Hydroponics: A Growing Future

Rather than growing plants in soil, plants can now be grown so their roots come in direct contact with a water-based, nutrient-rich solution. This agricultural method is great for the environment, but it comes at a cost: hydroponic bacteria. 

Hydroponics

This method is termed hydroponics and can both increase plant growth rate while simultaneously reducing environmental damage. Because plant roots are directly exposed to nutrient-containing solutions, they do not have to absorb them from the soil, which requires a great deal of energy. This excess energy is then spent on foliage growth as well as fruit production.

Additionally, extra oxygen, which is bubbled into the hydroponic system, stimulates root growth, something traditionally-grown plants are never exposed to because their roots exist underground. Due to these factors, plants grown in hydroponic systems have been shown to grow 25% faster and 30% larger.

However, increased plant growth is not the only benefit of hydroponic systems. Because plants are grown in highly regulated, enclosed systems, chemical runoff is reduced and less water is used, which in turn helps save our environment.

Hydroponic Bacteria

Despite all of the benefits that come with hydroponic systems, some disadvantages arise as well. Because the plant roots are exposed directly to a solution, the pH and nutrient level of the solution must be monitored very carefully. Hydroponic systems function best at a pH of 6.3, which is slightly acidic.

A small amount of xVital can introduce acidity as well as the proper nutrients into water, allowing for the simple production of a perfectly balanced solution. Additionally, the nitrites and nitrates in xVital will not only allow for expedited plant growth, but may also destroy some species of unwanted bacteria, which are known to flourish in hydroponic systems.

Nitrite is known to reduce growth of harmful bacteria, such as E. coli and Salmonella–bacteria that is certainly not wanted on fruits and vegetables that are consumed.

Nitrite contributes to oxidative stress in bacteria, which allows for their destruction because the active transport of vital amino acids is inhibited. In addition to bacteria, water mold, specifically Pythium, can wreak havoc on hydroponic systems. Pythium can cause root rot, discoloration and decay of root systems, and stunted plant growth, visibly marked by slimy, black roots.

How xVital can Help

Some traditional ways used to destroy this pathogen include ozone, UV, and hydrogen peroxide treatments. While these treatments may destroy unwanted mold, they may also destroy plants. xVital has trace amounts of chloride ions, which are low enough in concentration to not negatively impact plant growth, but may inhibit Pythium growth. xVital may not only increase plant growth and fruit yield in hydroponic systems, but also has the potential to destroy harmful pathogens.

 

Sources:

Got Rotting Roots? Pythium: An In-Depth Analysis

Featured Root Rot Pathogen: Pythium

Mechanisms of the Bactericidal Effects of Nitrate and Nitrite in Cured Meats

Bacterial Inhibitory Effects of Nitrite: Inhibition of Active Transport, but not of Group Translocation, and of Intracellular Enzymes

 

 

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