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by Eric Hopper
Q
a
My husband and I are thinking of graduating to an aeroponics system in our sunroom after seven years of growing regular hydroponics . We ’ re told it ’ s a bit more hands on but we ’ ll get better yields . What are some things we should be aware of when switching to aeroponics ?
— Araina M .
Thank you for your question . Although aeroponics is technically a type of hydroponic system ( growing without the use of soil ), there are some important differences to understand before converting to an aeroponic system . When implemented properly , aeroponic systems generally outperform regular hydroponic systems in terms of yield and water / nutrient solution efficiency . In a typical hydroponic system , the plant ’ s roots are suspended in a nutrient solution or the nutrient solution is delivered to an inert medium which holds the root mass . In an aeroponic system , the plant ’ s roots are suspended in air and are sprayed , misted , or fogged directly with the nutrient solution . Aeroponic systems maximize the root ’ s access to oxygen , which is the key to its increased performance over other hydroponic systems . That being said , not all aeroponic systems are the same . Aeroponic systems are typically broken into three categories : low pressure aeroponics ( LPA ), high pressure aeroponics ( HPA ), and fogger aeroponics ( Fogponics ). The biggest difference between these types of aeroponic systems is the size of the water droplets delivered to the roots . Low pressure aeroponics ( LPA ) normally deliver water droplets of 50 microns or larger to the roots . LPA systems are most commonly used by beginners who wish to experiment with aeroponics . Do not expect LPA systems to outperform regular hydroponic systems by more than a negligible amount . High pressure aeroponic ( HPA ) systems utilize pumps and emitters which produce water droplets at 50 microns or less . This fine mist allows the roots more access to oxygen , which leads to faster growth and higher yields . Increased oxygen also means more effective and efficient nutrient delivery . HPA systems require more expensive / more powerful pumps than a typical LPA system .
In fogger aeroponic systems ( Fogponics ), the nutrient solution is atomized to size 5 microns or less ; creating a fog , rather than of a mist ( hence the name ). These systems are more difficult to maintain , are more costly to set up , and are compatible with fewer crops than other aeroponic systems . The regular monitoring of pH and nutrient concentration is important in both hydroponics and aeroponics . However , aeroponic systems will usually require more frequent monitoring as the mist / fog delivery system has a tendency to fluctuate . Another important consideration is the pumps used to deliver the nutrient solution . Pumps for hydroponic systems are generally rated by their GPH ( gallons per hour ) output , whereas pumps for LPA and HPA systems are rated in terms of pounds per square inch ( PSI ). Lastly , the cycling of pumps in hydroponic systems and aeroponic systems will differ . LPA systems will often run constantly and will not “ cycle ” at all . HPA systems will often use very short cycles to eliminate the possibility of the smaller droplets forming larger droplets over time . A five second mist “ on ” every three to five minutes is a typical cycle for HPA systems . A special cycle timer is required to achieve such specific intervals . If you have already been successful with hydroponics , I doubt you would be satisfied with a low pressure aeroponics setup . However , if you are willing to invest in some new equipment and spend a little more time monitoring , a high pressure aeroponic system will allow you to grow a wide variety of crops and maximize both efficiency and yield in your sunroom garden .
I hope this answers your question .
Keep on Growing , Eric Hopper
EH
Eric Hopper has more than 18 years of experience in the hydroponic industry as both a retail store manager and owner . He continuously seeks new methods and products that could help maximize garden performance . Eric resides in Michigan where he and his family strive for a self-sufficient and sustainable lifestyle .
14 Maximum Yield