Hydroponic Systems: Organic or Not?

Are hydroponics and aeroponics organic?

In certified organic farming, fertilizers must be of plant or animal origin. Plants require 16 essential macro and trace elements to grow optimally. These nutrients can come from either earth minerals or organic substances. It is important to note that minerals are inorganic by definition. The term "organic" refers to carbon-based, living matter such as plants and animals. Therefore, earth minerals cannot be considered organic.

Nutrients in aeroponics

In hydroponic and aeroponic systems, we use soil minerals to avoid contamination from decaying plant or animal remains. The main difference from organic field farming is that in hydroponic and aeroponic systems, we use highly pure soil minerals. This allows for precise control of the nutrient composition, providing plants with exactly what they need for healthy growth.

Innovation through space research

Space exploration has developed mineral nutrient solutions to provide more nutrients to plants in the extreme conditions of space. These solutions promote healthier plant growth, which is especially important for astronauts with limited food sources. If these solutions work in space, why not in conventional agriculture? The answer often lies in cost: agriculture, whether organic or conventional, is highly price-driven. Farmers therefore invest as little as possible to produce a crop.

Efficient cultivation systems: our Future Gardens systems

An easy-to-install system without expensive electronic devices. This system can be up and running within 30 minutes. It only requires a nutrient solution that is suitable for various plants such as tomatoes, flowers, lettuce and cucumbers.

Advantages of our fertilizer

Our fertilizer uses a rich blend of ionic earth minerals that are essential for plant growth. These include nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur and trace elements such as boron, chlorine, manganese and zinc. Additionally, they contain trace elements that are important for human health. These minerals are present in small amounts and are available to the plant to support its nutrition and health.

Avoiding ammonia nitrogen

A key difference from conventional fertilizers is that they do not contain ammonia nitrogen. Instead, nitrate nitrogen is used, which leads to even and healthy plant growth. Ammonia nitrogen causes rapid growth, but this can result in a weak cell structure, making plants more susceptible to pests and diseases. Nitrate nitrogen, on the other hand, promotes sustainable and robust growth, similar to how complex carbohydrates provide longer-lasting energy in humans than simple sugars.

conclusion

Hydroponic and aeroponic systems offer an innovative and efficient method of growing plants that can be both more sustainable and more productive than traditional methods. By using highly purified soil minerals and avoiding ammoniacal nitrogen, these systems promote healthy plant growth that is less susceptible to pests and diseases, making them a promising option for the future of agriculture.