What is aquaponics?
In two words: organic hydroponics. Have you heard of it? If not, read today’s article, in which we explain what this smart and ecological method involves and how it brings growers the joy of surprisingly vigorous plant growth.
Bioponics provides plants with soil humus combined with a range of large organic molecules. The results will surprise even experienced growers!
The term bioponics itself was introduced in 2004 by William Texier, co-founder of the legendary brand General Hydroponics, which was recently renamed Terra Aquatica. Below you will find a link to a separate article where we outline the changes, whether it concerns fertilisers or hydroponic systems, in short, what is changing into what. Among other things, this gentleman is also the author of this “hydroponic bible”. His concept of bioponic plant cultivation marked a real breakthrough, as it crowned years of effort by scientists seeking a practical route to organic hydroponics.
The main advantages of this method are, in practice, a combination of classic hydroponics and an organic way of cultivating plants:
- The principle of sustainable organic agriculture
- A smaller volume of leaves and stems with the same yield as classic hydroponics
- Significant savings in water and nutrients
You may be wondering why bioponics is associated with the above-mentioned benefits? Yes, the second and third points in particular may pleasantly surprise you. To improve flowering, plants grown “bioponically” receive only a very small amount of nitrates, while at the same time undesirable excessive vegetative growth is reduced. Simply put, the plant produces what you really want and is glad not to have to waste energy on the rest. You therefore do not need as much nutrient solution, and bioponics represents not only an ecological but also, last but not least, an economic advantage, because in total you need a smaller amount of water and fertilisers.
The principle on which bioponics works in practice is called liquid earth. The ideal source of nutrients here is the BioSevia product, whose effectiveness is further significantly improved by the additive T.A. Trikologic (G.H. Bioponic Mix), which works on the basis of a highly effective mixture of microorganisms, including the beneficial fungus Trichoderma, which takes care of healthy microbial life, as it can form its own colonies that prevent the formation of undesirable ones and thus protect plants, for example against mould. BioSevia therefore provides a humus base with large organic molecules, and Trikologic also takes care of their effective breakdown in addition to plant protection. This creates a solution with similar properties to optimally prepared soil for growing plants. That means quality, light, well-aerated and full of nutrients and beneficial microorganisms. Then all that is needed is to add an inert growing medium, whether you choose expanded clay balls (keramzit or hydroton) or a quality coconut substrate.
However, bioponics, like every growing method, also has its pitfalls. Here is an overview of what you should watch out for so that a rich harvest awaits you at the end of the bioponic growing cycle:
- pH levels pH (max. 7.5) and EC: Be sure to measure regularly and, if possible, accurately. BioSevia does not affect the water pH. If, in bioponics, the pH exceeds the stated limit value, lower it to 6.0, gradually, over the following five or six days. In the case of the electrical conductivity of the solution, it is advisable to anticipate its drop and ensure that the plants have an optimal supply of nutrients. In bioponics, as elsewhere, the golden rule for plant nutrition applies – neither too much nor too little.
- The plant’s proper environment: Measure the temperature as well; room temperature is ideal. Proper air circulation will be ensured by fans.
- Filtration: In the nutrient solution, it is necessary to capture especially larger elements which could damage the plant root system in the absence of an effective filter. Filters with reverse osmosis represent an excellent long-term investment. You will find a link to a separate article below again.
We recommend these products:
- T.A. Trikologic (from CZK 139) contains the mycorrhizal fungus Trichoderma.
- BioNova Cocomix Plus (CZK 339) - 50 litres of 100% coconut substrate of the highest quality.
- Reversní osmotická jednotka MAXQUARIUM (CZK 7,790) for perfect filtration.
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