Cultivate cannabis plants Maybe an exciting and gratifying adventure. However, a crucial question often arises: should we opt for a Hydroponic or earth culture? This article explores the benefits and disadvantages of each method to help you make the best choice for your plants.
Understand the basics of cannabis culture
One of the first decisions to be made concerns the choice of cultivation environment: land or water? Discover the bases of hydroponics and earth cultivation to make your illuminated choice.
What is hydroponics?
There Hydroponic culture is a method of above-ground culture Or Plants are cultivated in a nutritional solution Rather than in the earth. THE plant roots are suspended in an inert environment like the rock wool or clay pellets and are fed by a solution rich in dissolved nutrients in water. This method Allows specific control nutrients and the growth environment.
What is Earth Culture?
There earth culture is the traditional method of culture where plants are cultivated in natural soil or a mixture of substrates. The roots of the plants obtain their Nutrients of organic and mineral compounds Present in the earth, helped by the microbes and the edaphon. This method is often perceived as more natural and is preferred by many traditional cultivators.
The advantages of hydroponics culture
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Higher yields : One of the main advantages of hydroponics is the possibility of obtaining higher yields. Plants grow faster And produce more flowers thanks to the constant and optimal nutrient intake.
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Precise nutrient control : In hydroponics, you can adjust the nutrients exactly that your plants receive, thus optimizing their growth. This avoids deficiencies and excess nutrients, which is more difficult to control in earth cultivation.
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Faster growth : Plants cultivated in hydroponics tend to grow more quickly due to oxygenation continues roots and constant nutrients. This reduces the life cycle of plants and obtain more frequent harvests.
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Reduction of pests and diseases : Hydroponic culture allows Minimize common problems such as harmful and diseases, because plants are not in contact with the soil, which is often a source of contamination.
The disadvantages of hydroponics culture
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High initial cost : The installation of a hydroponic system can be costly due to the purchase of the necessary equipment, like pumps, tanks, and nutrient control systems.
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Technical maintenance : Hydroponic culture requires a constant monitoring and maintenance To ensure that the system is working properly. This can be a challenge for beginners cultivators or those who do not have much time to devote to their culture.
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Risks of contamination : In hydroponics, plants share the same nutritive solution, which means that a contamination can quickly spread to all plants. It is therefore crucial to maintain rigorous hygiene and regularly monitor signs of disease.
The advantages of earth culture
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Simplicity and accessibility : Earth culture is generally simpler and more accessible, especially for beginners. She does not require specialized equipment And can be made with easily available materials.
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Flavor and natural aromas : Many cultivators believe that cannabis cultivated in land has a richer and more complex flavor and aromas Due to the natural interactions between roots and soil microbes.
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Less risk of technical failure : Unlike hydroponics, the earth culture does not depend on complex technical systems. This reduces the risks of technical failure and maintenance needs.
The drawbacks of earth culture
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Slower growth : Plants cultivated in land have tendency to grow more slowly that those cultivated in hydroponics, as they must work harder to obtain the necessary nutrients.
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Less control over nutrients : On the ground, it is more difficult to precisely control the nutrients available for plants. THE deficiencies and excess nutrients can be more frequent And more difficult to correct.
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More risk of harmful : The earth can house harmful and diseases that can affect plant health. It is important to regularly monitor signs of problems and take preventive measures.
Cost comparison
The initial costs for Hydroponic culture are generally higher Due to the purchase of the necessary equipment. On the other hand, earth cultivation requires less initial investment.
Comparison table: Hydroponic culture vs. Earth culture
| Criteria |
Hydroponic culture |
Earth culture |
| Benefits |
Faster and more uniform growth
Potentially higher yields
Better use of space
Fewer -related diseases
Precise nutrient control
Possible reuse of substrates
Ideal for vertical cultures |
More natural and familiar
More tolerant to beginners errors
Often less expensive to set up
Wide choice of substrates available
Better water retention in the event of a power cut
Can be used outdoors |
| Disadvantages |
Requires specific equipment and regular monitoring
More sensitive to fluctuations in pH and EC
Higher initial cost
Risk of root burns in the event of poor nutrient management
Requires a constant power supply
More technical and requires more knowledge |
Slower growth
More sensitive to soil diseases
More risk of weeds and insects
Less control over nutrients
Requires regular renewal of the substrate
Can be more bulky |
Maintenance costs
There Hydroponic culture maybe more expensive to maintain Due to electricity needs for pumps and control systems, as well as the costs of specialized nutrients. There earth culture, on the other hand, may require regular purchase of soil and fertilizer, But these costs are generally lower.
Comparison of yields
Hydroponic yields
THE yields in hydroponics are often higher Due to faster growth and the optimization of nutrients. Plants can produce more than flowers and better quality.
Earth yields
Earth yields can be less than that of hydroponics, but they may be sufficient for many cultivators. The quality of the flowers can also be excellent, especially if the plants are well maintained.
What are the most effective hydroponic systems for cannabis
The most effective hydroponic systems for the cultivation of cannabis include several methods, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
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Continuous flow system : This system is very popular because it provides high yields and ensures a good level of dissolved oxygen. It works by providing a Constant flow of water or mist, which maintains the hydrated and permanently nourished roots.
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NFT system (Nutrient Technical Film) : This system uses a fine nutritional solution film which circulates continuously on the roots of the plants. The roots are thus constantly exposed to air, which promotes absorption optimal nutrients and rapid growth.
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Drip system : Similar to drip irrigation used in the ground, this method delivers the nutritive solution drop by drop, allowing a constant and controlled supply of nutrients. This system is less noisy and reduces the risk of obstruction of the pipes.
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Aquaponics : This system combines hydroponics with aquaculture. THE waste produced by fish provide nutrients to plants, while plants help filter water for fish. It is a sustainable method that can be very effective in cultivation of cannabis.
These systems offer precise control over the culture environment, which optimizes the growth and quality of cannabis plants. However, they require a certain expertise and an initial investment higher in equipment
Conclusion
In the end, the choice between the culture hydroponics and the culture in earth depends on your goals, of your Budget and your level of experience. Both methods can produce high quality cannabis, but they have different challenges and advantages. Take into account your specific needs and choose the method that suits you best.
Faq
What method is the most suitable for a beginner?
Earth culture is generally more suitable for beginners because of its simplicity and accessibility.
Can we combine the two methods?
Yes, it is possible to combine elements of the two methods to create a hybrid system that maximizes the advantages of each technique.
What method is the most ecological?
Earth culture is often considered to be more ecological, because it uses natural materials and can be carried out in an organic way.
What method offers the best cannabis quality?
The quality of cannabis depends on many factors, but many cultivators believe that cannabis cultivated in the ground has a flavor and richer aromas.
What are the best hydroponic systems to start?
Flow and reflux systems (EBB and Flow) and NFT systems (nutritious film) are often recommended for beginners in hydroponics because of their simplicity and efficiency.
