Hydroponic vegetables: what they are and the differences from conventional ones

For those who are involved in the world of agriculture or are interested in plantations, you must have heard about hydroponic vegetables. 

But what does it really mean, what are the differences and main precautions? Come and find out in this article:

What is hydroponics and hydroponic vegetables?

Hydroponics is a cultivation technique in which, instead of plants growing in soil, they develop in a water solution with all the nutrients they need.

And when we talk about hydroponic vegetables we are referring to plants that will grow in a hydroponic cultivation system.

Generally, the solution in which the plant roots are submerged is nourished with nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and other nutrients important for their growth.

Cultivating this type of plant typically involves several techniques and systems, all with the same objective: to provide nutrients directly to the plant's root.

Benefits of hydroponics

This innovative approach to plant cultivation also brings a number of significant benefits to both commercial growers and home gardeners. 

One of the benefits is the efficient use of water, as this system uses fewer resources compared to conventional agriculture. This is because in hydroponic vegetable systems the water is recirculated, being reused every time.

Additionally, plants grown hydroponically grow faster and produce more than those grown in soil. The constant and controlled supply of nutrients allows plants to grow faster.

Another positive point is that this type of cultivation can be done anywhere, including where the soil is inadequate or non-existent, as it does not depend on this to be able to produce its products.

Growers have complete control over plant growth factors, including light, temperature, pH, and nutrients. This precise control results in healthier, more productive plants.

Because hydroponics is a closed system, there is less need for pesticides and herbicides. This results in healthier food and reduces the environmental impact caused by the use of agricultural chemicals.

What are the differences between conventional vegetables?

When we compare hydroponic vegetables to conventional ones, it is possible to notice some differences.

For example, those grown in a hydroponic system have a more intense flavor and a crunchy texture when bitten, this is because they grow with precise control of nutrients, far from pests and stress.

Sometimes these plants may have visual differences, such as less developed roots or lighter leaves, but this does not affect their flavor or nutritional values.

And when comparing the price of one cultivation system with another, hydroponics ends up being more expensive than traditional farming methods. But over time, the investment can bring returns in productivity and inputs.

Hydroponics techniques

To plant hydroponic vegetables, there are several types of systems that can be used, but some of them end up standing out due to their popularity, such as floating, NFT, flood flow and drainage, and inert substrate.

Floating

In the floating technique, the plants are placed on a floating base under a reservoir, so that their roots are in contact with the water. nutrient solution.

It is a process that requires a lot of water and a good aeration system. This type of cultivation normally makes more sense in areas of intense heat, where some crops may not survive.

NFT

NFT, nutrient film technique, is a very popular and widely used system, in which plants are grown in inclined channels, responsible for distributing water with nutrients to all seedlings.

For this purpose, an intermittent pump is used to maintain the flow of water and facilitate this nutrition.

Flood flow and drainage

Also known as DWC, this system consists of flooding and submerging the roots in a nutrient solution for a certain period, and then draining them. 

This is a process that repeats itself periodically, and can be applied to different types of vegetables, such as leaves, tomatoes, strawberries and peppers.

inert substrate

This system occurs when the roots are surrounded by this inert substrate, which can be perlite, vermiculite or rock wool, which must be irrigated from time to time with the nutrient solution.

It is used for some ornamental plants, vegetables and flowers, providing good humidity control, less risk of diseases and fungi.

What are hydroponic vegetables?

In addition to knowing the differences and techniques of hydroponics, it is also interesting to understand what types of vegetables grow in this type of cultivation.

Many plants can be considered hydroponic vegetables, but some of them are more profitable than others, specifically greens, vegetables, fruits and aromatic plants. The most common are green beans, lettuce, broccoli, cauliflower, strawberries, grapes, eggplant and many others.

Tell us if you already knew about hydroponic vegetables and their different systems!

Conclusion

Hydroponics is an innovative and efficient approach to growing vegetables, offering several advantages over traditional farming. With the ability to grow plants without the need for soil, this method allows for cultivation in a variety of locations, including urban areas and regions with inadequate soils.

The hydroponic system is designed to optimize the use of water and nutrients, allowing plants to grow faster and healthier.

Additionally, precise control over growth factors such as light, temperature, pH and nutrients results in plants with better flavor and texture, as well as reducing the need for pesticides and herbicides, promoting more sustainable and environmentally friendly production.

Although the initial cost of a hydroponic system may be higher than that of conventional farming, the investment can quickly pay for itself through increased productivity and resource efficiency.

Vegetables such as lettuce, broccoli, strawberries and grapes, as well as various herbs, are particularly well suited to hydroponic cultivation, offering growers the opportunity to grow a variety of plants profitably and sustainably.

Hydroponics is becoming increasingly popular among farmers and home gardeners, offering a versatile and sustainable solution for growing vegetables around the world.