Friday, June 19, 2015

High Pressure versus Low Pressure Aeroponics

High Pressure versus Low Pressure Aeroponics

First off, let's take a quick peek at the definitions of these two difference styles:

High Pressure Aeroponics (HPA) is defined as a form of Hydroponics in which the roots are suspended in a chamber with nozzles that delivers nutrients through a mist to the roots between 5-80 micrometers. Most argue that the range is smaller (20-50 micrometers). This mist is usually derived from some form of pump (typically a diaphragm pump such as a reverse osmosis pump). This type of system usually has a PSI of 80-150PSI to attain the droplet size. Also, it uses specialized misting heads to attain the correct mist droplet size. Research from NASA shows that at the 20-50 micron size, the roots can grab the water/nutrient solution right out of the air and instantly absorb them without any wasted energy.

Low Pressure Aeroponics (LPA), aka soakponics is defined as a form of Hydroponics in which the root zone is suspended in a chamber with nozzles which delivers nutrients through a spray. The droplet size is not exact. These systems typically use a plastic spray nozzle, and a typical fountain pump to get their spray out of the nozzles.

High Pressure Advantages:
  • Superior crop
  • Of all current methods, this grows plants upwards of 20% faster
  • Uses the least amount of water, of any system
  • Uses least amount of nutrients of any system
High Pressure Disadvantages: 
  • If issues arise in the system (power outage) you lose your plants in minutes
  • Most finicky form of Hydroponics
  • Super expensive
  • Clogged sprayers

High Pressure Hydroponics is great for high dollar cash crops, or those seeking the highest quality crop in smaller scale environments / hobbyist


Low Pressure Aeroponics Advantages:
  • Simple, easy to DIY
  • Grows plants faster than other forms of Hydroponics.
  • Cheap to build

Low Pressure Aeroponics Disadvantage:

  • If issues arise in the system (power outage) you lose your plants in hours
  • Clogged sprayers


There are not very many disadvantages to LPA as you can see above. These systems are not the best for larger plants, but can be used for such. The sprayers can get clogged from the plants roots. These are mainly used for cloning. They do a fantastic job at cloning plants. 


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