Hydroponics - What it is and What it is not
Hydroponic growers have completely eliminated the need for soil and its micro-organisms. This has resulted in better crop quality, higher growth rates and healthier produce, all without soil erosion or water supply contamination. The fertilizers used in hydroponics are more pure than those utilized in organic growing, and also leave no residue in cultivated produce. The result is that more people can be fed, less precious natural resources are used, and the produce is much healthier and flavorful.
Hydroponic crops are generally grown in a far more sterile environment than organic crops. Precise controls are utilized to ensure optimum growth, extended growing seasons, and maximum nutrition. This sterile environment also dramatically reduces the need for pesticides. When a form of pest control is needed, only natural, non-toxic materials are ever used.
Hydroponic growers use highly refined minerals in their nutrient solutions, simply because mined minerals dissolve poorly and can be extremely toxic to humans and even harmful to plant life. In fact, when hydroponic crops are analyzed for any trace of chemicals listed on the EPA's priority pollutant list, absolutely none are found.
Another obvious benefit of hydroponically-grown produce is enhanced nutrition. Compared to their soil-bound counterparts, fruits, vegetables and herbs grown hydroponically typically offer a significantly increased amount of the vitamins and minerals that we all need to maintain good health. Additionally, hydroponic produce has superior flavor and appearance, and even stays fresh longer.
Hydroponically grown produce, while usually free of pesticide and other chemical hazards, does not generally meet the rather narrow definitions of "organic". The primary problem for organic hydroponic growers is in the formulation of the soilless nutrient solution. United States agricultural regulations are currently set and applied at the state level but practically all states prohibit the use of refined ingredients to cultivate "organic" crops; only mined minerals can be used. Hydroponic growers, on the other hand, must use refined minerals because mined minerals dissolve poorly in solutions. As a consequence, it is not currently practical to formulate a top-quality "organic" fertilizer, which will work well for hydroponic crop production, and meet U.S. standards.
A review of the standards for defining "organic" will soon be completed by federal regulators in the U.S. Department of Agriculture. There is some possibility that the USDA may eventually consider the European standards (defined as mineral organic), opening the door for organic growers to use purified mineral nutrients and hydroponic growers to cultivate organically certified produce. It is not surprising that European regulations favor policies that promote the cultivation of produce with superior quality and flavor. Generally European consumers are accustomed to higher quality foods and will not purchase flavorless produce.