Hydroponic System: Its Benefits As Well As Its Disadvantages
11 March 2011 | TomatoCare
Almost all of us grow plants in soil. It’s just normal because it is the traditional approach of growing plants and the majority of growers use such methods. However, plants can actually be grown without having to use a soil at all. How is that possible? It is a technology called hydroponics. Hydroponic system or simply hydroponics is a method of growing plants which uses mineral nutrient solutions in water in replacement of soil. It was in the 19th century that the hydroponic system first started. However, growing plants in the absence of soil was first documented in the 1627 book Sylva Sylvarum by Sir Francis Bacon.
Scientists have found out that the essential mineral nutrients needed by plants are absorbed in the form of inorganic ions. These inorganic ions are present in water. This signifies that soil just acts as the nutrient holder and therefore has nothing to do with plant survival in its own right. Plants are only able to absorb the mineral in the soil when it dissolves in water. The soil then becomes useless when the right nutrient has already been absorbed by the plants. Almost all terrestrial plants could grow using hydroponic systems. Through hydroponics, terrestrial plants can grow with their roots just planted in the mineral solution only. Inert mediums such as coconut husk, gravel or mineral wool may also be used.
Hydroponic systems can be very beneficial. With the technology, it is now possible for anyone to grow plants anywhere convenient. Hydroponically grown plants grow faster than their conventional counterparts. This makes sense because the soil itself is at risk of diseases, poor structure, pests and salinity among other negative aspects, so pest and disease infestations as well as weeds are reduced. In hydroponics, the roots are easily able to take in the right nutrients in the right quantities; no chance of overfeeding plants with nutrients. A hydroponic system is a nature friendly system to as it promotes the proper use of water and fertilizer. Fertilizers in the system can also be recycled. Pollution caused by pesticides is lessened since the use of pesticides is reduced.
Although hydroponic systems appear to be an ideal way of planting, there are downsides. The system can be quite pricey, especially for first timers, setting up requires a lot of work too. The environment that the system needs is known to be stimulating for salmonella growth an pathogen attacks have also been reported. When fertilizing, care should be exercised as the plant roots could get burned from too concentrated a solution. The hydroponic system is not suitable for everyone.
Hydroponic systems may not be the a perfect solution. But needless to say, the system’s advantages outweigh its pitfalls. The drawbacks are actually avoidable if proper research and strict planning are carried out. Hydroponics would only work for people who are disciplined and are willing to put in hard work. Whereas, those who are not willing to make an investment, both financially and in time, should definitely not try the system as their effort would just go to waste.
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