Maintaining an optimal temperature range within recirculating deep water culture (RDWC) systems is crucial for plant health. The phrase refers to the process of raising the temperature of the nutrient solution within the individual buckets that comprise the system. An example of this would be using submersible aquarium heaters placed directly into the buckets to prevent the solution from dropping below a target temperature.
Temperature control directly impacts nutrient uptake, dissolved oxygen levels, and overall root health. Insufficiently warm nutrient solutions can stunt growth, reduce nutrient availability, and make plants more susceptible to disease. Historically, growers relied on ambient room temperature to influence the reservoir and bucket temperatures, which often proved inadequate in colder climates or during seasonal temperature fluctuations. Modern methods offer more precise and reliable control.
