Hi friends, today we are going to compare horizontal and vertical hydroponics.
QUICK ANSWER: Vertical hydroponics takes up less space on the floor and provides better water quality. At the same time, horizontal hydroponics is simpler and uses less energy.
1. Water Quality
In vertical hydroponic systems, the water moves along a longer path than in horizontal systems. Also, it falls from a higher height and as a result it is better oxygenated and more difficult for bacteria to multiply.
In other words, the water quality in vertical hydroponics is better than in horizontal hydroponics. To get the same water quality in horizontal hydroponics you need to use an air pump and air stones.
2. Roots Health
Roots in vertical hydroponics are never immersed in water, but only washed with it. This results in a lower risk of root rot.
At the same time, in horizontal hydroponics, the roots are very often immersed in water, which can lead to root rot.
3. Energy Consumption
The disadvantage of vertical hydroponics is that the water has to be pumped to a higher altitude. This requires a more powerful water pump, which is more expensive and consumes a lot of energy.
In horizontal hydroponics, there is no need for a powerful pump. In addition, some types of horizontal hydroponic systems do not require a water pump at all, which significantly reduces energy consumption.
4. Plant Сare
Caring for the plants is easier in horizontal hydroponics. Here, all the plants are arranged in one plane and can be handled as if they were placed on a table.
In vertical hydroponics you will have to use a stepladder to access the plants on the top tier. It is neither comfortable nor safe to work on the ground.
5. Plant Diversity
The disadvantage of vertical hydroponics is that it is not possible to grow tall plants with long stems. I mean tomatoes in particular. When a tomato reaches a certain size it will simply sag down or break. The same is true for many other plants such as dill, bell pepper, etc.
The best plants for vertical hydroponics are low-growing plants. For example, lettuce and other leafy greens, and some herbs.
In horizontal hydroponics, on the other hand, you can grow almost anything, including eggplant or zucchini.
6. Usage of Space
A huge advantage of vertical hydroponics is that it takes up much less floor space than horizontal hydroponics. It allows a more efficient use of space in the house and as a result, more plants can be grown in the same area.
This feature is very important for those who have limited space to install a hydroponic system but need a lot of plants. If you want to grow lettuce in the basement of your home for the whole family, for example, vertical hydroponics is the best option.
7. Light Distribution
In vertical hydroponics, it is difficult to achieve even lighting for all plants. It is difficult to illuminate the top two tiers of plants properly. In addition, the plants on the lowest tier may experience light deficiency. All this will result in some plants being much smaller than others.
In horizontal hydroponics, all plants are more or less evenly illuminated. Those in the center of the system may be slightly larger than those at the edge, but the difference will not be great overall.
8. Yield
Vertical hydroponics is more productive per square foot. The exact amount depends on the type of system being compared, but in general, it can be said that vertical hydroponics can yield twice as much per square foot as horizontal hydroponics.
9. Simplicity
Horizontal hydroponics is quite simple and does not require much investment. All components are available and easy to install.
Vertical hydroponics requires a strong frame to hold everything. It also needs a more powerful water pump. Vertical hydroponics can be quite difficult to install alone.
