Running Head: HYDROPONICS VS. SOIL
1
A Comparative Analysis of Two Plant Growth Mediums: Hydroponic vs. Soil
Maeva Makendi S.G
The Academy of Science, Research and Medicine at THE Paulding County High School
Running Head: HYDROPONICS VS. SOIL
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents…………………………………………………………………… 2
Abstract……………………………………………………………………………... 3
Introduction…………………………………………………………………………. 4-7
Methods & Materials…………………………………………………………………8-10
Results………………………………………………………………………………..11-20
Discussions………………………………………………………………………….. 21-24
References…………………………………………………………………………….25
Appendix……………………………………………………………………………..26-27
Running Head: HYDROPONICS VS. SOIL
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Abstract
Plants do not need soil in order to grow and survive. Soil act as a medium for plant to
help support it and to retain nutrients. However, any medium that is stable enough to support
plant and can retain nutrients can do the same job as soil without being restricted to the ground.
This is where hydroponics comes in; hydroponic is a method of growing plants using mineral
solution, in water, without soil. This method can be extremely helpful to countries that have poor
land, which is not able to sustain agriculture. The purpose of this lab is to prove that hydroponic
horticulture can be just as effective if not better than plants traditionally grown in soil. The
hypothesis goes like this if the hydroponic plants and plants grown in soil are given the same
germinating and growing conditions, then the hydroponic plants will do as well if not even better
than the plants grown in soil. This experience was conducted using an assortment of fruit,
vegetables and herbs. Half the seeds where grown hydroponically, while the other half was
grown in soil; both were kept in the same conditions, in order to not alter the experiment in favor
of one or the other. The plants were grown for thirty days, in order to ensure accurate results.
After a month the stated hypothesis was proven correct, the hydroponic and soil plants grew
almost the same, with the hydroponic plants germinating faster and growing faster than the soil
plants.
Running Head: HYDROPONICS VS. SOIL
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Introduction
Often time when learning about plants, we stumble unto the basic so called necessities of
plants, the big four as some call it, sun, soil, oxygen and water. Three out of the four basic
necessities given are true. Plants are autotrophs that make their own food using the sun using a
process called photosynthesis. The word photosynthesis means to put together with light and this
is exactly what occurs. It occurs in the chloroplasts of plants. This process is limited to the
supply of light, water and carbon dioxide. Limiting any one of the factors on the left can greatly
impact the amount of photosynthesis produced. During the process of photosynthesis electrons
are boosted up by the energy from the sunlight. The chloroplast uses these electrons, along with
the carbon dioxide and hydrogen ions, to produce sugar molecules (Campbell et al., 2009). The
reaction steps add up to the following photosynthetic equation:
Photosynthesis occurs in two stages, the light dependent reaction and the Calvin cycle, both with
their own individual steps. In the light reaction the energy in sunlight is converted to chemical
energy. The reaction relies on molecules built in the membranes of thylakoids. First, light energy
is captured by the chlorophyll molecules in membranes. Then the captured energy is used by the
thylakoid to remove electrons from water. This divides the water into oxygen and hydrogen ions.
This are considered waste products and are used to make NADPH. The captured energy is also
used to generate ATP. The Calvin cycle makes sugar from the atoms in carbon dioxide including
Running Head: HYDROPONICS VS. SOIL
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the hydrogen ions and electrons carried in NADPH. The ATP made in the light reaction provides
the energy needed to make to sugar. The Calvin cycle is known as the “light independent
reaction” because it does not need light to begin. However, it does need ATP and NADPH which
comes from the light cycle (Williamson et al. 2009). It is obvious to see that the sun or light is an
important contributor to plant growth and development.
The fact that plants need oxygen is unarguable. This is because all cells not just plant
cells need oxygen to perform aerobic respiration. Respiration is the process of breaking down
food to get energy. The cells in the green part of plants where photosynthesis is occurring get the
oxygen they need from the oxygen produced by photosynthesis. This means that the cells in the
leaves and stems of the plants are getting adequate requirements. The problem comes from the
cells in the roots of the plants, where there is no photosynthesis occurring due to the lack of light.
In the majority of plants this cells get their oxygen from air in the spaces between the dirt
particles in the soil. “All living things combine food with oxygen to attain energy. Plants are no
exception. They make food and combine it with oxygen in order to release energy for
themselves. On the contrary, during day time, plants release lots of oxygen in the air because
while making food during photosynthesis, they change carbon dioxide and water into food and
oxygen. But, at the night time, just like other living beings, plants absorb oxygen to breath”
(Insaan, n.d.). If the plants have no access to oxygen there would not be any respiration and the
plant would not be able to function. Due to the lack of oxygen the roots will not be able to grow
to take in water, which would cut off the nutrients needed for the plants to grow and survive.
Plants need water to grow. One of the major factors driving water movement in plants is
transpiration. Transpiration is the loss of water from plants in the form of vapor (evaporation).
Plants use 95% of the water absorbed from soil for transpiration, 5% is used during
Running Head: HYDROPONICS VS. SOIL
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photosynthesis for the production of carbohydrates necessary for plant growth (Whiting et al,.).
The growth of plants is dramatically affected by the amount and timing of water applied during
its production. Different stages of plant growth are more sensitive to water stress than others.
The ability of plants to resist stress from insects and/or disease is influenced by water. If plants
do not have water, they would die, because they are missing one of the main components needed
to ensure the efficacy of their growth.
While researching the necessities for plant growth, there was no suitable reason given for
why plants need soil to grow. The reason for this is because they do not. The purpose of plants is
to anchor plant roots and act as a source of water and nutrients needed for healthy growth.
However, couldn’t any medium capable of retaining water and nutrients do the same job as soil?
Technically speaking soil is just a glorified medium, and any substance with high absorbency
materials could do the same job.
Hydroponic is a method of growing plants using mineral solution, in water, without soil.
In the 18th century researchers discovered that plans absorb essential nutrients as inorganic ions
in water. The soil acts as a mineral nutrient reservoir but the soil is not essential to the plant
growth. When the mineral nutrients in soil are dissolved, plant roots are capable of absorbing
them. When the mineral nutrients are artificially introduced into a plants water supply soil is no
longer needed for the plant to become successful. This are not just for some plants, almost all
terrestrial plants will grow with hydroponics. This is the key. Hydroponics allows the grower
several advantages compared to soil. It allows the grower to control the nutrition levels in the
reservoir which allows for lower nutrition requirements, the water remains in the system and can
be reused, which lower the amount the water required. There is no nutrition pollution being
released in the environment because it is in a controlled system. It allows for stable to high
Running Head: HYDROPONICS VS. SOIL
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yields, diseases and pest are easier to get rid of than in soil because the system can be mobile, it
is easy to harvest and there is no pesticides damage. The most important advantage of
hydroponics is that it uses less water than soil and that it can be used in places where in-ground
agriculture or gardening are not possible.
This is extremely relevant when applied to current global conditions. 71% of the Earth is
made up from water but only 3% is freshwater needed for human use. Places in some parts of the
Middle East are dry, desolate places lacking any vegetation because the land is not suitable for
agriculture, due to the lack of rainfall and human activities. Hydroponics can help produce crops
suitable for human consumption and already have. Countries such as Israel have implemented
hydroponic techniques with great success. NASA has been trying to develop hydroponic system
that can be used in space. This will allow fresh plants to be grown in space stations. Hydroponics
is the perfect solution because it uses less water than soil grown plant and it can be grown
virtually everywhere. Regions with poor soil conditions will no longer be dependent on exports
from other countries. Not only will hydroponics help reduce the amount of water wasted per year
due to poor irrigation of the soil, but it provides a solution to those country who struggle because
of the inability to produce their own crops.
It is not that hard to see that plants do perfectly fine without soil and in fact can thrive
without it. Plants need oxygen, nutrients, water and sun. The purpose of this lab is to prove that
hydroponic horticulture can be just as effective if not better than plants traditionally grown in
soil. The hypothesis goes like this if the hydroponic plants and plants grown in soil are given the
same germinating and growing conditions, then the hydroponic plants will do as well if not even
better than the plants grown in soil.
Running Head: HYDROPONICS VS. SOIL
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Methods & Materials
This experiment could easily be replicated by anyone looking to test and compare plants
grown hydroponically and those that are grown in soil. In order to replicate this experiment the
person would need to gather the material needed (Al 1) and carefully follow the procedures
indicated below. The person would need seeds from varying plants fruits, vegetables and herbs.
For this large experiment the seeds used were brand name spinach and generic spinach seeds,
basil, watermelon, lettuce, parley, habanero peppers, French onions, carrot and kale. To duplicate
this experiment on a smaller scale a person would need kale or spinach, watermelon, and parsley
or basil. This is because the seeds stated germinate quickly to expedite the experiment. The
varying seeds would give us an accurate result of the hydroponics and soil plants efficacy among
different vegetation. Six used ice cream containers were used as containers for the hydroponics.
They were covered in black plastic bags so as to not let the sunlight penetrate through them,
because this will cause algae to grow inside the reservoir affectively ruining the experiment and
not allowing the hydroponics to grow. Five holes, each one and half inch in diameter were
carved into the lids. The ice cream lid should look approximately like the diagram shown below:
The holes cut into the lids were slightly smaller than the net pots, so that they do not fall through.
Net pots are containers like items, used to hold the hydroponics inside of them. They keep the
plants supported on the lids; when considering purchasing them, make sure that the lips of the
net pots are larger than the net pots itself, this allows the net pots to have a “grip” when
Running Head: HYDROPONICS VS. SOIL
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supporting the hydroponics, and they look something like this depending on the company selling
them:
Rockwool cubes are the growing medium that the seeds would be planted in, they will act
as a substitute for soil. They are made out of Basaltic rock that is melted down and through a
manmade process is spun into small fibers, a process similar to spun fiberglass. Depending on
the size of the seed, one to two seeds should be implanted per Rockwool cube. After the seeds
have been implanted in the cubes, each cube would be soaked in a water solution mix for ten
seconds, the water is mixed with hydroponic tomato fertilizer 20- 18 -38 because it has a high
content of Calcium Nitrate and Magnesium Sulfate and potassium which nourishes the plant. The
Rockwool cube should not be put into the net cup immediately, they should be put in a container
and covered with a plastic, and they should be put in a dark area to ensure they germinate, same
as the soil plants. This same water solution mix should be used to water the soil plants, to ensure
that the hydroponics does not get an unfair advantage.
To protect the growing hydroponics plants, cover them with clay pellets so as to not let
the sun light through to the water. Only apply the clay pellets after the plants have germinated
and are at a hardy size. Clay pellets look like this:
Running Head: HYDROPONICS VS. SOIL
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For the soil plants 40 plastic cups were used. The plastic cups were drilled with holes at the
bottom to ensure that the water drainage was suitable. This will prevent the plants from drying.
Each of the containers were labeled with the name of the seeds the contained inside to assure that
accurate results were recorded. The when the plants in the cups germinated they were put under
grow lights with the other germinating hydroponics. After the young plants, grew sturdy enough,
they were placed outside in the sunlight.
As time goes by and the plants start to germinate, record which plants germinated first,
and keep constant data on the measurements of the plants in centimeters as weeks go on. Pictures
should be taken almost every day to ensure visual of the project. To ensure that no outside
conditions influence the data, make sure to keep the experiments away from young children and
curious adults as they may be tempted to touch the plants, especially the hydroponics. Check
weather conditions every day, to ensure that there would not be any rain, because this can affect
the data, if there is a chance of rain the plants should be moved inside.
Hydroponics on the 1st day:
Soil plants on the 1st day:
Hydroponics with plastic bag covering:
Running Head: HYDROPONICS VS. SOIL
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Results
Table 1
Days
Height of
Days
Basil (cm)
Height of
Days
Kale (cm)
Height of
Days
Carrot(cm)
Height of
Days
M. Spinach
Height of
Lettuce(cm
1
0
1
1
1
0
1
0
1
0
2
0
2
1
2
0
2
0
2
0
3
0
3
1
3
0
3
0
3
0
4
0
4
2
4
0
4
0
4
0
5
0
5
2
5
0
5
0
5
0
6
0
6
4
6
0
6
0
6
0
7
0
7
4
7
0
7
0
7
0
8
0
8
4
8
0
8
0
8
0
9
0
9
5
9
0
9
0
9
0
10
0
10
5
10
0
10
0
10
0
11
0
11
6
11
0
11
0
11
0
12
0
12
6
12
0
12
0
12
0
13
0
13
8
13
0
13
0
13
0
14
0
14
8
14
0
14
0
14
0
15
0
15
10
15
0
15
0
15
0
16
0
16
12
16
0
16
0
16
0
17
0
17
12
17
0
17
0
17
0
18
0
18
12
18
0
18
0
18
0
19
0
19
14
19
0
19
0
19
0
20
0
20
14
20
0
20
0
20
0
21
0
21
14
21
0
21
0
21
0
22
0
22
14
22
0
22
0
22
0
23
0
23
14
23
0
23
0
23
0
24
0
24
15
24
0
24
0
24
0
25
0
25
16
25
0
25
0
25
0
26
0
26
16
26
0
26
0
26
0
27
0
27
16
27
0
27
0
27
0
28
0
28
17
28
0
28
0
28
0
29
0
29
17
29
0
29
0
29
0
30
0
30
17
30
0
30
0
30
0
Data for Soil Plants
Running Head: HYDROPONICS VS. SOIL
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Table 2
Days
Height of
Days
S. Spinach
Height of
Days
Pepper(cm)
Height of
Days
Parsley(cm)
Height of
Days
Watermelon
Height of
Onion (cm)
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
2
0
2
0
2
0
2
0
2
0
3
0
3
0
3
0
3
0
3
0
4
0
4
0
4
0
4
0
4
0
5
0
5
0
5
0
5
0
5
0
6
0
6
0
6
0
6
0
6
0
7
0
7
0
7
0
7
0
7
0
8
0
8
0
8
0
8
0
8
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
10
0
10
0
10
0
10
0
10
0
11
0
11
0
11
2
11
0
11
1
12
0
12
0
12
2
12
0
12
1
13
0
13
0
13
2
13
0
13
1
14
0
14
0
14
3
14
0
14
1
15
0
15
0
15
4
15
0
15
1
16
0
16
0
16
5
16
0
16
1
17
0
17
0
17
5
17
0
17
1
18
0
18
0
18
5
18
2
18
1
19
0
19
0
19
5
19
2
19
1
20
0
20
0
20
7
20
2
20
0
21
0
21
0
21
7
21
3
21
0
22
0
22
0
22
8
22
4
22
0
23
1
23
0
23
8
23
4
23
0
24
1
24
0
24
11
24
4
24
0
25
2
25
0
25
12
25
4
25
0
26
2
26
0
26
15
26
4
26
0
27
3
27
0
27
15
27
4
27
0
28
3
28
0
28
15
28
5
28
0
29
4
29
0
29
15
29
5
29
0
30
4
30
0
30
17
30
5
30
0
Data for Soil Plants
Running Head: HYDROPONICS VS. SOIL
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Table 3
Days
Height of
Days
Basil (cm)
Height of
Days
Kale
Height of
Days
Carrot
Height of
Days
M. Spinach
Height of
Lettuce
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
2
0
2
0
2
0
2
0
2
0
3
0
3
0
3
0
3
0
3
0
4
0
4
0
4
0
4
0
4
0
5
0
5
0
5
0
5
1
5
0
6
0
6
1
6
0
6
1
6
0
7
0
7
1
7
0
7
1
7
0
8
0
8
1
8
0
8
2
8
0
9
0
9
1
9
0
9
2
9
1
10
0
10
2
10
0
10
3
10
1
11
0
11
2
11
1
11
3
11
1
12
1
12
2
12
1
12
4
12
2
13
1
13
2
13
1
13
4
13
2
14
1
14
3
14
1
14
5
14
2
15
1
15
3
15
1
15
5
15
2
16
1
16
4
16
1
16
5
16
3
17
2
17
4
17
1
17
6
17
4
18
2
18
4
18
1
18
6
18
4
19
2
19
5
19
1
19
7
19
4
20
2
20
5
20
0
20
7
20
5
21
0
21
6
21
0
21
8
21
5
22
0
22
6
22
0
22
8
22
5
23
0
23
7
23
0
23
9
23
5
24
0
24
7
24
0
24
10
24
5
25
0
25
8
25
0
25
10
25
6
26
0
26
8
26
0
26
12
26
7
27
0
27
9
27
0
27
12
27
7
28
0
28
10
28
0
28
14
28
7
29
0
29
10
29
0
29
14
29
8
30
0
30
10
30
0
30
14
30
8
Data for Hydroponic Plants
Running Head: HYDROPONICS VS. SOIL
14
Table 4
Days
Height of
Days
S. Spinach
Height of
Days
Pepper
Height of
Days
Parsley
Height of
Days
watermelon
Height of
Onion
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
2
1
2
0
2
0
2
0
2
0
3
1
3
0
3
0
3
0
3
0
4
1
4
0
4
0
4
0
4
0
5
2
5
0
5
0
5
0
5
0
6
2
6
1
6
0
6
0
6
0
7
2
7
1
7
0
7
0
7
0
8
2
8
1
8
0
8
0
8
0
9
3
9
1
9
0
9
1
9
1
10
3
10
2
10
0
10
1
10
1
11
3
11
2
11
0
11
1
11
1
12
4
12
2
12
0
12
1
12
1
13
4
13
2
13
1
13
2
13
2
14
4
14
3
14
1
14
2
14
2
15
4
15
3
15
1
15
3
15
2
16
5
16
3
16
1
16
3
16
N/A
17
5
17
3
17
1
17
4
17
N/A
18
5
18
4
18
2
18
4
18
N/A
19
5
19
4
19
2
19
4
19
N/A
20
6
20
4
20
2
20
4
20
N/A
21
6
21
4
21
2
21
5
21
N/A
22
6
22
5
22
3
22
6
22
N/A
23
7
23
5
23
3
23
6
23
N/A
24
7
24
6
24
4
24
7
24
N/A
25
7
25
6
25
4
25
7
25
N/A
26
7
26
7
26
4
26
8
26
N/A
27
8
27
7
27
4
27
8
27
N/A
28
8
28
7
28
5
28
9
28
N/A
29
8
29
8
29
5
29
10
29
N/A
30
9
30
8
30
5
30
10
30
N/A
Data for Hydroponic Plants
Running Head: HYDROPONICS VS. SOIL
15
Tables 1 through 4 showed the quantitative results from the experiment. As indicated in the
tables above. The pepper, basil, brand name spinach, carrot and lettuce grown in soil did not
germinate at all. Every plant grown in the hydroponic system germinated, some like the basil and
carrot germinated but died off.
Chart 1:
Height (cm)
Basil
2.5
2
1.5
1
0.5
0
Hydroponics
Soil
Day Day Day Day Day Day Day Day Day Day Day Day Day Day Day
1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29
Days
The Hydroponic basil germinated but died, after several days. The basil grown in soil did not
germinate at all.
Chart 2:
Kale
Height (cm)
20
15
10
5
Hydroponics
0
Soil
Day Day Day Day Day Day Day Day Day Day Day Day Day Day Day
1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29
Days
Running Head: HYDROPONICS VS. SOIL
16
The kale grown in soil and the hydroponic system both grew, but the kale grown in the soil grew
better than the one grown in hydroponic.
Chart 3:
Height (cm)
Carrot
1.5
1
0.5
0
Hydroponics
Day Day Day Day Day Day Day Day Day Day Day Day Day Day Day
1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29
Soil
Days
The carrot grown in the soil did not germinate at all, the one grown in the hydroponic system
germinate, but then it died off.
Chart 4:
M.Spinach
Height (cm)
15
10
5
Hydroponics
0
Soil
Day Day Day Day Day Day Day Day Day Day Day Day Day Day Day
1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29
Days
The main brand spinach seed grown in the soil did not germinate, the one grown in the
hydroponic system germinated and continued to grow.
Running Head: HYDROPONICS VS. SOIL
17
Chart 5:
Lettuce
Height (cm)
10
8
6
4
Hydroponics
2
Soil
0
Day Day Day Day Day Day Day Day Day Day Day Day Day Day Day
1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29
Days
The lettuce grown in the soil did not germinate the ones that grew in the hydroponic system
germinated.
Chart 6:
Height (cm)
S.Spinach
10
8
6
4
2
0
Hydroponics
Soil
Day Day Day Day Day Day Day Day Day Day Day Day Day Day Day
1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29
Days
The generic spinach seed germinated in both the soil and the hydroponic system. However, the
hydroponically grown spinach grew better than the one grown in the soil.
Running Head: HYDROPONICS VS. SOIL
18
Chart 7:
Pepper
10
Height (cm)
8
6
4
Hydroponics
2
Soil
0
Day Day Day Day Day Day Day Day Day Day Day Day Day Day Day
1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29
Days
The habanero pepper only germinated in the hydroponic system.
Chart 8:
Parsley
Height (cm)
20
15
10
Hydroponics
5
0
Soil
Day Day Day Day Day Day Day Day Day Day Day Day Day Day Day
1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29
Days
The parsley germinated in both soil and the hydroponic system. However, it grew better in the
soil system than the hydroponic system.
Running Head: HYDROPONICS VS. SOIL
19
Chart 9:
Watermelon
12
Height (cm)
10
8
6
4
Hydroponics
2
Soil
0
Day Day Day Day Day Day Day Day Day Day Day Day Day Day Day
1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29
Days
The watermelons germinate in both systems. It germinated in both system at almost the same
rate, with the hydroponic system leading slightly at first, but the soil system catching up
eventually.
Chart 10:
Onion
2.5
Height (cm)
2
1.5
1
Hydroponics
0.5
Soil
0
Day Day Day Day Day Day Day Day Day Day Day Day Day Day Day
1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29
Days
The onion grew in both systems, but due to some outside intervention, the hydroponic onions
growth was cut short. The onion grown in soil germinated then died.
Running Head: HYDROPONICS VS. SOIL
20
After thirty days, the experiment concluded and all the final data was collected. The
qualitative and quantitative data where inserted into tables and chart so that the results could be
better visualized and understood. Chart one and two show that the habanero pepper, the brand
name spinach, carrot, basil and lettuce grown in soil did not germinate. However, everything else
germinated. The seeds planted in the hydroponic system all germinate, some like the basil and
carrot germinated, but eventually died off after several days. The charts show the germination
and growth of the soil and hydroponic system by comparing them close to each other. While
observing the growth of the plants through the experiment, it was noted that the hydroponic
plants germinated and grew at a much quicker rate than the soil plants. This is likely due to the
fact that the plants have direct access to the nutrients and water, without having to search for it.
However, the plants grown in the soil had sturdier grounds and were less likely to catch disease
due to overwatering. The plants like basil and carrots which germinated in the hydroponic
system, likely died because of mold due to excessive water in the rock wool. The rock wool had
a green mold like substance upon it. This is likely the main reason why the plants died.
Running Head: HYDROPONICS VS. SOIL
21
Discussion/Conclusion
At the end of the thirty day experiment the hypothesis was proven correct. As stated the
hypothesis said… this if the hydroponic plants and plants grown in soil are given the same
germinating and growing conditions, then the hydroponic plants will do as well if not even better
than the plants grown in soil. This hypothesis is fully supported by the research experiment
conducted. All the hydroponic plants germinated and grew. All of the soil plants with the
exception of basil, carrots, lettuce, habanero peppers and brand name spinach did not germinate.
However, when the plants from the soil system germinated, they grew consistently and
sometimes a few of them grew better compared to those plants planted in the hydroponic system.
(See chart 2, 8 and 9). Nevertheless, the hydroponically grown plants germinated and grew at a
rapid rate compared to the plants grown in soil. Other than the kale, parsley and watermelon all
the remaining plants grown in the hydroponic system grew faster and taller than those that were
grown in soil.
This is the essential part of the experiment, the fact that the hydroponic is capable of
growing as well as the soil plants. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture
Organization estimates there are approximately 7.1 billion people in the world of those 7.1
billion, nearly 870 million people, 1 in 8 are suffering from chronic undernourishment in 20102012 (FAO 2012). Of those estimated 870 million more than 525 million lived in Asian nations
(UN FAO, 2000). That is a rough estimate of what Bradley and Marulanda (2000) estimated
would be the cost of setting up a hydroponic garden in Tropical Asia. The total number of
beneficiaries would be 232 million for 50 million hydroponic gardens; each garden will
accommodate an average family unit of 4. The initial cost of setting up the hydroponic garden
will amount to $355 including a year supply of nutrients and seeds. The total cost of
Running Head: HYDROPONICS VS. SOIL
22
implementing this plan in Tropical Asia is 20 billion dollars but it will generate revenue of 135
billion per year. The income will each ranges from $329-1405 per year. From these statistics it
can be seen that implementing such a plan would be beneficial as it is self-sustainable. The
gardens are not only a source of fresh produce rich in vital nutrients but also a source of income
thus the beneficiaries can use the money to send their children to schools and cater for other
needs. Because this is an income generating project it can still be carried out even if there are no
free funds because the farmers can work with private companies to secure micro loans which
will be paid back after the produce is sold. Although these statistics are based on a large scale
implementation plan, this plan can also be affected on a small scale range starting with 20 or so
gardens to ensure their productivity.
The number of hungry grew in Africa over the period, from 175 million to 239 million,
with nearly 20 million added in the last few years. Nearly one in four are hungry. And in subSaharan Africa, hunger rose 2 percent per year since then. Places in east Africa and the Middle
East were especially devastated, because of the lack of adequate rainfall needed by crops to
germinate and grow. Hydroponic will be especially advantageous in this regions because no soil
is needed so there are not crop limitation due to the soil type, eroded or diseased soil. The water
can be recycled, and this is essential in this drought prone areas and deserts. It will not cause
eutrophication because there is no nutrients run off because the nutrients are contained in a
reservoir, etc. If implemented even on a small scale, it would greatly benefit these regions.
Although the experiment was performed with close observation, it was not without flaws.
Both the hydroponics plants growth and the plant grown in soil were growing in artificial light.
The germinated well under this artificial light, however the results may have been different if the
plants had instead been grown in the natural sunlight. Perhaps in the natural sunlight the soil
Running Head: HYDROPONICS VS. SOIL
23
plants may have grown better, or perhaps it would have done worse. Another error that affected
the experiment was the stunted growth of the hydroponic French Onion. The hydroponic French
onion’s growth was cut short by some outside interference. The base of the French onion was cut
off and that caused the plant to stop growing and eventually died.
This experiment utilized the Model growing system to grow the hydroponic plants
(Kratky 2009). This system consists of a tank or reservoir, which is filled 3/4th of the way with
the nutrient solution. The net pots are put into the tank cover or in the case for this experiment
the ice cream top cover, and then the germinating plants are inserted into the net pots. This is a
non-circulating system so there was no air pump used in this system. This is because the roots of
the plants are only partially submerged in the water and the top of the plant roots have access to
oxygen.
If this experiment was to be duplicated again, several changes will have to be made. The
first change would be the extension of the experiment so that long term results could be
recorded. The results could vary if the experiment lasted longer, perhaps the soil plants would
have grown better if given more time. A different hydroponic system could have been used in
this experiment. This experiment utilized a non-circulation system pioneered by Dr. Kratky from
University of Hawaii in Maui. Non-circulating means that there was no oxygen been pumped
into the reservoir and unto the plant roots. The results for the hydroponic would differ greatly if a
water pump and air stone was utilized and a larger reservoir was used. This is because a larger
reservoir would allow the plant more access to the nutrient solution and the use of the air pump
would allow the plant roots to have more access to oxygen, which would make the hydroponic
plants grow better. Circulating hydroponic systems tend to grow better than non-circulating
Running Head: HYDROPONICS VS. SOIL
24
system; however the non-circulating systems tend to be cheaper than the circulating hydroponic
system.
Hydroponics as a growing method can be greatly improved. If the hydroponic system of
growing plants could be facilitated for the average person, then it could be widely implemented
throughout the world. This alternate method of growing plant has not being perfected yet,
however when it is perfected people around the around would greatly benefit from it, especially
those nations that do not have access to reliable and nutrient soil. Although, the hydroponic
system is a great method for growing plants and can germinate plants at the same rate and even
faster than soil plants. It is not as easy as soil gardening. For the average backyard gardener, soil
grown plants would be easier. However, for professional gardeners with a wide growing area
hydroponic would be an excellent choice.
Running Head: HYDROPONICS VS. SOIL
25
References
Angeli, E., Wagner, J., Lawrick, E., Moore, K., Anderson, M., Soderlund, L., & Brizee, A.
(2010, May 5). General format. Retrieved from
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/
Bradley, P. & Marulanda, C. (November 27, 2000). Potential of Simplified Hydroponics to
Provide Urban Agriculture Income.
Can Plants Grow Without Soil? | Wonderopolis. (n.d.). Wonderopolis. Retrieved May 5, 2014,
from http://wonderopolis.org/wonder/can-plants-grow-without-soil/
Chiappinelli, K., & Collier, C. (n.d.). Hydroponics Vs. Soil. Hydroponics Vs. Soil. Retrieved
April 28, 2014, from
http://classic.sidwell.edu/us/science/vlb5/Independent_Research_Projects/ccollier/
"Hydroponics." Terrascope Websites. Mission 2014: Feeding the World, n.d. Web. 11 May
2014.
How to start a hydroponic garden. (2013). Retrieved from: http://www.ehow.com
Kratky, B. (2009, January 1). THREE NON-CIRCULATING HYDROPONIC
METHODS FOR GROWING LETTUCE . . Retrieved April 11, 2014, from
http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/hawaii/downloads/three_noncirculating_hydroponic_methods_for_growing_lettuce.pd
Whiting, D., Roll, M., & Vickerman, L. (2010, August 1). Plant Growth Factors: Photosynthesis,
Respiration, and Transpiration. Plant Growth Factors: Photosynthesis, Respiration, and
Transpiration. Retrieved April 20, 2014, from
http://www.ext.colostate.edu/mg/gardennotes/141.html
Running Head: HYDROPONICS VS. SOIL
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Appendix
Appendix A:
Materials
 40 plastic cups, with holes at the bottom
 2 packages of clay pellets
 Hydroponic tomato fertilizer 20- 18 -38
 40 individual Rockwood cubes
 6 five quarts of used ice cream containers
 1 package of Netpots, two depending on the seller
 1 package of Vigoro potting mix
 Black plastic bags
 Grow lights
 Water with a pH of 5.5
 Seeds:
o Watermelon
o Name brand Spinach
o Generic brand Spinach
o Basil
o Parsley
o Lettuce
o Habanero Peppers
o French Onion
Running Head: HYDROPONICS VS. SOIL
27
o Kale
o Carrots
Appendix B:
Variables
 Control: Amount of soil per plastic cup, same amount of water given every day, fed at
the same time, type of plant seeds used
 Independent Variables: type of soil organic or natural, the amount of water given, the
amount of light received, the type of fertilizer used
 Dependent Variable: Height of the plant, the percentage growth from day one to day 30
Appendix C:
Email Letter to Dr. Krakty: creator of the Kratky method of hydroponic system
From: Maeva Makendi
To: Dr. Kratky
Sent: Friday, March 30, 2014 5:45 PM
Subject: Hydroponic vs. Soil Project
Good evening Dr. Kratky,
I am sorry to bother you, but I have a couple of question about hydroponics that I would like you
to answer for my biology project. My project is titled hydroponics vs. soil plant. My hypothesis
is that the hydroponic plants would grow as good as or better than the soil plants if they are
grown in the same conditions. Since you are an expert on hydroponics, I was wondering if you
could give me some advice on which hydroponic system I should use. I would also need so
advice on which fertilizer should be used for this experiment. This is a month long experiment
testing a variety of plants from fruits, to herbs to vegetables. Your advice would be greatly
appreciated. Thank you for your consideration.