When it comes to hemp cultivation, there are so many variables to consider: water, light, temperature…
But arguably the biggest one is hydroponics vs. soil growing.
So, what’s the difference, and which one’s better for the health and wealth of the plant?
Hemp Cultivation
If you’re not familiar with the process of hemp cultivation, you may not know that there are 2 traditional methods for growing: hydroponics and soil growing.
- Hydroponics – plants are grown in an artificially controlled environment without soil
- Soil growing – plants are grown in soil (yep, we’re sure you probably guessed that one)
If you’re getting hemp clothing, paper, pet products, or CBD, you’re getting it from one of these 2 growth mediums.
So, is one better than the other?
The Advantages of Hydroponics Vs. Soil Growing
Naturally, we’re big fans of hydroponics. But we have good reason for that. There are many distinct advantages of hydroponic systems, and for most cultivators in North America (and around the world), hydroponic cultivation just makes sense.
Here’s why:
1. Greater Control
When you plant in soil, your growth is largely dependent on the soil itself, and of course, Mother Nature. Sure, if you’ve got a greenhouse you’re better positioned, but still, there are a number of elements where hydroponics works out.
With hydroponics, you can control elements that you can’t in nature. You determine the exact amount (and type) of nutrients the plants are given. You directly impact the water delivery. Hydroponics also gives you the ability to protect plants from adverse exposure to things like unfavorable temperatures, pests and pollutants, ultimately yielding purer plants in the end. You also have the ability to control the pH level of the growing environment.
In our growing rooms, we can also effectively test small samples without hindering our entire crop. Which lighting is going to yield the best results, for example? We test, and learn from whatever we find for better production. You just don’t have those options with soil growing.
2. Location
If you’re committed to growing in soil, you are limited by location and climate. Feel like growing in Northern Canada in September? Good luck, unless you’re setting up a greenhouse.
Hydroponic systems don’t depend on external conditions at all, so they can be set up pretty much anywhere, even in locations where the outside environment would make growing impossible. A hydroponics system allows you to grow anywhere, any time of year. This is huge if you’re growing for commercial use, as you’re not dealing with down times due to weather/climate/harvesting season.
You’re also not limited if you’re in an urban setting. To have a large scale soil-growing operation, you need space. You’re going to be hard-pressed finding that in a large city. However, if you’re setting up a hydroponics operation, all you need is the right space to rent or lease. You could be in a busy downtown core and it wouldn’t matter.
3. Plant Growth
This is probably the biggest advantage of hydroponics vs. soil growing. Plants grown hydroponically tend to grow faster than plants grown in soil. This is mainly because of that control we mentioned earlier. Plants grown hydroponically have oxygen and nutrients delivered directly to their roots, in a controlled manner.
Since the plants grow faster, you have shorter growth cycles and can grow more over time. And, because your plants are getting nutrients delivered to them, they don’t have to work so hard to find them. This often results in higher yields.
Additionally, if there are any problems with your plants, a slower growing period means you’ll see those issues sooner, meaning you can either fix them right away, or move on to a new crop instead of wasting more time and money.
Don’t Discount Soil Growing…
Wait though. Just because we’re fans of hydroponics doesn’t mean we don’t like soil growing. We definitely do!
There’s a reason this method of cultivation is still around after thousands of years. Sometimes, nothing beats the good old fashioned “grown from the ground” approach. Soil does self-regulate (for the most part), meaning it adapts to its environment, and since soil is hemp’s natural growth medium, it tends to be gentler on the plants. If you’re in the right place, with the right land, soil growing can be hemp’s best friend.
The other reason soil growing is still so popular? Cost.
Cost is the one area where soil growing beats hydroponics hands down. The initial set-up costs for a hydroponic system is higher, and the operation tends to be more labor-intensive. Hydroponics also requires skills and knowledge of the technology.
So, in the end, a hydroponic growing system means plants grow faster with more efficient use of natural resources and a greater degree of control, but we can say without a doubt that a place for traditional, soil-based agricultural operations will always exist.
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