Are Aeroponics systems the same as hydroponic?

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Could this be the new future garden? While hydroponic gardening has been around for some time now there is a new kid on the block that could revolutionise the way we garden well into the 21st century and beyond.

Aeroponics is similar to the hydroponic system but differs in that it doesn't move nutrient-rich water through the roots of the plants but uses a misting spray to deliver the plant's requirements. It can operate on misting sprays, nebulisers (similar concept to a steaming nebuliser you might use if you suffer from asthma), or even foggers.

The idea is that by delivering the nutrients in this way aeration can occur and deliver plants more oxygen.

Aeroponics works with any of the previously mentioned methods of spraying nutrient-rich solution to the plants. The solution then drips through the plants into a reservoir below them (it's a very similar set-up to a hydroponic system with the addition of the sprayers) and draws the solution back from this reservoir and continues the process.

The finer the spray used the more effective the aeroponics system becomes. This is due to solution particles becoming small enough that plants can absorb them quicker and therefore grow quicker.

While aeroponics sounds like it's a brand new concept it has been around since the early 1980's when it was developed by Richard Stoner an inventor and entrepreneur who is touted as the father of modern aeroponics.

Posted by Stuart on April 13, 2006 5:36 AM | Permalink | Check to Subscribe to this Comment:

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