep Water Culture

Recirculating deep water culture systems (also known as RDWC) use a reservoir to provide water for multiple buckets. Traditional methods using unconnected buckets require individual testing for pH and CF (Conductivity Factor). This has lead to innovations that have seen the removal of air stones in favour of connecting multiple buckets together and recirculating the water. As the water is reintroduced to the bucket it is broken up and aerated with the use of spray nozzles. Constant recirculating oxygenates the water and ensures a good mix of nutrients CF and stabilizes pH throughout the entire system. Testing is therefore only required at one point in the system.