Hydroponic systems are able to increase plant yield and in some cases plant quality because the plant’s growing conditions can be controlled closer to the plants optimum growing conditions. A few of the conditions that benefit from hydroponic systems are:
Roots – Roots can not only be seen in some hydro systems but they are able to grow in a high humidity conditions.
Water – The plants water needs are met more often and systematically than hand watering or outdoor growing with the rain and good ol hose! Hand watering a large container garden can be very time consuming. Attention to detail may be beneficial during watering because drowning the plants feeder roots with too much water at once could be harmful to the plant. Hydroponic systems usually are characterized by automated waterings and feedings which could reduce the stress of constant human handling not to mention the convenience factor. It’s not always convenient to water your whole garden by hand when your plants need it, humans have lives to fulfill and water as well!
Nutrient content – Nutrient content is one of the best features of hydroponic systems because of the precise control the grower can manipulate. However, nutrient control is an art form that must be tailored to every hydroponic set up and plant selection.
The goal of hydroponic gardening is to increase yield and plant vitality. Hydroponic growing can be very simple or very complicated, the beauty is in the versatility of hydroponics. Look for more to come on how hydro can outgrow soil.