What is bioponics?

In two words: organic hydroponics. Have you heard of it? If not, read today's article where we explain what this smart and ecological method is, bringing growers the joy of surprisingly intense plant growth.

Bioponics provides plants with soil humus combined with a number of large organic molecules. The results will surprise even seasoned growers!

The term bioponics was introduced in 2004 by William Texier, co-founder of the legendary brand General Hydroponics, which recently renamed to Terra Aquatica. Below you will find a link to a separate article where we list an overview of changes, whether it's fertilizers or hydroponic systems — basically what's changing to what. This gentleman is also the author of this hydroponic bible. His bioponic cultivation concept represented a real breakthrough, as it crowned many years of scientists' efforts to find a practical route to organic hydroponics.

The main advantages of this method are practically a combination of classic hydroponics and organic cultivation:

• The principle of sustainable organic farming
• Smaller leaf and stem volume with the same yield as classic hydroponics
• Significant water and nutrient savings

You may ask why bioponics carries the above benefits? Yes, especially the second and third points can pleasantly surprise. To improve flowering, bioponically grown plants receive only tiny amounts of nitrates, while at the same time there is a desirable limitation of excessive vegetative growth. Simply put, the plant produces what you really want and is happy not to waste energy on the rest. So you don't need as much nutrient solution, and therefore bioponics is not only ecological but also, last but not least, economical, because in total you'll need less water and fertilizers.

The principle on which bioponics works in practice is called liquid soil. The ideal nutrient source here is the product BioSevia, whose effectiveness is further significantly improved by the supplement Trikologic (G.H. Bioponic Mix), which works on the basis of a very effective mixture of microorganisms including the beneficial fungus Trichoderma, responsible for healthy microbial life, as it can form its own colonies that prevent the emergence of undesirable ones and thus protect plants, for example, from the development of molds. BioSevia therefore provides a humus base with large organic molecules and Trikologic, besides protecting plants, ensures their efficient decomposition. A solution is formed with similar properties to optimally prepared soil for plant cultivation. That means quality, light, well-aerated material full of nutrients and beneficial microorganisms. Then it's enough to add an inert growing medium, whether you choose expanded clay balls (expanded clay, i.e. hydroton) or a quality coconut substrate.

However, bioponics, like any cultivation method, also has its pitfalls. Here is an overview of what you should pay attention to so that at the end of the bioponics growing cycle you will be rewarded with a bountiful harvest:

• Levels of pH (max. 7.5) and EC: Definitely remember to measure regularly and, if possible, measure accurately. BioSevia does not affect water pH. If in bioponics the pH exceeds the stated limit, reduce it to 6.0 gradually over the following five or six days. Regarding electrical conductivity of the solution, it's good to anticipate its drop and ensure the plants have an optimal supply of nutrients. In bioponics, as elsewhere, the golden rule of plant nutrition applies – neither too much nor too little.
• Proper living environment for the plant: Measure temperature as well; room temperature is optimal. Proper air circulation is ensured by fans.
• Filtration: In the nutrient solution it is necessary to catch larger particles that could, in the absence of an effective filter, damage the plants' root system. Reverse osmosis filters represent an excellent long-term investment. A link to a separate article can again be found below.

We recommend these products:

• T.A. Trikologic (from 139 Kč) contains the mycorrhizal fungus Trichoderma.
• BioNova Cocomix Plus (339 Kč) - 50 litres of 100% coconut substrate of the highest quality.
• Reverse osmosis unit MAXQUARIUM (7 790 Kč) for perfect filtration.

What to read next?

• Reverse osmosis (RO)
• G.H. - T.A.: What is changing to what
• Growing under artificial lighting: HPS vs. LED

If you have any questions about bioponics or need advice choosing products, do not hesitate to contact us at the known address info@higarden.cz.