"Researchers: "Hydro grown lettuce is healthier"

Hydroponic growing has become rapidly popular and is commonly hailed as the foremost sustainable food production method across the globe amidst rising world poverty and an increasing need to reduce global carbon emissions. Researchers in the UK and China have found that lettuce grown hydroponically has reduced nitrate levels to that of soil grown and additionally, hydro-grown lettuce enhanced free radical scavenging ability due to the LEDs under which it is cultivated.

The findings of the researcher, which were published in the Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science, imply that long term growth utilising LEDs could improve the overall quality of the lettuce by reducing nitrate levels and increasing antioxidant qualities. Previous research focussed on the levels of induced injury and disruption to the circadian rhythms of plants.

They added that previous research on the effects of continuous light on photosynthesis and plant growth has mainly focused on the circadian clock and injury.

The reasons to grow hydroponically are numerous and with no previous horticulture experience necessary, anyone can try their hand at producing fresh food and veg. Even the most space limited of people can set up a growing kit on their balcony or windowsill with relative ease.

A spokesperson for Bradford Hydroponics commented "More and more people are growing hydroponically and are achieving excellent results. It is hoped that hydroponics will revolutionise the way we produce and distribute food on a global basis and aid in reducing carbon footprint the world over, by reducing the need for delivery and fuel costs. Anyone can try it and it is great fun for all the family."

Source: bradfordhydroponics.co.uk news release