Hydroponics and aeroponics are both extremely efficient techniques for growing plants without the use of land and which, therefore, allow you to cultivate anywhere, even where there is no land. They can be applied both indoors (indoor cultivation) and outdoors (as long as there are the right climatic conditions) and to make the plants grow, it is sufficient to develop a nutrient solution based on water and nutrients. Even better if the irrigation and feeding process of the vegetables is managed through an automatic system, so as to require the continuous intervention of a person who takes care of it.
Index
- Hydroponics: Features
- Aeroponics: Characteristics
- Pros and Cons of Hydroponics
- Pros and Cons of Aeroponics
- Similarities and Differences
Hydroponics: specific characteristics
In hydroponic cultivation - as already discussed in our guides, manuals and in our blog articles - plants are grown in the absence of land and with the use of water. In fact, it is good to know that there are different types of hydroponic systems, which use different structures and elements, but - in general - it is possible to say that with this technique plants grow thanks to the action of water enriched with nutrients. In a first period, the plants are started inside inert substrates, such as coconut fiber, perlite, expanded clay, or other materials useful for the realization of substrates, to then pass inside hydroponic systems, which provide - beyond to the water supply - also a correct lighting, thanks to the presence of ad hoc lamps, the temperature, the humidity and the right ventilation of the environment.
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Aeroponics: specific characteristics
Aeroponics is an alternative form of growing plants, vegetables and fruits that does not require the use of land or water.
With this cultivation technique, in fact, the plants live and grow brilliantly and in health thanks to the nebulization of a nutrient solution, based on water and substances useful for growth, which are delivered to the roots with a special spray. This technique should not be confused with hydroponics, where the most important element is not air - as in this case - but water.
Once the aeroponic system has been set up, the plants are suspended with their roots in the air inside a grow room (or cultivation room) where they will remain until the moment of harvest.
At the basis of the growth and health of plants there is certainly the constant control of temperature, humidity and lighting.
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Pros and Cons of hydroponics
The advantages of using a hydroponic system certainly relate to reduced maintenance, the ability to cultivate at any time of the year and the opportunity to control the climate of the growing environment.
More generally, the great advantage of hydroponics lies in complete control over nutrients and, therefore, over plant growth. Additionally, hydroponically grown plants have a better yield than soil grown plants. Many systems of this type, in fact, recycle water and reduce waste.
In fact, these soilless growing systems only use 10% of the amount of water needed for conventional crops and are fairly easy to build and assemble. Hydroponic gardens do not require the use of herbicides or pesticides, precisely because weeds do not grow there, they need little space and do not depend on the growing seasons, because they use light from lamps, which can be installed anywhere.
However, hydroponic gardens have their drawbacks; for example, if the temperature is too high or too low, even for a single day, the plants could die or suffer serious damage. Furthermore, the purchase of hydroponic systems and accessories may require a significant expense, especially if you are not an expert.
Pros and Cons of aeroponics
Among the advantages of aeroponics, there is - in absolute first place - the efficiency and cleanliness of the cultivation environment.
With this technique, in fact, excellent and flourishing harvests are obtained in a short period of time. Another important advantage is the very low risk of contracting diseases and bacterial infections. On the other hand, a disadvantage - especially if you are a beginner - lies in the rather high cost, because it requires the purchase of a series of equipment. In addition, it is necessary to have a dedicated indoor room in which to install the aeroponic system.
Hydroponics and Aeroponics: Similarities and Differences
The hydroponic and aeroponic systems have many points in common: aeroponics is - in reality - a particular type of hydroponics, which also uses the benefits of air. To simplify and summarize, we can say that the 'Aeroponics is an evolution of hydroponics, to get the most out of the potential of plants in terms of yield and speed.
The main difference between the two techniques is that hydroponic systems come in many forms: plants can be suspended in water full-time, or they can be fed by a continuous or intermittent stream. In a hydroponic system, plants grow with water and without soil, with the help of inert substrates. The two systems have in common the supply of nutrients that are delivered directly from the source and supplied to the roots.
The aeroponic plants, on the other hand, are never put in water, but sprayed at a distance thanks to a dispenser that hydrates and nourishes the roots several times an hour, thanks to an automated system that guarantees their regularity and punctuality. One reason these two growing methods have so much in common is that aeroponics is - in fact - a type of hydroponics. The main difference is that hydroponic systems can be of various types: there are different types and for this it is possible to choose the one that best suits your needs.
A disadvantage common to both hydroponic and aeroponic cultivation systems is that - relying on automated systems that therefore require electricity - they may require the use of expensive generators, to be used in the event of power outages. However, once set up and running, hydroponic and aeroponic systems allow you to make significant savings compared to traditional cultivation techniques.
According to current phenomena, it is possible that hydroponic and aeroponic forms of agriculture will increase in popularity over time and become commonplace in the homes of all of us. What is certain is that - due to climate change and the unregulated action of man - the quantity of soil available for cultivation will tend to decrease and its quality will continue to deteriorate, therefore more and more people will try to produce healthy food in the their own homes (many have already started growing salads, tomatoes, strawberries, etc.). Hydroponic and aeroponic gardens and vegetable gardens are able to provide the right answer to these growing needs.
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