I'm curious, what would be the benefit/drawbacks of using hydroponics instead?,(reply>), Good to know, thanks.,(reply>), Hydroponics allows a lot more control over the feed rate  of nutrients and minerals, and avoids the  issues of moulds and bacterial build up in substrates.<br>Furthermore, the plant can focus on growing the produce as opposed to the lengthy period developing a deep root system.<br>It is limited though - hydroponics starts to struggle with big plants - for example tree farms would need (soil) substrate beds to support their mass.