Borgmann Aquaponics Hydroponics
DAR: Hydroponic Systems in a Commercial Environment
This Decision Analysis and Resolution (DAR) matrix assists in the objective evaluation of various hydroponic systems for commercial use. ? A brief user guide here
Note: This analysis considers 13 different hydroponic systems, each with specific advantages and disadvantages.
The pre-set values correspond to our personal assessment. Please adjust them. No weighting has been applied.
This small program does not replace consultation by us or other experts, of course. It is intended to give you the opportunity to focus on the aspects and detailed questions important to you even before a conversation. Contact Form
The pre-set values correspond to our personal assessment. Please adjust them. No weighting has been applied.
This small program does not replace consultation by us or other experts, of course. It is intended to give you the opportunity to focus on the aspects and detailed questions important to you even before a conversation. Contact Form
Available Systems
1. Wick System | 2. Kratky Method | 3. Ebb and Flow | 4. NFT
5. DWC | 6. DFT | 7. Drip (non-recirculating) | 8. Drip (recirculating)
9. Vertical Systems | 10. Aeroponics | 11. Fogponics | 12. Media Bed | 13. Raft System
5. DWC | 6. DFT | 7. Drip (non-recirculating) | 8. Drip (recirculating)
9. Vertical Systems | 10. Aeroponics | 11. Fogponics | 12. Media Bed | 13. Raft System
Analysis Categories
• Cost Aspects • Operational Reliability • Yield & Efficiency
• Technical Requirements • Environmental Impact • Scalability • Space Efficiency
• Technical Requirements • Environmental Impact • Scalability • Space Efficiency
Select Systems for Comparison (2-4 systems):
| Analysis Aspect | Category | Rating of Selected Systems (1-10) | Weighting (1-5) |
|---|
Instructions for Using This DAR Matrix for Hydroponics:
- Select Systems: Choose 2-4 systems you want to compare.
- Conduct Evaluation: Rate each system for all aspects on a scale of 1 - 9. Where 1 means: completely unsuitable for the purpose and 9: perfectly suited.
- Set Weighting: Determine the importance of each aspect for your operation (1-5). 1 means: this aspect/point has low priority and 5: this is particularly important/critical.
- Calculation: Click on "Calculate Total Rating" for the quantitative analysis
- Comparison: Use "System Comparison" for a detailed comparison
Important: The evaluation is based on general characteristics.
Depending on requirements, preferences, self-assessment, consultation information, and your own experience, simply adjust the settings.
The weighting at the end of the column for each aspect (last column, values 1 to 5) determines your priority for that respective aspect.
We are happy to create a matrix tailored for you according to your specifications. An inquiry is sufficient.
Depending on requirements, preferences, self-assessment, consultation information, and your own experience, simply adjust the settings.
The weighting at the end of the column for each aspect (last column, values 1 to 5) determines your priority for that respective aspect.
We are happy to create a matrix tailored for you according to your specifications. An inquiry is sufficient.
What is DAR and why should you use it?
A "Decision Analysis and Resolution (DAR)" is a structured, formal process for making complex decisions rationally by evaluating alternatives based on defined criteria, as stipulated, for example, by the CMMI model. The process includes defining the problem, identifying at least two to five solutions, establishing evaluation criteria, evaluating them, and finally selecting the best option through a weighted analysis. It is about reducing uncertainties and making a traceable decision.
An important point is also that you can make a brief note for each rating and weighting summarizing the arguments for that point in order to be able to retrace your own decisions later, even during a new assessment. Because your judgment could change with each new piece of information and experience.
Especially when decisions for or against something are made in a group, a DAR facilitates judgment finding, documents all aspects the participants had to assess, and also documents retrospectively why something was decided this way and not otherwise.
A "Decision Analysis and Resolution (DAR)" is a structured, formal process for making complex decisions rationally by evaluating alternatives based on defined criteria, as stipulated, for example, by the CMMI model. The process includes defining the problem, identifying at least two to five solutions, establishing evaluation criteria, evaluating them, and finally selecting the best option through a weighted analysis. It is about reducing uncertainties and making a traceable decision.
An important point is also that you can make a brief note for each rating and weighting summarizing the arguments for that point in order to be able to retrace your own decisions later, even during a new assessment. Because your judgment could change with each new piece of information and experience.
Especially when decisions for or against something are made in a group, a DAR facilitates judgment finding, documents all aspects the participants had to assess, and also documents retrospectively why something was decided this way and not otherwise.
Core Components of a DAR
• Objectives: Clear definition of what is to be achieved with the decision.
• Roles & Responsibilities: Who is the decision maker (Owner), who participates (Participant), who is affected (Stakeholder).
• The Process (Step-by-Step):
• Objectives: Clear definition of what is to be achieved with the decision.
• Roles & Responsibilities: Who is the decision maker (Owner), who participates (Participant), who is affected (Stakeholder).
• The Process (Step-by-Step):
1. Problem Definition: Capture the problem precisely.
2. Find Alternatives: Develop at least two, maximum five possible solutions.
3. Develop Criteria: Define important evaluation factors (e.g., cost, time, risk).
4. Evaluate Alternatives: Evaluate each solution against each criterion.
5. Weight the Criteria: Determine the importance of the criteria (often subjective).
6. Aggregation & Selection: Summarize the evaluation (e.g., with Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) methods) and select the best alternative.
7. Sensitivity Analysis: Check how the decision changes if assumptions change.
This example is intended to serve as inspiration. Here are further aspects you should definitely include in your considerations. We hope to prepare you a little better for the decision-making process, which can entail significant costs, with this approach.
1. Technical Aspects
- System Complexity: Maintenance effort, susceptibility to errors
- Scalability: Expansion possibilities for future growth
- Technology Maturity: Proven track record of systems (DWC, NFT, Aeroponics/FogPonics)
- Control & Automation: Need for monitoring technology, sensors, control systems
- Energy Dependency: Failure safety in case of power outages
2. Economic Factors
- Investment Costs: Purchase price of the various systems
- Operating Costs: Energy, water, nutrient consumption
- Maintenance Costs: Regular upkeep, spare parts
- Productivity: Harvest yield per area and unit of time
- Payback Period: Economic viability over time
- Funding Opportunities: Government grants, subsidies
3. Cultivation Criteria
- Plant Selection: Suitability for target crops (leafy greens, herbs, fruits)
- Growth Speed: Comparative yield periods
- Nutrient Management: Precision and controllability
- Oxygen Supply: Root aeration in different systems
- Disease Risk: Susceptibility to pathogens (e.g., root rot)
4. Resource Efficiency
- Water Consumption: Comparison between systems and to traditional methods
- Nutrient Utilization: Efficiency of nutrient uptake
- Space Efficiency: Vertical cultivation possibilities
- Reusability: Recirculation capability of nutrient solution
5. Environmental Factors
- Energy Efficiency: Power consumption of pumps, aerators, lighting
- Climate Dependency: Controllability in different environments
- Sustainability: Ecological footprint
- Waste Management: Disposal of nutrient solutions, substrates
6. Operational Aspects
- Staff Competence: Required know-how for operation and maintenance
- Time Requirement: Daily care needs
- Flexibility: Adaptability to changing requirements
- Standardization: Repeatability and consistency of processes
- Documentation: Requirements for recording and traceability
7. Risk Assessment
- System Failure: Consequences of component failure
- Market Risk: Acceptance of the produced goods
- Regulatory Requirements: Compliance with hygiene standards, certifications
- Supply Chain Risk: Availability of spare parts, nutrients
8. Quality Aspects
- Product Quality: Taste, nutritional value, consistency
- Safety: Microbiological risks, heavy metal contamination
- Certifiability: Possibilities for organic or other quality labels
9. Strategic Considerations
- Goal Congruence: Alignment with overall corporate goals
- Competitive Advantage: Market differentiation
- Innovation Potential: Opportunities for further development
- Image Effect: Reputation gain through sustainable production
We are biased and have given the systems a pre-setting. This is primarily intended to illustrate the functionality. Here is our assessment of the individual aspects.
This will not spare you a more in-depth engagement with the subject matter. And we are happy to assist you with that.
1: Wick System
| Category | Value | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Acquisition | 9 | Cheapest solution (cord, container) |
| Operating Costs | 9 | No electricity, hardly any wear |
| Yield | 1 | Minimal compared to active systems |
| Growth | 1 | Slowest growth |
| Failure Safety | 9 | Nothing can break |
| Reliability | 9 | Always works |
| Electricity | 9 | No electricity needed |
| Maintenance | 9 | Almost no maintenance |
| Water | 5 | Moderately efficient (evaporation) |
| Nutrients | 4 | Difficult to control |
| Plants | 3 | Only very undemanding plants |
| Scalability | 3 | Hard to scale |
| Area | 3 | Inefficient, needs lots of space per plant |
| Vertical | 1 | Hardly stackable (light problem) |
2: Kratky Method
| Category | Value | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Acquisition | 9 | Very cheap (container + net) |
| Operating Costs | 9 | No electricity |
| Yield | 2 | Better than wick, but limited |
| Growth | 2 | Slow |
| Failure Safety | 9 | Passive = safe |
| Reliability | 9 | Very reliable |
| Electricity | 9 | No electricity |
| Maintenance | 9 | Only refilling |
| Water | 5 | Evaporation, not recirculating |
| Nutrients | 4 | One-time filling, then degradation |
| Plants | 4 | Lettuce, herbs - limited |
| Scalability | 4 | Each container individually |
| Area | 3 | Containers need space |
| Vertical | 1 | Not stackable |
3: Ebb and Flow
| Category | Value | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Acquisition | 6 | Moderate costs (pump, timer, basin) |
| Operating Costs | 7 | Pump runs periodically |
| Yield | 7 | Good, but not top |
| Growth | 7 | Good |
| Failure Safety | 7 | Buffer through substrate |
| Reliability | 7 | Pump/timer can fail |
| Electricity | 5 | Regular pump operation |
| Maintenance | 6 | Clean filter, pump |
| Water | 8 | Recirculating, efficient |
| Nutrients | 8 | Well controllable |
| Plants | 9 | Universally applicable |
| Scalability | 8 | Well scalable |
| Area | 6 | Good space utilization |
| Vertical | 5 | Limited stackability |
4: NFT
| Category | Value | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Acquisition | 7 | Channels relatively cheap |
| Operating Costs | 6 | Pump runs continuously |
| Yield | 8 | Very good for leafy greens |
| Growth | 8 | Fast |
| Failure Safety | 3 | CRITICAL in case of pump failure! |
| Reliability | 6 | Pump dependent, clogging |
| Electricity | 4 | Continuous pump operation |
| Maintenance | 5 | Algae growth, trimming roots |
| Water | 9 | Very efficient (thin film) |
| Nutrients | 9 | Optimally controllable |
| Plants | 7 | Mainly leafy greens |
| Scalability | 9 | Very well scalable |
| Area | 8 | Excellent space utilization |
| Vertical | 8 | A-frame possible, well stackable |
5: DWC
| Category | Value | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Acquisition | 8 | Simple: Container + Air Pump |
| Operating Costs | 7 | Air pump runs constantly |
| Yield | 8 | Very good |
| Growth | 9 | Excellent (constant oxygen supply) |
| Fail-Safety | 5 | Critical if air pump fails, but buffer |
| Reliability | 7 | Air pump robust |
| Power | 5 | Air pump continuous operation |
| Maintenance | 6 | Algae control, water changes |
| Water | 7 | Requires a lot of water, but recirculating |
| Nutrients | 9 | Perfect control |
| Plants | 8 | Very versatile |
| Scalability | 7 | Good, but space requirement per plant |
| Area | 5 | Containers require space |
| Vertical | 4 | Hard to stack (weight, light) |
6: DFT
| Category | Value | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Acquisition | 6 | Similar to NFT |
| Operating Costs | 6 | Pump continuously |
| Yield | 8 | Very good |
| Growth | 8 | Good |
| Fail-Safety | 6 | Better than NFT (more water) |
| Reliability | 7 | Pump, but more robust than NFT |
| Power | 4 | Continuous operation |
| Maintenance | 6 | Cleaning |
| Water | 9 | Efficient |
| Nutrients | 9 | Excellent |
| Plants | 8 | Versatile |
| Scalability | 8 | Good |
| Area | 8 | Good |
| Vertical | 7 | Stackable |
7: Drip (non-recirculating)
| Category | Value | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Acquisition | 7 | Drippers, pump, timer - moderate |
| Operating Costs | 3 | HIGH water/nutrient consumption! |
| Yield | 8 | Good |
| Growth | 8 | Good |
| Fail-Safety | 8 | Substrate buffers |
| Reliability | 8 | Robust |
| Power | 5 | Periodic |
| Maintenance | 3 | Drippers clog |
| Water | 1 | VERY inefficient (run-off lost) |
| Nutrients | 1 | VERY wasteful |
| Plants | 9 | Universal |
| Scalability | 8 | Good scalability |
| Area | 7 | Good |
| Vertical | 6 | Possible |
8: Drip (recirculating)
| Category | Value | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Acquisition | 5 | More complex (catch basin) |
| Operating Costs | 6 | Moderate costs |
| Yield | 8 | Very good |
| Growth | 8 | Good |
| Fail-Safety | 7 | Substrate buffers well |
| Reliability | 7 | Drippers, filter |
| Power | 5 | Periodic |
| Maintenance | 6 | Clean drippers, filter |
| Water | 8 | Efficient (recirculating) |
| Nutrients | 8 | Well controllable |
| Plants | 9 | Universal |
| Scalability | 8 | Very good |
| Area | 7 | Good |
| Vertical | 6 | Possible |
9: Vertical Systems (Tower Gardens etc.)
| Category | Value | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Acquisition | 4 | Expensive (specialized structures) |
| Operating Costs | 5 | Moderate costs |
| Yield | 7 | Good per ground area |
| Growth | 7 | Good |
| Fail-Safety | 6 | System-dependent |
| Reliability | 6 | Complex |
| Power | 4 | Pumps, possibly lighting |
| Maintenance | 5 | Height access difficult |
| Water | 7 | Usually efficient |
| Nutrients | 7 | Good |
| Plants | 6 | Mostly smaller plants |
| Scalability | 7 | Modular |
| Area | 9 | EXCELLENT (utilizes height) |
| Vertical | 9 | Maximally vertical! |
10: Aeroponics
| Category | Value | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Acquisition | 2 | VERY expensive (high-pressure pumps, nozzles) |
| Operating Costs | 3 | High energy requirement |
| Yield | 9 | Top yield |
| Growth | 9 | Fastest growth |
| Fail-Safety | 2 | CRITICAL in case of failure (minutes!) |
| Reliability | 4 | Nozzles clog |
| Power | 2 | Very high consumption |
| Maintenance | 2 | Intensive maintenance (nozzles!) |
| Water | 9 | Very efficient |
| Nutrients | 9 | Optimal |
| Plants | 8 | Very versatile |
| Scalability | 7 | Complex |
| Area | 7 | Good |
| Vertical | 4 | Poorly stackable |
11: Fogponics
| Category | Value | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Acquisition | 1 | Most expensive solution (ultrasonic) |
| Operating Costs | 2 | Very high costs |
| Yield | 9 | Maximum |
| Growth | 9 | Maximum |
| Fail-Safety | 1 | EXTREMELY critical (seconds!) |
| Reliability | 3 | Ultrasonic components prone to failure |
| Power | 1 | Highest consumption |
| Maintenance | 2 | Very labor-intensive |
| Water | 9 | Very efficient |
| Nutrients | 9 | Optimal |
| Plants | 6 | Sensitive, not all suitable |
| Scalability | 5 | Very complex |
| Area | 8 | Good |
| Vertical | 4 | Poorly stackable |
12: Media-Bed
| Category | Value | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Acquisition | 7 | Moderate costs (substrate!) |
| Operating Costs | 7 | Low |
| Yield | 6 | Moderate |
| Growth | 6 | Moderate |
| Fail-Safety | 9 | Substrate buffers VERY well |
| Reliability | 8 | Robust |
| Power | 6 | Periodic or low |
| Maintenance | 8 | Very low maintenance |
| Water | 7 | Good (substrate retains) |
| Nutrients | 7 | Good (substrate buffers) |
| Plants | 9 | All plant types |
| Scalability | 6 | Weight limited |
| Area | 6 | Moderate efficiency |
| Vertical | 3 | Difficult (weight of substrate) |
13: Raft System (Floating)
| Category | Value | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Acquisition | 6 | Moderate costs (pools, styrofoam) |
| Operating Costs | 6 | Moderate costs |
| Yield | 8 | Very good for leafy greens |
| Growth | 8 | Fast |
| Fail-Safety | 8 | Large water mass buffers |
| Reliability | 8 | Simple, robust |
| Power | 5 | Air pump/circulation |
| Maintenance | 7 | Algae control |
| Water | 6 | Large volume needed (but recirculating) |
| Nutrients | 8 | Stable due to volume |
| Plants | 7 | Mainly leafy greens |
| Scalability | 8 | Commercially proven |
| Area | 7 | Good utilization |
| Vertical | 1 | Not stackable (light, weight) |
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