Horticulture has been around for centuries and has developed over time. Advancements have led to better ways of growing plants, with two methods standing out, soil gardening and hydroponics. While both methods aim to produce healthy plants, their approaches are fundamentally different. In this blog post, we'll compare hydroponics and soil gardening while exploring how lighting technology affects these two methods.
Hydroponics
Hydroponics is a soilless gardening method that utilizes water and nutrient solutions to grow plants. Hydroponics allows for precise and timely delivery of nutrients and minerals, giving plants access to what they need when they need it. Furthermore, hydroponics eliminates the need for soil, which can harbor pests, diseases, and weeds, resulting in healthier plants. By using custom lighting systems, hydroponic growers can create ideal conditions for their plants to thrive.
Soil Gardening
Soil gardening is a traditional method of growing plants in the ground. It is simple, practical, and familiar to most people. Soil gardening depends on the use of natural soil, which contains nutrients, minerals, and a bacterial ecosystem that supports plant growth. However, natural soil can have inconsistencies and may lack the necessary nutrients for optimal plant growth. If natural light is insufficient for plant growth, soil gardeners may opt to supplement natural light with artificial lighting systems.
Lighting Technology
Lighting technology is an essential aspect of horticulture, affecting plant growth and health. Artificial lighting systems are fundamental in hydroponics since they provide a controlled environment and manipulate light through varying intensities, colors, and timers. Hydroponic growers also use lighting systems to increase plant yield, alter plant morphology, and regulate plant growth stages. On the other hand, soil gardeners use lighting systems to supplement natural light and extend the length of the growing season.
Comparison
Hydroponics offers an advantage in several areas when compared to soil gardening. For example, hydroponic growers can control the elements that affect plant growth, including light, air, and nutrient delivery. Moreover, hydroponic growers use up to 90% less water than soil gardeners due to the closed-loop system that recirculates water. Due to the ability to tailor the growing conditions to the plant's needs, hydroponic systems can yield more plants in a smaller area than soil gardening. With customized lighting systems, hydroponic growers can achieve higher-quality plant growth, faster maturation, and higher yields.
While soil gardening cannot compete with hydroponics in terms of yield efficiency, soil gardening has some benefits that hydroponics may not. Soil gardening is well-suited for beginners and hobbyists with a small cultivable area who want to enjoy the meditative aspect of gardening. Soil gardening also promotes soil conservation, biodiversity, and sustainable practices.
Ultimately, the choice between hydroponics and soil gardening hinges on personal preferences and objectives. Whether you prefer the precision of hydroponics or the simplicity of soil gardening, an optimized lighting system is essential for achieving optimal plant growth and health.
References
- Evans, M. R., & Martin, C. A. (2013). The business of plant biology: Hydroponic crop production. Horticultural Reviews, 41, 227-290. doi: 10.1002/9781118707195.ch5
- Nelson, J. A., Bugbee, B., & Koerner, G. (2015). Plant growth below-ground: A comparison of growth methods using hydroponic systems and soilless culture. In Marschner's Mineral Nutrition of Higher Plants (Third Edition) (pp. 319-339). Academic Press. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-12-384905-2.00014-3
- Runia, W. T., & de Koning, A. N. M. (2018). Hydroponic lettuce yields, quality and nutritional status as affected by light spectrum and intensity of light-emitting diodes. Acta horticulturae, 1227, 185-192. doi: 10.17660/ActaHortic.2018.1227.28