If you came of age in Ontario in a certain era, you we're likely sold "Hydro" as if it was a must-have name brand. Truth is, "Hydro" doesn't speak to strain attributes or effects. It's actually just a cultivation method.
What is Hydroponic Weed?
Hydroponic weed is cannabis grown using a soilless cultivation method where the plants are grown in a nutrient-rich water solution.
It's one of the many agricultural innovations that can be credited to legacy growers who aimed to maximize canopy space and minimize energy consumption as a way to avoid detection in the days before legalization.
Hydroponics omits the need for soil. Instea, the roots are supported by an inert medium such as perlite, clay pellets, or rock wool. This method allows for more precise control over the nutrients and environmental conditions, leading to several potential benefits.
Why Growers Like Hydroponic Cannabis
Hydroponically grown cannabis can offer superior growth rates, higher yields, better quality, and greater sustainability compared to traditional soil-grown methods.
- Higher Yields: The controlled environment can lead to higher yields compared to traditional soil methods.
- Quality Control: More precise control over nutrients and growing conditions can result in higher-quality cannabis.
- Year-Round Growing: Indoor hydroponic systems allow for year-round cultivation, regardless of outdoor weather conditions.
- Sustainability: Hydroponic systems can be more sustainable and environmentally friendly, using less water and reducing the need for pesticides.
Types of Hydroponic Systems
There are different types of hydroponic systems that deliver nutrients straight to the roots of the cannabis plant.
Deep Water Culture (DWC): A common method of aquaponic growing, plants are suspended in a nutrient solution, and the roots are submerged directly in the water. Air stones or diffusers provide oxygen to the roots.
Nutrient Film Technique (NFT): A thin film of nutrient solution flows over the roots, which are supported in a channel or tube.
Drip System: Nutrient solution is dripped onto the base of each plant, allowing the roots to absorb nutrients as the water drips through.
Ebb and Flow (Flood and Drain): The growing tray is periodically flooded with nutrient solution, which then drains back into the reservoir.
Aeroponics: Roots are suspended in the air and misted with a nutrient solution, providing high oxygen levels to the roots.
Is Hydroponic Weed Better?
Hydroponics helps growers dial-in the specific needs of each plant which can result in bigger buds, higher potency, and stronger terpene profiles.
Aside from big, terp-y buds, consumers purchasing hydroponically grown weed should expect a fairly consistent product from one crop to the next.
For home-growers, hydroponics allow for space-saving indoor set-ups, though the set-up costs can be significantly higher than outdoor growing.
