It depends on what you are trying to study. For example, for studying the root system hydroponics is great!! You have the whole root system available and clean for imaging and comparing roots of different species… the plants use to develop a big root system in hydroponics and they look very happy. But, the plants normally don’t grow in hydroponics in nature, they do in soil. So, they normally find this impediment in their growth. What I mean with this is that if you look at the same plant growing in soil and in hydroponics, you will find a huge difference in their root system, which influence their upper part growth, too. Besides, a good soil should be more rich in nutrients that the only liquid subtract you use in hydroponics.
Growing plants in hydroponics is all about the mix of chemicals in the water. You need a nice mix of fertilizers that provide nitrogen, phosphorus and tiny amounts of various metals. The water also needs to be changed often to provide oxygen to roots and prevent the buildup of harmful bacteria. These are the same things most plants need from soil – nutrients, water, and oxygen!
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Mark commented on :
Growing plants in hydroponics is all about the mix of chemicals in the water. You need a nice mix of fertilizers that provide nitrogen, phosphorus and tiny amounts of various metals. The water also needs to be changed often to provide oxygen to roots and prevent the buildup of harmful bacteria. These are the same things most plants need from soil – nutrients, water, and oxygen!