Organic Herb Garden

Hydroponic Systems: Its Good Sides And Down Sides

Almost all of us grow plants in soil. That’s the conventional way of growing plants and it is being used by the majority of planters all over the world. However, contrary to what many of us think, a plant could actually survive without a soil. That’s what hydroponic system is about. Hydroponic system or simply hydroponics is a method of growing plants which uses mineral nutrient solutions in water in replacement of soil. Hydroponic system was introduced in the 19th century but the first known work about growing plants without soil was that of Sir Francis Bacon’s book Sylva Sylvarum, published in 1627.

Scientists have found out that the essential mineral nutrients needed by plants are being absorbed in the form of inorganic ions. These inorganic ions are present in water. It goes without saying that soil is actually a nutrient receptacle and is really not necessary for a plan to survive. The minerals the soil contains are only being absorbed by the plants when they have dissolved in water. Once the plants have absorbed the right nutrients, soil becomes totally redundant to the plant’s existence. Almost all of terrestrial plants could grow using hydroponic systems. With hydroponics, terrestrial plants are capable of growing just by having their roots buried in a mineral solution alone. In order to support the plants, medium could be used. Examples of mediums include coconut husk and gravel.

Hydroponic systems come with many benefits. The technology makes it possible for people who don’t have suitable soil to grow their plants. Hydroponically grown plants grow up faster than their conventional counterparts. This is not surprising since plants growth is only put at risk to diseases, pests, salinity or poor soil structure by the soil itself. Hydroponic plants easily absorbed the proper nutrients they need. There’s no way plants would overdosed with nutrients. Hydroponic system is a system that isn’t really harmful on the environment as it only requires reasonable amount of water as well as fertilizer application. The fertilizers used in the system can be reused. Use of pesticides is reduced, thus reducing the pollution.

Although hydroponic system appears to be the most ideal way of planting, it has its downsides as well. The system can be quite pricey, specially for first timers. It could be way laborious too. Hydroponic environment is said to be prone to salmonella growth. Pathogen attacks have also been reported. When fertilizing, care should be exercised as root could get burn from too concentrated solution. Hydroponic system is not for the fin of heart. One needs to be knowledgeable to its in and outs first before its actual implementation otherwise, success can’t be guaranteed. Without the knowledge, there’s really nothing to look forward to.

Hydroponic systems may not be at all a perfect invention. Needless to say, the system’s advantages is a far cry from its pitfalls. These drawbacks are actually avoidable if in depth research and strict planning are conducted. Hydroponics would only work to people who are disciplined and are willing to sweat so much by working hard. While those who don’t have the courage to invest time and money on something new should divert heir attention to different matter as trying the system would mean wasting so much.