In other words, is it simply the nutrient supply that makes soil plants much less effective when they are closer together or does it have to do with the roots interfering with each other. If it's the former, would increasing nutrient supply allow for soil based plants to be planted closer together. Thanks.
In most cases greenhouse grown plants grow taller and at times artificial ;light is used so in this manner radiaiton interception and radiation us eefficiency is increased. Rootsystems are concentrated in smal areas and via continious fertigation a small rooting volume is sufficient to ensure optimal water and nutrient supply. Also in a confined area ET is typically lower.
Both nutrient availability and root interference play significant roles in determining plant spacing and productivity in soil-based cultivation. When plants are grown nearby, they compete for resources such as water, nutrients, and sunlight. This competition can lead to reduced growth and yield due to limited resource availability.
Root interference, in particular, becomes a significant factor as plants mature. As roots grow, they spread out in search of nutrients and water. When plants are closely spaced, their root systems can become entangled, leading to competition for resources and potentially inhibiting root development. This competition can result in stunted growth and reduced yields.
Increasing nutrient supply alone may not fully compensate for the effects of close plant spacing. While providing additional nutrients can help mitigate nutrient competition to some extent, it may not alleviate issues related to root interference and competition for other resources such as water and sunlight. Therefore, optimizing plant spacing to minimize competition and maximize resource utilization is essential for achieving optimal growth and productivity in soil-based cultivation systems.
Just to provide an alternative line of thought... Planting seeds is a human activity, hydroponics probably even more so. There is nothing stopping you from putting down a "carpet" of seeds that completely covers the surface of the soil or hydroponic pot.
At what point are you deciding the "effectiveness" of the plants: Germination/1st leaf after cotyledon/secondary roots/maximum possible vegetative yield/ maximum possible seed yield etc? And are you thinking of annual grain crops or perennial forest trees? (not that you could attempt to grow a forest in hydroponics!).
I don't doubt there is a maximum density for each species (combined with the enormous range of physical spacing x light availability x nutrient limitations x water availability and quality conditions) where competition for the resources available is limiting to growth (or final yield if that's what you're interested in), but there is nothing stopping you as the farmer (or scientist) from cramming as many seeds as you can onto the soil or hydroponic pot.
To answer a specific point of your question, perhaps higher planting densities in soil could be supported by more nutrients if there was more water available to supply the plants those nutrients that are transported by mass flow to the roots. Eventually, though too much water waterlogs the soil and reduces oxygenation, so there is still a limit, whether that is reached before interplant shading limits photosynthesis is going to depend on the factors I suggested before (genotype x environment).
Hydroponic plants can be planted closer together than soil-based plants primarily due to the differences in how nutrients and water are delivered to the plants, as well as the reduced competition for these resources. Here are the key reasons:
Efficient Nutrient Delivery:
In hydroponic systems, nutrients are delivered directly to the plant roots through a nutrient-rich solution. This method ensures that each plant receives an optimal and consistent supply of nutrients, reducing the need for plants to spread out their roots in search of nutrients. In soil-based systems, plants need to compete for nutrients within the soil, leading to a necessity for more space to ensure adequate access to these resources.
Controlled Water Supply:
Hydroponics provides a controlled and efficient water delivery system. Water is directly supplied to the plant roots, ensuring that each plant gets enough moisture without needing to spread out. In soil-based systems, plants often need more space to access sufficient water, especially since soil can sometimes retain water unevenly, creating competition among plants.
Root Zone Optimization:
In hydroponic systems, the root environment can be carefully managed and optimized. Roots are often suspended in nutrient solutions or grow in inert media that allow better oxygenation and easier access to nutrients and water. This optimized environment reduces the need for large root networks, allowing plants to grow closer together. In contrast, soil can be compacted and less aerated, requiring plants to spread out more to access enough oxygen and nutrients.
Reduced Disease Spread:
Hydroponic systems often have better control over plant diseases, particularly those that are soil-borne. By eliminating soil, many pathogens are also removed, reducing the risk of disease spread. This control allows plants to be placed closer together without the heightened risk of disease transmission that might occur in soil-based systems
- Badges
- Science method