Hydroponic growing systems have more health and crop benefits compared to some soil-grown foods, a University of Nevada, Reno project found.
After comparing soil and hydroponically grown strawberries, researchers in the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources determined the hydroponically grown strawberries had significantly higher yields than the soil-grown strawberries. They also found the hydroponic system they used at the University’s Nevada Agricultural Experimental Station greenhouses required 30 percent less water compared to the soil-grown system.
”Significantly higher vitamin levels were also found in the hydroponically grown strawberries compared to the soil-grown strawberries. The soilless strawberries were higher in vitamins C and E as well as total polyphenolic compounds which serve as antioxidant protection for the body,” researcher and graduate student on the project Chenin Treftz said.