I love the topic and there is no such thing as bad publicity. However, as a skilled practitioner of vertical farming or gardening, I have to comment that there is nothing "low tech" about hydroponic growing systems. Continuous pumping of water to flow over roots is subject to power outages that quickly kill plants and the water has to have dissolved chemical fertilizers, antifungals and antibacterials to keep it all going. That has never looked low tech to me. The taste and nutrition derived from growing in soil is not there either. Vertical growing in soil is not sexy looking to most gardeners but it does not take up the room that a raise bed will, so it is considered more often as the gardening trend deepens. I would love to hear your thoughts on this comment and thanks for posting. Keep up the great press on this awesome topic!
Thank you for your insightful comments! I'd like to clarify my perspective on categorizing these agricultural solutions as "low-tech." In comparison to the advanced vertical farming systems frequently highlighted in the media, the methods I referenced are indeed more basic in their technological approach (perhaps "lower-tech" would have been a more accurate term).
In the current landscape of agriculture, even the most rudimentary practices often incorporate some level of technology. For instance, most gardeners might employ a simple pump for irrigation, or occasionally use a garden tiller. This suggests that technology, in some form, is almost an integral part of today's agriculture.
Despite the prevalent use of raised beds in urban farming communities, we're witnessing an emerging trend in cities like New York, Paris, or Denver, where there is a growing interest in diverse forms of hydroponic or aeroponic towers.
As for the taste of the produce, it greatly varies depending on the techniques and materials used by the gardener. I often liken these agricultural systems to using a calculator: with the correct formula, one can consistently yield excellent results. However, applying an incorrect formula can lead to outcomes that, while tangible, may not align with one's expectations.
Your feedback is greatly appreciated, and I hope this explanation sheds more light on my viewpoint.
It does shed more light on your point of view. Lower tech than the high tech indoor vertical farms that get so much press. I wish them all well and I know they are all headed up by well meaning visionaries and have a passion for clean food. Its unfortunate the that style of Ag is failing financially, as predicted by many and the food they have produced has not filled the nutritional needs of the customers either. Bummer for us all. I remain optimistic for the future no matter.
I love the topic and there is no such thing as bad publicity. However, as a skilled practitioner of vertical farming or gardening, I have to comment that there is nothing "low tech" about hydroponic growing systems. Continuous pumping of water to flow over roots is subject to power outages that quickly kill plants and the water has to have dissolved chemical fertilizers, antifungals and antibacterials to keep it all going. That has never looked low tech to me. The taste and nutrition derived from growing in soil is not there either. Vertical growing in soil is not sexy looking to most gardeners but it does not take up the room that a raise bed will, so it is considered more often as the gardening trend deepens. I would love to hear your thoughts on this comment and thanks for posting. Keep up the great press on this awesome topic!
Hello Mark,
Thank you for your insightful comments! I'd like to clarify my perspective on categorizing these agricultural solutions as "low-tech." In comparison to the advanced vertical farming systems frequently highlighted in the media, the methods I referenced are indeed more basic in their technological approach (perhaps "lower-tech" would have been a more accurate term).
In the current landscape of agriculture, even the most rudimentary practices often incorporate some level of technology. For instance, most gardeners might employ a simple pump for irrigation, or occasionally use a garden tiller. This suggests that technology, in some form, is almost an integral part of today's agriculture.
Despite the prevalent use of raised beds in urban farming communities, we're witnessing an emerging trend in cities like New York, Paris, or Denver, where there is a growing interest in diverse forms of hydroponic or aeroponic towers.
As for the taste of the produce, it greatly varies depending on the techniques and materials used by the gardener. I often liken these agricultural systems to using a calculator: with the correct formula, one can consistently yield excellent results. However, applying an incorrect formula can lead to outcomes that, while tangible, may not align with one's expectations.
Your feedback is greatly appreciated, and I hope this explanation sheds more light on my viewpoint.
Thanks again for reading my work!
It does shed more light on your point of view. Lower tech than the high tech indoor vertical farms that get so much press. I wish them all well and I know they are all headed up by well meaning visionaries and have a passion for clean food. Its unfortunate the that style of Ag is failing financially, as predicted by many and the food they have produced has not filled the nutritional needs of the customers either. Bummer for us all. I remain optimistic for the future no matter.
Love this article, Marc. I'm taking a similar approach with low-tech hydroponics.
Phil