How is capillary matting used in a hydroponic system?
Cappilary matting is an inactive sheet of growing medium which retains and distributes water evenly thoughout its area. It is often used with potted, soil plants as a way to bring water to plant roots without watering each plant. The capillary action of the mat and potting soil draws moisture up to plant roots for a constant supply. Plants draw only on as much water as they need. Capillary matting is often used in NFT systems to ensure that young plant roots receive enough moisture and nutrients. It also serves as a buffer in case the pump stops working.In ebb and flow systems, capillary matting can be used to surround the grow rmedium and keeps medium moist and helps deliver nutrient-rich water to the starter cubes on top of the system.It can also be used to “wick” the nutrient up from a reservoir and to plants, thus (in theory) getting rid of the need for a pump.
