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Hydroponics and aeroponics

hydroponics and aeroponics

Differences Between Hydroponics and Aeroponics

When you are looking for new ways to grow weed, you should be able to understand the difference between these two techniques to make an informed decision. Hydroponics and aeroponics are the two most popular methods at the moment. Same items same tools are the same, but processing varies. You must ensure that in both these methods the seedlings have sufficient water, light and fresh air. You will need to constantly monitor the pH levels in both, in order for your weed to grow perfectly. However, if you want to explore other ways of planting, you should learn what hydroponics and aeroponics are.

aeroponics, aeroponics, hydroponics, hydroponics
Hydroponic and aeroponic farm project in Singapore

 Hydroponics

Hydroponics is a method where plants are grown without the use of soil. All the nutrients necessary for growth are dissolved in water and distributed to all parts of the plant by the roots. The term comes from the Greek words: "hydro" = water and "ponos" = work. In this method, you keep the plant or seedling submerged in the basic nutrient solution throughout the growth.

aeroponics, aeroponics, hydroponics, hydroponics
Hydroponics room

In hydroponics, the nutrient solution used is very limited because the solution drips into the containers in which the seedling is immersed. There is no wastage of the nutrient solution.

Hydroponics and aeroponics

The growing medium used in hydroponics is usually perlite, vermiculite, clay pebbles, or blocks of coconut fiber. Hydroponics is more common than aeroponics.

aeroponics, aeroponics, hydroponics, hydroponics
Hydroponics "outdoors"

Aeroponic culture

Aeroponics was developed in 1942 by W. Carter. The objective was to facilitate the examination of the roots of plants. Between the 40's and 50's, scientists used aeroponics to grow tomatoes, apples, citrus fruits, etc. In order to observe their root structure and test their threshold of resistance to different types of mold resulting from over-irrigation or severe drought.

aeroponics, aeroponics, hydroponics, hydroponics
Marijuana roots in aeroponics

In 1983 the pioneer of aeroponics Richard Stoner developed a commercial system called "Genesis Rooting System", a system inspired by a device from the Star Trek 2 movie. It was a simple system requiring only one power supply. and water source. In addition, the substrate-free environment made the technique of cloning accessible to any grower.

aeroponics, aeroponics, hydroponics, hydroponics
The "aeroponale" bay on the USS Voyager is a fine example of aeroponics ...

In 1985, GTi introduced a second generation of hardware to the system and renamed it "Genesis Growing System". The system now allows seeds to germinate and uses the solution in a closed loop circuit. In 1986, Stoner was the first to market aeroponically grown fresh food for a large national agricultural chain. The 90's are marked by an investment by NASA in the growth of plants in space and the use of aeroponics as a method of cultivation.

aeroponics, aeroponics, hydroponics, hydroponics

NASA model

The result of NASA research has contributed to the rapid development of the systems currently in use. The plants are started from cuttings or seeds, then suspended in the air in a chamber called the root chamber. The root system of plants thrives in an enclosed space, in which a solution rich in nutrients is regularly sprayed.

aeroponics, aeroponics, hydroponics, hydroponics
NASA vertical aeroponic system

These aeroponic cultivation systems ensure clean, fast and efficient production. Crops can be planted and harvested in the same system all year round without interruption or risk of contamination. Additionally, using a clean, sterile growth medium helps reduce the risk of spreading disease and infection.

Main differences

Although aeroponics is a part of hydroponics, it works a bit different. In this method, the basic nutrient solution is sprayed on the plants, and from time to time. Seedlings depend on the basic nutrient solution for growth.

aeroponics, aeroponics, hydroponics, hydroponics
Aeroponic culture of medical cannabis in Florida

The use of aeroponic systems depend on a timer for high pressure misting. This gives the root system valuable nutrients and lots of oxygen… The results are often exceptional. The plants often bear beautiful dark green leaves, the roots are healthy, and the harvest abundant ...

aeroponics, aeroponics, hydroponics, hydroponics
Vertical aeroponic culture system now available

Simply defined, aeroponics develops plants with their roots suspended in the air in a growth chamber, in a closed circuit. Water, rich in nutrients, it is sprayed on the roots of plants when they swing in the air ... The microbes of the plant are in an environment rich in oxygen, which allows the microbes to digest the nutrients and make them immediately accessible to the plant's circulatory system. The CO2 circulating in the growth medium also improves growth.

aeroponics, aeroponics, hydroponics, hydroponics
Aeroponics = hanging roots and sprayed nutrient solution

Benefits of airport growth

The roots of the plants are sprayed at high pressure with "on" / "off" intervals. In addition, these intervals are important in order to obtain the best benefits from airport growth:

  • save electricity
  • reduce evaporation and waste
  • as well as reduce the likelihood of diseases such as root rot.

The “off” intervals give the plants a downtime that allows the cannabis to take up nutrients into its circulatory system.

aeroponics, aeroponics, hydroponics, hydroponics
Columned Aeroponics, or called 2.0 Aeroponics

While hydroponics are very popular, aeroponics systems are compact. They also offer very little maintenance to produce amazing results ... Thus, aeroponic systems are considered by many to be the growing systems of the future.

Tags : Agriculture/Growing
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Weed media broadcaster and communications manager specializing in legal cannabis. Do you know what they say? knowledge is power. Understand the science behind cannabis medicine, while staying up to date with the latest health related research, treatments and products. Stay up to date with the latest news and ideas on legalization, laws, political movements. Discover tips, tricks and how-to guides from the most seasoned growers on the planet as well as the latest research and findings from the scientific community on the medical qualities of cannabis.