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Hydroponics Vs. Soil: Do Hydroponic Plants Grow Faster?

Author: Rise Hydroponics
by Rise Hydroponics
Posted: Jun 15, 2021

Some of the most significant benefits of hydroponics over traditional farming is faster growth of crop fetching greater returns. The farming system also possesses the advantage of planting more plants per unit space than that of traditional farming, thus ensuring higher production and quality of produce. Also, the pest and diseases can be monitored well in hydroponic system, and could eliminate soil-borne pathogens.

Some of the crops become ready to harvest 30 to 50 percent faster than traditional farming, enabling yield of 2-3crops by the time one gets yield from traditional farming.

Hydroponic Growth Rates

The higher results of the hydroponic farming system can be attributed to the special care given to each plant and the controlled environment where all requirements for plant growth are maintained optimum. These requirements include temperature, humidity, moisture, nutrients, pH and light intensity. Any symptom is identified at its initial stages itself, hence minimizing the losses.

Hence plants grow larger and much faster in this system. Also, the direct supply of nutrients to the plant roots assures quick absorption by plants and thereby increased growth and development in relatively lower periods.

Best Plants for Hydroponics

Majorly hydroponics is best suited for the cultivation of crops such as leafy vegetables, gourds, brinjal, chilli, herbs etc. Of these leafy vegetables gives best results in terms of growth, quality, productivity and reduced harvest periods.

The below mentioned vegetables can be said to be best for growing through hydroponics:

  • Lettuce

Lettuce has increased its demand in the market over the years and the soil-based cultivation of the crop is time consuming and yields are low due to unfavourable climatic conditions. Thus, the exotic vegetable can be grown successfully through hydroponics. Hence, it can be said that lettuce can be grown best in the controlled environment of hydroponics.

Grow time: About 30 days

Best pH: 6.0 to 7.0

Variety options: Romaine, Lollorosso, Iceberg, Butterhead, Batavia,Locarno

  • Spinach

Spinach grows faster in the hydroponic system, particularly in the NFT System. Also, the crops grown are found to have higher quality and size. Looking into the yield, the yield of the crop grown hydroponically is greater than that grown non-hydroponically. Also, one could harvest 2-3crops by the time the crop matures in case of traditional farming.

Grow time: About 40 days

Best pH: 6.0 to 7.5

  • Kale

Kale is found to have great health benefits and it is included under the category of superfood. This characteristic of kale has paved its way into the market resulting in high demands among the consumers. The exotic leafy vegetable can be grown in a hydroponic system effectively, giving great results in yield.

Grow time: About 40 days

Best pH: 6.0 to 7.5

  • Swiss Chard

This exotic leafy vegetable is gaining name among the Indian consumers for its nutritiousness. The NFT system is preferred in the cultivation of this crop.

Grow time: About 40 days

Best pH: 6.2 to 7

  • Herbs

Herbs like Basil, cilantro, mint, oregano, parsley, rosemary, thyme etc. are efficiently grown through hydroponics. Studies show that the plants possess more flavor and aroma when grown hydroponically. Hydroponics also ensures the year-round supply.

  • Bell Pepper

These are comparatively more advanced plants grown hydroponically. It requires occasional pruning and pinching to shorten their normal heights. Deep water culture or ebb and flow systems are best for peppers.

Grow time: About 90 days

Best pH: 6.0 to 6.5

  • Strawberries

The most distinguished feature of strawberries is their seasonality- they are cultivated during a particular season. Hydroponics, however, has served as an alternative to this specificity, enabling the cultivation throughout the year.

Grow time: About 60 days

Best pH: 5.5 to 6.2

Even though the technique is known to eliminate the soil-borne insect-pest and pathogen, and hence could avoid crawling insects and fungi, there can be occurrence of air-borne pathogens. Hence one would have to take care of all these factors and also about the nutritional aspects of the crop. The right amount and type of nutrient need to be supplied to the crops and frequent monitoring needs to be carried out for any deficiencies and malformations.

In addition, it should also be taken care that no nutrient is provided in excess since it may hamper the absorption of other nutrients, hence the need to focus on the feeding schedules of the nutrients. Ensuring the quality of water used is also an important aspect. Temperature, pH and similar factors are to be monitored.

About the Author

Rise Hydroponics is India's fastest growing agritech company that's promoting soilless farming with a href=“https://risehydroponics.in/” Hydroponics and modern technology.

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Author: Rise Hydroponics

Rise Hydroponics

Member since: May 14, 2021
Published articles: 3

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