Is Hydroponics an ecological or natural tool? The November 2001 issue of BackHome magazine has a feature article on hydroponics. It talks about compost piles, worms, and the evils of pesticides/herbicides. Then it presents hydroponics as a natural alternative for the home grower. Huh? What does hydroponics have to do with worms or compost piles or use of pesticides?
Ah.. Of course, the natural part is at the end. The author is selling a book and this "naturally" is advertising. Truth and advertising took different paths long ago. In advertising we deal with images and avoid mentioning unpleasant facts. Well, i want to know all the facts and not hype. I'm sure there are places where hydroponics fit so lets talk about these applications and stop tossing out images of "natural". I think the facts go like this: Hydroponics fit indoors and in cold areas where it is difficult to grow plants outside. It may fit in desert areas also. Hydroponics is not natural, sustainable, ecological, inexpensive, or trouble free. Am i missing something here? It bothers me that so many earth oriented books include this topic. I know that some cultures do use aquaculture in a natural way and incorporate techniques that resemble hydroponics. But, that is not what we see described locally as hydroponics. It looks like bait and switch to me. Lots of grand images followed by an endless list of things to buy. Can anyone defend hydroponics as it is practiced today? jeff
