Are you having a hard time choosing between hydroponics and aeroponics? If you are a farmer or homesteader trying to weigh what system is more cost-effective and will give you a higher yield and bigger income, this comprehensive side-by-side comparison of hydroponics vs. aeroponics is for you. 

In this platform, we will be sharing valuable insights about:

The advantages and disadvantages of aeroponic farming vs. hydroponic system.

Their similarities and differences in terms of yield, cost, maintenance, and other factors

And the best choice for beginners in the hydroponic farming world.

Technically, aeroponics is one of the special types of hydroponics. However, there are distinct differences between these high-tech and game-changing farming systems. Knowing their similarities and the features that set them apart will help you make the right decision.

So, get to know more about these systems in this intense hydro and aeroponics battle for cost-effectivity and futuristic farming approach.

What Is the Difference Between Hydroponics and Aeroponics Farming?

Aeroponics and hydroponics both do not require soil but both need nutrient solutions to feed the plants and mechanisms like pumps to deliver that solution to the crop’s roots. However, in hydroponics, you need to submerge your crops in the water either full time or intermittently. 

On the other hand, aeroponic plants grow not by placing them into the water but by giving nutrients to the roots through mist. If we would look into the meaning of these words, we will see the obvious differences between the two.

The Ancient Greek word “hydros” means water, while “ponos” means work or labor. Thus, the word hydroponic means labor of water. On the other hand, the word “aer” from aeroponics means air. Therefore, aeroponics means “labor of air.”

Hydroponics vs. Aeroponics’ History and Invention

Hydroponic history can be traced back to the Hanging Gardens of Babylon and Floating gardens of China. In the 1600s, Belgian Jan van Helmont discovered that plants obtain substances from water for growth. And in 1699, John Woodward from the Royal Society of England created the first man-made hydroponics nutrient solution. 

But it was not until 1860 when Julius von Sachs, the professor of Botany at the University of Wurzburg, published the first nutrient solution formula that successfully grows plants. The study revealed that plants need macroelements or macronutrients such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), sulfur (S), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) to grow.

But plants need air, so the face challenge is how to enable the roots to breathe while absorbing water and nutrients. 

They came up with an air pump as the solution to oxygenate the roots. But sometimes, the aeration provided by an air pump is insufficient or uneven, especially in large grow tanks. If you would put the pump or air stone in the middle, the plants on the side can receive little air or nothing.

So, researchers created new techniques like the ebb and flow while others tried spraying water on the roots.

In 1911, Russian exobiologists Vladimir Artsikhovski studied air plant cultures, and by 1983, aeroponics kits were already available on the market.

Plant Growth of Aeroponics vs. Hydroponics

According to NASA, plants grow up to three times faster in aeroponic growing system than soil. And when we talk about hydroponics, hydroponically grown plants grow 30 to 50% faster than soil.

So, it is clear that these two systems are way ahead and better than growing in the soil. But if we would pit hydroponics against aeroponics, the latter would likely emerge as a winner.

An experiment on sunflowers revealed that the plants grow faster on hydroponics at first. This is probably because hydroponically grown plants can establish their roots more quickly.

On the contrary, aeroponic plants growth is slow at their early stages because they spend more of their energy growing their root system. But after a few weeks, they can already compete with hydroponically grown plants after establishing their roots. 

And here is the twist! After six weeks, the aeroponic plants are approximately 30% bigger than hydroponically grown crops. Sunflowers are naturally fast-growing, but hydroponic sunflowers can grow up to 30 cm tall or 12 inches, while aeroponics average 10 cm or 16 inches.

However, a study on Indian ginseng or Withania somnifera has a different outcome. After six weeks, the aeroponic plant’s growth rate dropped slightly more than the hydroponics, and the crops from these two systems eventually levelled out.

Nutrient Absorption of Hydroponics vs. Aeroponics

Higher nutrient absorption in plants means less nutrient waste and more savings in the long run, so this aspect is worth considering. And in terms of macronutrients in lettuce plants, here is the result of the study, which explains why aeroponics is better than hydroponics.

Macronutrients – Nutrient Absorption with Hydroponics vs. Aeroponics

Nitrogen – 2.13 % with hydroponics, 3.29 % with aeroponics

Phosphorus – 0.82% with hydroponics, 1.25% with aeroponics

Potassium – 1.81% with hydroponics, 2.46% with aeroponics

Calcium – 0.32% with hydroponics, 0.43% with aeroponics

Magnesium – 0.40% with hydroponics, 0.44% with aeroponics

Hydroponics vs. Aeroponics Yield Comparison

Aeroponics have consistently won, and we do not want to break the bubble. But bigger plants do not necessarily mean more extensive produce, especially when talking about tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers.

The yield varies in various cases

Aeroponics are generally more productive than hydroponics systems like Deep Water Culture (DWC) and similar techniques like Kratky and Wick systems. 

Short-living plants such as lettuce, spinach, and cress also achieved higher yields in aeroponics, and they are ready for harvest after six weeks only. 

Researches also discovered that tomatoes, beets, and lettuce grow better and produce more in aeroponics than hydroponics. This research is only on a small scale, but they indicate that aeroponics yield more.

Plants You Can Grow in Hydroponic and Aeroponic Farming

You can grow almost everything from leafy greens to vine plants to herbs. One of the most profitable and easy to grow crops is lettuce and microgreens. 

Most plants you can grow in hydroponics also thrive in aeroponics. But you must avoid rooty crops that take too much space like potatoes. They take up so many nutrients, so they can come at a high cost even if you can grow them successfully. 

Outdoor vs. Indoor Environment

Now let us move on to the exciting and highly debatable futuristic part. Hydroponic systems can have closed grow tanks, but others can survive in an open environment. So, you can set up your hydroponic system in your garden or even garage.

On the other hand, aeroponics only works in a closed environment. But closed environments are better and more beneficial for both because it prevents water evaporation, leading to dry roots and too concentrated nutrient solution.

Additionally, water can also stray clean in a closed environment. On top of that, the roots can enjoy a stable temperature, and there are fewer algae in closed spaces. 

Hydroponic vs. Aeroponic Farming’s Efficiency

Aeroponics and hydroponics are both more efficient than soil gardening. But if we would compare these two systems in terms of irrigation water savings, hydroponics saves around 80 to 90 % while aeroponic saves 95%.

In terms of fertilizer, hydroponics can save around 55 – 85% depending on the system, while aeroponics can reduce water usage by up to 5%.

And when we talk about productivity, research on tomatoes showed that hydroponics has 100% to 250% more produce than soil farming. But aeroponics can still outperform hydroponic because it can produce 300% more.

Setup Cost of Hydroponics vs. Aeroponics

It may not surprise, but aeroponics needs a bigger investment than hydroponics. There is a wide range of hydroponic systems you can choose from, but most of them are cost-effective because they are DIY- friendly.

Additionally, you can build them with just affordable pumps, pH meters, thermometers, EC gauges, and basic plumbing skills. On the other hand, aeroponics is challenging even for DIY enthusiasts. That is why most growers use ready-made kits.

You can find cheap aeroponic kits on the market, but know that they can be heavy on the pocket if you want to make a large-scale aeroponic garden.

Hydroponic vs. Aeroponic System’s Pump    

Hydroponic and aeroponic farming systems both need a pump. But you need to spray the nutrient solution directly to the roots with the right pressure with aeroponics. You need to get the PSI of pounds per square inch right to ensure your crops receive the right amount of food.

On the other hand, you need to check the GPH or gallons per hour if you are using hydroponics so your grow tank can provide enough nutrient solutions. 

If we compare the two, PSI will surely come out to be more complicated. There are many factors to consider when setting it up because the strength of the pump, the pipe’s size, and the nozzle type you use can affect the pressure you get at the nozzles. 

Further, the pipes length is also worth considering because the longer it is, the higher its resistance. You need to calculate everything to ensure you get it right for your crops.  Good thing, there are PSI calculators online that will help you out with this problem.

Hydroponic vs. Aeroponic Farming’s Growing Medium

Growing mediums such as coconut coir and vermiculite help supply nutrients to hydroponic plants while not submerging roots in the solution 24/7. However, it is of no use for aeroponics. It will only block the nutrient source from penetrating the roots when spraying.

Hydroponic vs. Aeroponic Farming’s Irrigation Cycles

Hydroponic systems such as ebb and flow and drip systems use irrigation cycles to bring nutrients to the crops at regular intervals and give plants time to oxygenate their roots. But other hydroponic systems, including deep water culture, wick, Kratky, and aeroponics, do not need irrigation cycles.

Growers use either of the two aeroponic systems instead:

• LPA or low pressure aeroponics

This system delivers nutrients to the plant’s roots through a mist at low pressure with large droplets. It is easier to build and less expensive than HPA. It runs for 24 hours, seven day a week, to constantly water the plant’s roots. However, it is not as efficient as HPA.

• HPA or High-pressure aeroponics

As its name suggests, it delivers the mist at a high pressure of around 120 PSI (pounds per square inch). HPA uses finer mist and it was developed and used by NASA in outer space.

Additionally, it is an efficient way to grow crops in space, and it works on earth as well. But it utilizes more specialized equipment, so it requires a higher setup cost.

Furthermore, this system is more complex, and you will have to regulate the cycles depending on the weather, temperature, crop type and humidity. The cycles are shorter and more frequent, averaging 5 seconds every 5 minutes.

On the other hand of the spectrum, hydroponics, like the ebb and flow irrigation, varies between 5 and 15 minutes every two hours during the day. And it is once or twice at night, depending on the temperature and humidity. 

Plants Health in Hydroponics vs. Aeroponics

Since plants share water and nutrient solutions, there is a significant risk of spreading diseases like wildfire. However, aeroponics feed the plants by spraying the nutrients, eliminating the risk of spreading diseases. 

Hydroponics vs. Aeroponics Maintenance

Some hydroponic systems do not rely on electricity, while aeroponics depend on it. CPA cycles are fast and short, and power outages can be detrimental to the plants. Keeping the aeroponic chamber’s humidity and temperature is challenging, especially in small chambers. Therefore, aeroponics demands more time for constant checks and monitoring than hydroponics. It means that hydroponics is less demanding in terms of maintenance. So, if you want an easier life, hydroponics is the way to go. 

Advantages and Disadvantages of Hydroponics and Aeroponics

Now, based on the data above, let us have a quick recap on the strengths and downsides of hydroponics and aeroponics. This side-by-side comparison will help you choose what system works for you.

So, Which Is Better: Hydroponics vs. Aeroponics

There are many factors to consider when choosing between hydroponics and aeroponics and it all comes down to your needs and priorities. 

As we have mentioned above, if you are knowledgeable about hydroponics and you want faster production, higher yield and a better-looking system and you can afford expensive high-tech kits, aeroponics is the way to go. Its higher maintenance requires you to be tech-savvy.

But if you are ready for the technical aspects of aeroponics and power outages, then you have nothing to worry about. 

But if you are a beginner in the hydroponic world and you need a cost-effective and DIY-able option that works well with both indoor and outdoor spaces, hydroponics may be better for you.

Both systems are futuristic and will continue to evolve in the years to come but what is your choice between hydroponics vs. aeroponics?

FAQs About Hydroponics and Aeroponics

 Is aeroponics better than hydroponics?

Although aeroponics and hydroponics have different mechanisms, they are both sustainable and efficient. But aeroponics offers more advantages in terms of faster plant growth, higher yield, and better nutrient absorption.

However, aeroponics is more complex than hydroponics and it is challenging for beginners to build. But ready-made kits are available.

Is aeroponics more expensive than hydroponics?

Aeroponics is one of the many different types of hydroponic farming where the nutrient solution is directly sprayed into the plant roots and extended into the air. 

In this type of hydroponics, the roots receive plenty of oxygen air surrounding it, so it accelerates the nutrient absorptions to the roots.

What is the difference between hydroponics, aquaponics and aeroponics?

Hydroponic systems grow plants by submerging them in the water while aeroponics suspends the them in air and provides nutrients to the roots through a mist. Aquaponics, on the other hand, is the unique combination of hydroponic and fish farming using an integrated system.

Does aeroponics use less water than hydroponics?

One of the differences between these two systems is than aeroponics use uses 95% less water which means that you can save more water with this system.

However, the water from hydroponics can be reusable and recycled because it will go back to the nutrient solution container. In contrast, aeroponics cannot be reused because it was sprayed.

Are aeroponics cost effective?

You can make DIY models of aeroponics for less than $100. But if you want a professional system, including nutrient and temperature monitoring systems and backup power, the cost will exceed $1000.