Nowadays, soil cultivation is no longer the only way to grow plants. Especially for many people who live in urban apartment buildings and want to create an indoor garden, using soil is not considered the best way to go. Hydroponics and aeroponics are gradually becoming popular ways to raise plants.
If you want to try a new way of cultivation, hydroponics or aeroponics is the best choice. There are clear differences between them, and they also have their significant advantages and disadvantages. You can learn more about both methods in the information below. Then you can choose according to your personal preference and the actual situation. So let's get to know about hydroponics and aeroponics.
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What is Hydroponics
It is a new type of soilless cultivation for plants. Unlike traditional soil cultivation, its core is to infiltrate the plant's root system directly into the nutrient solution. This nutrient solution can replace the soil and provide plants with water, nutrients, oxygen, and other growth factors so that they can grow properly.
Pros and cons of Hydroponics
Pros
- First of all, it is cleaner and does not need soil or fertilizer. No unwanted weeds and less time spent watching out for pests.
- No need to apply traditional fertilizers. Hydroponics plants can absorb nutrients and water directly from the nutrient solution through their roots, and people can manually mix a balanced solution. Because these solutions are contained in containers, they can be recycled and are safe, reliable, and sustainable.
- High production. Soilless hydroponic vegetables provide nutrients and water directly to the root system through the nutrient solution. Thus the supply of nutrients to the vegetables is more adequate, balanced, and rapid.
- Simple equipment. There is not much limitation in the choice of containers. As long as the facilities and equipment are well constructed, crop cultivation can be well managed.
（Hydroponics plants）
Cons
- Only specific plants are suitable. Not all plants can be hydroponically grown. Most hydroponic plants require long-term induction and domestication before they can adapt to the hydroponic solution environment.
- The roots are prone to rot. If the concentration of the nutrient solution is too high, pests and diseases, etc. All are easy to cause root rot. And after that, the water quality will deteriorate and affect the growth of the plant, breeding a lot of microorganisms and bacteria. This will cause the contamination of the hydroponic solution and lead to the death of the whole plant.
How to grow plants in Hydroponics
Things you need
Common glass jars, plastic pots, ceramic water pots, etc. These are all fine. You will also need something that can hold the plant in place, such as a setting basket. Install a plant grow light to provide the necessary spectrum and intensity for plant growth. LED lights are commonly used in hydroponics for their energy efficiency and customizable spectral options.
Nutrient solution
The success of hydroponics depends to a large extent on the nutrient solution formula. The concentration, the ratio of various nutrients, the acidity and alkalinity, and whether the liquid temperature is suitable.
And whether the nutrient solution management during plant growth can meet the requirements of each different growth stage. The pH value of the nutrient solution should preferably be kept between 5.5 and 6.5.
Generally for vegetables with short growth cycles, the growing solution is changed every month.
（Hydroponics）
Pruning
Prune off at least half of the branches and leaves before hydroponics. For example, as well as wilted or yellow leaves. To control their growth and promote better air circulation.
Water and nutrient delivery
Depending on the hydroponic system, ensure that the roots receive a continuous stream of water, periodic irrigation, or nutrient mist. Ensure the roots have access to oxygen by maintaining proper aeration. It is best to use a bubbler or pump to keep the water moving.
Plants suitable for hydroponics
Basil, mint, rosemary, onions, tomatoes, cucumbers, and other smaller ones are suitable for hydroponic cultivation.
（Plants suitable for hydroponics）
What is Aeroponics
It refers to the plant roots growing in a closed, impermeable space. The nutrient solution is treated by an atomizer to form a mist and sprayed evenly on the plant roots. A cultivation mode that provides the water and nutrients needed for plant growth. The roots of plants in an aeroponic environment stretch freely. With enough oxygen, water, and mineral nutrients, it is one of the best cultivation modes for rapid plant growth.
Pros and cons of Aeroponics
Pros
- Suitable for most plants. Aeroponics can be used for all horticultural plants with the same planting system, even woody economic species can be unified with aquatic plants, vines, etc. using aeroponics.
- Solve the problem of root lack of oxygen in hydroponics. In common hydroponics, plant roots need to be submerged in the nutrient solution to ensure the nutrient absorption of the plant. Unlike hydroponics, in aeroponics, the roots of plants are directly exposed to the air. The nutrient solution is sprayed from the atomizing nozzle at regular intervals, continuously dissolving the oxygen in the air. It is supplied to the plant's root system for respiration and promotes root respiration metabolism so that other metabolic functions in the plant are also enhanced and plant growth is accelerated.
- Water conservation. Aeroponics is also one of the most water-saving cultivation modes, where the nutrient solution is sprayed after atomization.
（Aeroponics）
Cons
- Higher cost. Aeroponic production requires the selection of appropriate nutrient solution formulations based on plant species and growth stage. The optimum pH of the nutrient solution varies from plant to plant and needs to be managed and formulated. The facilities required for aeroponic cultivation are also more expensive.
- It requires constant attention. Aeroponic plants need to be sprayed or misted frequently to keep the roots from drying out. Then a stable power grid is needed, and plants can die if power is lost for an extended period.
- Certain expertise is required. Aeroponic growing has strict requirements both in watering and giving nutrients. So experienced gardeners should try it, which can be challenging for novices.
How to grow plants in Aeroponics
Things you need
Greenhouse or reservoir: The main container where the plant roots will be suspended.
Nebulizer or fogger: A device that produces a fine mist or mist of nutrients to supply the roots.
Pump: Provides the pressure needed to deliver the mist or fog to the roots
Timer or controller: controls the on/off cycle of the pump to maintain the proper fogging/fogging interval.
Drainage system: collects and recirculates excess nutrient solution.
Plant Grow Light: Like hydroponics, aeroponics also requires sufficient light for cultivation.
(Aeroponics design)
Nutrient solution
Aeroponics also requires a balanced nutrient solution that provides the macronutrients and micronutrients needed for plant growth. The nutrient solution is usually mixed with water and supplied to the roots in the form of a mist or fog. The exact nutrient formulation varies with the plant species and growth stage.
Ventilation
Proper ventilation and circulation are essential to provide fresh oxygen to the roots and prevent excessive humidity. You will need ventilation fans or ducts to maintain an optimal growing environment.
The best plants to grow for aeroponics are strawberries, basil, tomatoes, parsley, beans, and radishes. Also, some plants require more growing space or a support structure such as a trellis than others.
(Grow plants in Aeroponics)
Difference between Hydroponics and Aeroponics
Although hydroponics and aeroponics are both soilless cultivation, there are still differences.
- Growing. Hydroponics has a well-developed root system and uses more water. The nutrient solution is absorbed directly from the roots and the plant is usually required to be submerged in water for the full time. Aeroponic plants have the same well-developed root system but use less water. The nutrient solution is misted for the plants to absorb.
- Water delivery methods. Hydroponics uses pumps, pipes, or wicks to bring the nutrient solution to the roots. Whereas aeroponics uses nozzles or atomizers to mist the water onto the roots.
- Supplemental Oxygen. Hydroponics requires an air pump to oxygenate the water solution, while aeroponics provides oxygen naturally by exposing the roots to the air.
- Cost. Hydroponics is less expensive. Aeroponics is more expensive in terms of facilities and maintenance.
(Hydroponics and Aeroponics)
In general, hydroponics is more suitable for novice gardeners and those with limited budgets. Not only is it less expensive, it is also easier to grow and maintain. Aeroponics, on the other hand, is suitable for experienced and well-equipped gardeners.
Conclusion
Both hydroponics and aeroponics are soilless cultivation, and they represent the future of sustainable agriculture. The potential of these two methods to maximize crop yields and overcome traditional soil tillage cannot be ignored.
Hydroponics and aeroponics play a key role in improving your gardening experience and you can learn more through different growing methods. This challenge can also give you a sense of accomplishment after successful planting. We hope this guide to hydroponics and aeroponics will help you learn what you need to know. It will also allow you to weigh all the pros and cons and finally choose the most suitable growing method.
