Choosing hydroponics or aquaponics

While similar in theory, hydroponic and aquaponic systems differ significantly in terms of capital outlay, input costs and method of operation. Janine Ryan provides an overview of the differences between these systems to help aspiring growers choose the right one in terms of their production goals.

- Janine Ryan

Hydroponics is an intensive method of farming in which large amounts of food can be grown in a small area. Hydroponics comes from the Greek ‘hydro’ and ‘ponos’, which mean ‘water’ and ‘labour’ respectively. In 1929, Dr William Gericke, a professor at the University of California in the US, first used the word to describe the growing of food without soil, and often using artificial lights instead of direct sunlight. Gericke reportedly grew tomatoes in a chemical solution, with vines reaching around 7,1m in length.

ADVANTAGES OF A HYDROPONIC SYSTEM

• It allows for food to be grown in places where conventional agriculture cannot be used; Hydroponics, for example, allow countries such as Israel to produce surplus fresh produce;
• There is better control of nutrients, pH and the growing environment, providing conditions that are ideal for the optimisation of yields;
• Less water is used in farming, reducing costs and promoting more environmentally friendly production;
• More oxygen is let through to the crop's root zone, and plants therefore grow more vigorously and at a quicker rate;
• It reduces the pathogen load via the elimination of the use of soil for production;
• It needs less labour as there is no weeding required. As crops such as strawberries are lifted off the ground in hydroponics, labour with regard to harvesting is also reduced.

DISADVANTAGES OF A HYDROPONIC SYSTEM

• The capital outlay is higher than that of a conventional system. The upkeep and maintenance of the system may also be high.
• Expertise is needed to run a hydroponic system.
• While disease load may be lower than in a conventional system, diseases such as Fusarium and Vericillium can spread more quickly through a hydroponic system.