A hydroponic system refers to the cultivation of plants in water environment instead of soil. The plants hang with their roots in a watery solution that contains all the nutrients necessary for plant development. Apparently, it has been used for thousands of years, although at present it is not by far as extensive as regular agriculture. At present there are countries like the Netherlands, Germany and Australia that have implemented hydroponics gardening successfully.
There are many advantages to hydroponics gardening but the growth rate is the most spectacular of all. As compared to a soil plant, a hydroponic plant can grow twice faster. The specificity of the environment explains for this difference because roots cannot respond in the same way to water as to soil. More oxygen and nutrients are absorbed in hydroponic mediums. All the energy of the plant is converted into growth if it does not have to look for minerals in the soil.
Another great advantage of hydroponics gardening is the better protection against disease, bug infection and fungi. Thus, hydroponic plants can grow faster because they are healthier. They provide a solution to regular gardening in very dry geographical areas and if implemented at the large scale, hydroponic systems may reduce the food crisis in under-developed countries. Having fresh food available all year round is indeed a very promising perspective.
It is up to the gardener to choose the growing medium. The same line of thought applies to nutrients. These are special solutions or hydroponic fertilizers that can be ordered from specialized stores. With 2 or 4 spoonfuls of nutrients you can create a gallon of solution for your plants. Some nutrients will accelerate blooming while others only stimulate growing. Such mixes have been created so that hydroponics gardening stays effective and natural for the plants.
When you create your hydroponic garden, you will have to choose between active and passive systems. The nutrient solution is actively pumped in active systems so that the roots have solution available all the time. They are better than passive hydroponics gardening systems that provide a lower oxygen level by simpling wetting the roots. Even if the active variant costs more, it is worth implementing.
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