Why is it better to grow plants in hydroponics instead of soil?
Image by dcJohn
Hydroponic agricutlure at the "The Land" pavillion at EPCOT. One of the few (only?) places that’s actually doing any research at EPCOT, which was the original dream Walt had for the park.
Question by Marquis: Why is it better to grow plants in hydroponics instead of soil?
It seems like hydroponics is all the rage these days. What makes it so great?
Give your answer to this question below!
8 Responses to Why is it better to grow plants in hydroponics instead of soil?
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Allows total control of the amount of nutrients added for optimum growth.
Peter S
September 5, 2011 at 7:46 pm
Also such delicate plants as lettuce get much less contaminated by soil bacteria some of which are pathogenic, and producers spend less money on chemicals and washing before sale, the plants rot less – longer shelf value, even several hours longer storage increases profits.
Hydroponics also can be less labor consuming because many steps can be automated, which increases energy expenditure, but then, energy is cheaper than human labor
Aqwa
September 5, 2011 at 8:40 pm
It isn’t always better. I like growing seeds in a sterile soil-less mix and then transplanting them outside once they have grown and hardened off if at all possible. It’s easier, less energy-intensive and requires less space.
You can significantly increase the yield and growing time of vegetables by judicious use of coldframes or even by using overturned glass bottles or plastic jugs to protect tender plants.
I also like the idea of using heirloom varieties and saving your own seed. Seed-grown plants from locally cultivated varieties show superior adaptation to the area and are important in preserving genetic diversity.
Soil-borne pathogens should not be a problem so long as you avoid contaminated water or poorly-thought out manures or composts.
Here is an article that explains some of these ideas:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2298827/grow_fruits_and_vegetables_to_shrink.html?cat=32
Mary
September 5, 2011 at 9:07 pm
It allows us to control the nutrient uptake of the plants.
Mrudul S
September 5, 2011 at 9:56 pm
it is good the the sense that most conditions can be controlled. The bad par is the start up cost and running costs for the heating, cooling, and circulating.
Actual growing problems can be with large plants pulling water/nutrients faster than the wick can supply it.
Power failures can be disastrous so need back up generators.
gardengallivant
September 5, 2011 at 10:47 pm
Plants will grow much faster in hydroponics than they will in soil…
Natalie
September 5, 2011 at 10:49 pm
Hydroponics is much faster and cleaner than growing in soil which is more difficult and much more messy.
Octavio
September 5, 2011 at 10:50 pm
It is not better. Usage of hydroponic system is limited to small plants, especially the annuals and can’t be applied to planting of perennial crops such as mango or apple trees. It costs higher as well and have a limited space etc.
However, for annuals such as vegetables, it is a good practice if you can effort it. Even though it is expensive but the return is very promising. It worth it.
It is a controlled system, where your input such as fertilizers, lighting system etc are within your mean to control and you can applied precisely the exact amount as required by your plants.
Usually hydroponic systems are grown in enclosed building, with roofing, netting or glass wall. By doing that, your plants are free from pest and not much infected by pathogen. Also, your plants are free from weeds and pollution
With such package, (without competitors and predators such as weed, pests and disease) plus, with very exact amount of nutrient being feed to the plant, they will grow faster, healthier, cleaner, free of toxic materials etc, it is fare enough that plant produced through hydroponic will fetch a better price in the market and will be consumers first choice.
The plant can grow better
aazainal
September 5, 2011 at 11:13 pm