The sludge created from most organic compounds will clog even the best submersible pump causing the entire system to shut down. So what is a grower, who wants to use organic fertilizers but also wants the benefits of an automated hydroponic system, supposed to do?

Is it possible to grow hydroponically but still be an organic purist? The answer is, increasingly, yes.

As fertilizer companies make further discoveries about the intricate relationships between microbes, enzymes, organic matter, and the plant itself, the practicality of organic hydroponics will increase for everyone.

Obstacles to Overcome

One of the largest obstacles organic purists have to overcome is getting the organic compounds available for the quick absorption required in a hydroponic system.

In other words, the organic molecules have to be broken down or combined with the proper microbe or enzyme that will enable the breakdown of the organic matter into usable plant food. By brewing organic teas, supplementing enzymes or microorganisms, and using innovative organic extracts, organic purists have proven that it is possible to grow organically in hydroponic systems.

Tea Brewing

Brewing organic teas is not a new phenomenon. In fact, some of the old time growers have been brewing tea to help increase the microbial activity of their soil for years.

Tea brewing consists of combining water, oxygen, and organic ingredients (bat guano, worm castings, kelp meal, etc.) over a period of time in a “brewer”. This may be a homemade apparatus, like a five gallon bucket, or something more sophisticated, like a specific tea brewing device.

A gardener typically brews tea and jumpstarts the breakdown of organic molecules by forcing air (oxygen) into a mixture of water (reverse osmosis or filtered, never chlorinated) and the organic matter.

The tea created by this process will not only produce a nutrient-rich fertilizer, but also a microbial rich solution that will stimulate root growth and protect plants from various pathogens.

Most tea solutions can stay in a recirculating hydroponic system for up to a week before it should be replaced or topped off with a fresh batch of tea.

Enzymes/Microorganisms

Organic purists know the benefits of microorganisms and enzymes. The new enzyme and microorganism additives being produced by hydroponic fertilizer manufacturers are just adding to the practicality of organic hydroponics.

These concentrated additives are able to speed up nutrient uptake and the breakdown of organic matter. Growers using home-brewed teas or store-bought organic hydroponic nutrients benefit from the addition of enzymes and microorganisms.

Innovative Organic Extracts

Fertilizer manufacturers have made huge strides in the last few years with organic products. More and more organic base fertilizers and additives are available to the hydroponic hobbyist.

Growers who don’t wish to brew their own tea can purchase teas brewed by various nutrient manufacturers, although self-brewed tea usually contains a higher concentration of goodies.

Aside from base nutrients and teas, hydroponic nutrient manufacturers are pushing the possibilities of organic hydroponics further. Some of the new organic extracts that are revolutionizing hydroponics include amino acid supplements, higher concentrated plant hormones, and other vitamin and micronutrient supplements.

Organic hydroponics is increasingly becoming a possibility for not only the organic purist but for the hobbyist or indoor gardening beginner. As fertilizer companies make further discoveries about the intricate relationships between microbes, enzymes, organic matter, and the plant itself, the practicality of organic hydroponics will increase for everyone.

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