Aeroponics, as most know, is a growing method where fertilized water is misted or sprayed onto roots kept in darkened chambers.Nozzle clogging, a historically common problem due to the nutrients in the irrigation solution, is now handled through the use of water pressure sensors and other technologies.Collectively however, the entire aeroponics system (sensors, precision nozzles, software, etc.) still incurs higher capital costs than hydroponics. Are the end results worth the added investment?"Aeroponics is another type of growing system for root zone management and requires sound knowledge using water as the only medium," says Dr. Mohyuddin Mirza, an Alberta-based greenhouse industry consultant who has worked with hydroponic, aeroponic and nutrient flow systems."One can learn about the system, but crop losses can be avoided by gaining knowledge of water quality, nutrient ratios, recycling of nutrients and understanding how plants would response to a totally liquid medium. Growers must realize the importance ofmaintaining adequate levels of oxygen in the nutrient solution in an aeroponic system."Success with aeroponics requires much knowledge. Both root growth and the rootzone environment must be consistently monitored to ensure the crop's success. While the nutrient solution can be completely recycled within an aeroponic system, growers need to carefully watch pH and mineral build-up. Some discard their water periodically.
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