Hydroponic AND Organic?

“Are plants grown in a hydroponic system organic?”

  

For the longest time I thought the answer was obvious- it depends on what the labels tell you. In other words, when a nutrient bottle stated that the solution it contained was organic, I believed it was organic. And when a bottle didn’t say anything about being “natural” or “organic”…well then I didn’t buy it.

            What I have come to realize, however, is that my understanding was limited. Yes, solutions that do not mention the word aren’t great—they tend to be chemically synthesized from fossil fuels and mined minerals. However, those that are labeled “organic” may not be ideal either.

            Let’s have a look at what is meant by “organic nutrient.” Practically speaking, the term is illogical because the ions themselves aren’t actually organic. Rather they are organically derived, meaning that the minerals are generated through microbial decomposition of complex organic compounds. This process yields an unrefined mixture of minerals and macronutrients, such as nitrates, which most growers would consider “organic.”

            Unfortunately, using organically derived nutrient solutions to replace fossil-generated solutions is often an unsuccessful endeavor. An organically derived solution lacks microbes needed to fully decompose input nutrients into a plant accessible form. Other attempts to create organically derived solutions have yielded unstable compounds that quickly decompose, clogging pipe work and creating unwanted bio-films.

            Many hydroponic experts continue to search for ways to organically grow produce in a hydroponic environment. New formulas, such as BioSevia Grow and Bloom, claim to not only be derived from approved organic sources, but also claim to have stronger stability. Combined with the introduction of beneficial bacteria in hydroponic systems, nutrients will gradually decompose and be available for plant absorption. Additionally the development of aquaponics, the combination of hydroponics and aquaculture, has been claimed to yield organic produce. As the quest to unify hydroponic and organic farming continues, changes and benefits to current hydroponic systems will evolve as well.

For more information:

http://urbangardenmagazine.com/2011/02/hydroponics-and-organics-–-what’s-the-difference/