Are Hydroponic Tomatoes Safe?

Hydroponic tomatoes may be better than traditionally grown fruit.

The nutrient solution used to grow hydroponic tomatoes contains the same chemicals and nutrients contained in conventional fertilizer. Hydroponic tomatoes are cleaner and better for the environment than tomatoes grown by traditional soil culture because the nutrient and water use are carefully controlled. Tomatoes grown hydroponically are physiologically identical to those grown in soil.

Natural Pest Control

Hydroponic tomato farmers avoid chemical pesticides and fungicides. They use the same natural methods of control that organic farmers prefer. Hydroponic crops are grown in a clean, controlled climate that reduces pest and disease problems. Chemical weed control chemicals are unnecessary.

Hydroponic Nutrients

Hydroponic nutrients come from the same sources as regular fertilizer nutrients, but they are usually purified to a higher degree to eliminate materials that might be toxic to the plant in high concentrations. In some cases, hydroponic nutrients are derived from organic fertilizers, but are purified for use in the hydroponic system.

Enhanced Nutrition

Whether hydroponic tomatoes are more nutritious than soil grown fruits is still under debate. Some scientists claim that because the plant is able to easily obtain all required nutrients, the fruit is more nutritious than fruit grown on potentially depleted soils.

References

• University of Southern Mississippi: Organic Farming vs. Hydroponics
• Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service: Hydroponics