Organic hydroponics

At first sight "organic hydroponics" appears to be an oxymoron. There is considerable interest by consumers world-wide to purchase organic vegetables, but a considerable antagonism by organic producer councils to accept that it is possible to use hydroponic systems and still conform with the organic philosophies. In fact by using nutrient solutions derived from acceptable organic sources, and using biological pathogen control measures, and recirculating hydroponic F systems, a more sustainable system of crop production is possible than by using a "classical" soil based organic systems. Our studies have shown that it is possible to produce lettuce using NFT with an organically derived nutrient solution, although growth is slower than when using a conventional inorganic hydroponic solution. A critique of the current New Zealand organic standards is presented, which permit aquaculture, but disallow hydroponic produce from being labelled organic!