Comparing different systems

I had decided to go to the library when researching all these different techniques. There is an abundance of information on the internet which made me feel a bit overwhelmed. Most of the information below is from the book ‘The Vertical Farm’ by Dr. Dickson Despommier. I’ve first defined what each of the farming types is, and then the pros and cons.

Hydroponics:

For this system, plants grow their roots in a soil alternative, such as rockwool or hydroton. Then, a nutrient solution is added to the water, this water is then used for watering the plants. This solution is added to the water so that when plants receive H2O, they also receive the other necessary chemicals and nutrients.

Aquaponics:

Aquaponics is a combination of aquaculture, such as growing fish and hydroponics (growing plants without soil.) Including fish in this creates a natural ecosystem in which the fish and plants thrive off one another. Instead of needing a nutrient solution, the waste from fish and the living bacteria in an aquaponics system provides all of the nutrients the plants need.

Aeroponics:

In this system, plants grow in an air or mist environment without the use of soil or a fish water ecosystem. Unlike hydroponics, aeroponics is conducted without a growing medium.

Comparison:

When fish are left out of the equation, there are fewer variables to measure and monitor for water quality. Aquaponics systems also have to be cultivated in the beginning and it takes at least a month or so to introduce fish into the water. Furthermore, because the fish and plants are in one ecosystem, it is extremely sensitive to herbicides or pesticides or if it's the other way around and growth hormones or antibiotics are given to the fish, it could very easily impact the quality of the produce being grown.

Aeroponic systems are also very sensitive and therefore require constant attention. Another disadvantage with hydroponics systems is that diseases travel rapidly in the water from the plant to the plant.

I think the method I’m going to chose to use in my farm is aeroponic, as it requires less water and nutrients that are usually used in hydro or aquaponic systems. Due to the lack of other components, it is also possible to grow them more densely.

FMP page 2

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