Soil versus Hydroponics
Soil
In soil, bacteria have to break down the dirt into the basic elements of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium as well as trace elements.
Hydroponics
Balanced plant food (the nutrient solution) is dissolved directly into water so the plant may receive perfect nutrition at all times.
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Soil
Soil is not able to produce as much nutrient per area as the root system is able to take up.
Hydroponics
Hydroponics takes the desired amount of food directly to the root rather than making plant's roots look for it.
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Soil
Soil loses its nutritional value and is difficult to measure in terms of pH and fertility.
Hydroponics
The pH and nutritional value of the water are easily measured and maintained, so plants always have enough to eat.
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Soil
Only when you water your soil plants, the basic elements can dissolve into the water.
Hydroponics
In a hydroponic system, moisture is present for extended periods of time or for all the time.
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Soil
Soil plays host to many nasty little creatures.
Hydroponics
Hydroponics growing mediums are inert and sterile making a very hygienic environment for the plant and owner.
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Soil
Soil requires a lot more watering, has a higher occurrence of pests, plants grow slower, need more space and constant maintenance.
Hydroponics
Hydroponics increases plant growth and yield per area, decreases pests and diseases and the need to water plants.
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Outdoor conditions limit the selection of flowers, herbs and vegetables you can grow.
Indoor growing conditions are determined by you. You can pretend to live in a tropical or cooler country year round.
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Outdoors you can have bad weather: too much or little rain, too much or little sun, too high or low temperature, etc.
Indoors , all factors that limit plant growth, can be kept in check with hydroponics.
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