By Luke Sholl

THE DEFINITION OF ORGANIC CULTIVATION

The best place to start our exploration of whether hydronic grows can ever be considered organic is with the definition of organic growing. According to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), “organic regulations require that your crop rotation plan maintains or improves soil organic matter”. The keyword here is, of course, “soil”. In hydroponics, any growing media used is considered inert. As such, nutrients are supplied directly to the roots through an oxygen-rich solution that surrounds the root system.

Surely that makes the question easy to answer? A lack of soil in hydroponics means it does not adhere to the rigid framework of organic growing. The debate about hydroponics has risen from the degree to which we can grow organically. Yet, organic growing isn’t solely about the medium you use.

The idea of growing organically means considering the impact on the wider environment, operating sustainably, and encouraging natural processes. The food web in soil-based grows might support a natural ecosystem, but artificial lighting can still be used to supplement a lack of natural sunlight. If you consider organic growing as more of a spectrum of requirements than a clear-cut ruling, suddenly hydroponics could be a contender.

In Europe, the EU law for organic production takes a broader approach. Their requirements include “sustainable cultivation systems”, “more attention to biodiversity”, and “greater emphasis on environmental protection”. In all of those scenarios, it is possible to tweak the typical hydroponic system to be more “organic”. The approach is not without its challenges, but in principle, it is still entirely possible.

Hydroponic Cannabis System

HOW CAN HYDROPONICS FIT UNDER THE “ORGANIC” UMBRELLA?

If we use the definitions outlined by the EU, hydroponics fits the requirements of organic growing in many ways.

  • Sustainable cultivation systems

Hydroponic setups use roughly 10% of the water used in soil-based agriculture. Water is a valuable resource that is not infinite. It can, however, go significantly further with hydroponics and greatly benefit the local environment.

Lighting is a slightly more challenging issue to turn organic. However, it is not impossible. In a climate that can support solar panels, the sun can be used to supplement high energy costs and electricity requirements.

  • Greater emphasis on environmental protection

The way in which hydroponic grows utilise space is another substantial advantage for the greater environment. Soil-based organic cultivation requires acres and acres of land to get a sizeable return. The same space replicated in a hydroponic scenario could yield up to 10 times the output. Natural habitats are preserved because more cannabis can be cultivated over a smaller area. Hydroponics can also be set up in unused urban areas, further reducing environmental impact.

Hydroponic System  

  • More attention to biodiversity

Although we will cover the details shortly, aquaponics is a variation of hydroponics that uses fish to supply the necessary nutrients needed for growth. In doing so, the fish have a habitat that utilises beneficial microbes, and they can be used as a source of food once cultivation is complete.

WHAT ARE YOUR OPTIONS FOR ORGANIC GROWING?

Organic hydroponics requires several adjustments to be able to fulfil sustainable guidelines. Aquaponics and bioponics represent two of the most viable options. We cannot use synthetic nutrient solutions, as they are not organic, so we need to be creative in our methods.

  • Aquaponics

As we have alluded to, aquaponics uses the nutrient-rich nature of fish excrement to supply plants. Using several tanks, one of them accommodates fish along with a biofilter. The biofilter breaks down the large nutrient particles into more manageable chunks using oxygen and biological catalysts. Without one, nutrients build up in your liquid solution, and you run the risk of encouraging pathogenic microbes, algae, and all kinds of nasty stuff you don’t want.

Aquaponics can go without a biofilter, but it would need another tank with a substrate capable of breeding the necessary microbe population. The responsibility of breaking down large nutrient molecules would autumn to them, in much the same way as soil growing.

Only the filtered solution is fed to the plants before the water is again recirculated. It is entirely possible to grow healthy cannabis plants with this method. However, you would need to allow time for the bacteria and fish population to become established.

Aquaponics

  • Bioponics

Developed by William Texier, bioponics operates using a similar concept as aquaponics. The difference is, this time we don’t need the fish to supply nutrients. Instead, fully soluble nutrients are used. Cannabis would, of course, be unable to absorb these nutrients in their complete form, so we need to utilise a biofilter. The biofilter houses microbial life that performs this role perfectly.

Maintained in a separate, oxygen-rich tank, processed nutrients can be quickly pumped to cannabis plants. Bioponics has the advantage of not needing as long to be able to supply large volumes of nutrient-rich solution.

Bioponic Cannabis Growing

WHAT PROBLEMS WILL YOU FACE?

Organic hydroponics sounds all well and good, but if it were that easy, every setup would operate in the same way. There are several factors to consider when making the switch. The first is the additional maintenance needed.

Those organic nutrients we mentioned? The ones that are difficult for your cannabis to absorb in their complex state? Well, they are notorious for causing blockages and buildup in the intricate plumbing of hydroponic systems. Alongside the microbes needed to break nutrients down, the risk of sediment and sticky substances blocking pipes and pumps is high.

Another downside is that the population of microbes required to break down nutrient concentrations takes time to become established. Without a ready supply of available nutrients, the speed and efficacy of hydroponic growing is negated. The flip side is that once bacteria and nutrients start to accumulate, they can quickly become the problem rather than the solution. Trying to balance the necessary oxygen between all the parties involved in organic hydroponics can result in pathogenic microbes taking hold.

The final hurdle is, of course, having the expertise to set up an efficient organic hydroponic system. With opinions divided on what constitutes organic, the development of such systems doesn't always get the exposure it needs. As a home-grower, expect a substantial amount of trial and error as you learn to balance the needs of your cannabis plants. The added complications of bioponic and aquaponic cultivation represent a significant technical challenge for the inexperienced.

Cannabis Hydroponic Roots

THE DEBATE RAGES ON

Now that we know the logistics of organic hydroponic growing, we come full circle to our original question. With the information provided, we can say that it is possible to grow cannabis sustainably while using a hydroponic system. Is it the purest form of organic growing? In the eyes of traditional growers, many would argue no.

In spite of your own definition of organic growing, hydroponics represents another area of cannabis cultivation that can be used to positively impact the wider environment. With several options available, the development of this niche approach should be wholeheartedly encouraged, regardless of which side of the fence you sit.

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Privacy Policy - Royal Queen Seeds

To ensure a safe online environment and guarantee adequate data protection, we strictly comply with all legal requirements. In this privacy statement, we provide information about how and for what purpose data is collected, safety measures, storage periods and contact details.


COMPANY NAME: SNORKEL SPAIN, SL (hereinafter ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS)

C/ Vilar d'Abdelà, 5 (nave 1) CP: 08170 de Montornès del Vallès

+34 937 379 846

support@royalqueenseeds.com


The present Privacy Policy sets out the terms on which we will treat personal data at ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS; this includes any personal data collected through our website https://www.royalqueenseeds.com/ as well as any other data we process in the course of our business activities.

ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS collects the following personal data for the purposes listed below:

SECTION 1 – PERSONAL INFORMATION WE COLLECT

1.1 Account purchases

Account purchases can only be made if you are in possession of a personal account. When you create an account or purchase something from our shop, as part of the buying and selling process we collect the following personal information that you provide to us:

This information is required for delivery. In addition, when you browse our shop, we automatically receive the Internet Protocol (IP) address of your computer. Based on this information, we can optimise your online experience and at the same time protect our online environment.

Purpose of data collection

We collect and store account-related data for the following purposes:

(a) to carry out obligations arising from any contracts between you and us, and to provide you with information, products and services that you may request from us;

(b) to set up, manage and communicate with you about your account and your orders;

(c) to conduct market research and analysis;

(d) to confirm your age and identity, and to detect and prevent fraud.

1.2 Newsletters

With your explicit permission, we may send you newsletters about our shop, new products and other updates. We send newsletters based on your explicit consent. In the event that you purchase a product, and in accordance with current regulations, we may send you commercial communications in accordance with the legitimate interest of our company, always about products or services similar to those you have purchased or contracted. In any case, you may exercise your right of opposition through the channels announced in this Privacy Policy. The following information is collected in relation to the newsletter:

We do not need to know the sex of the person in order to send the newsletter (data minimisation: by law we must ask for data that is strictly necessary to provide the service, and in this case knowing the sex is not necessary to send the newsletter).

Purpose of data collection

The data collected is used to:

(a) personalise our emails, including your name and gender;

(b) provide gender-specific content.

You can withdraw your consent at any time by using the link provided in the newsletter or the contact information provided in section 2.

1.3 Customer service and contact form

In order to provide appropriate support, our customer service employees have access to information related to the account. Consequently, their support will be highly effective and friendly. The data provided in our contact form is used by our CRM provider, SuperOffice. We will only use your details to respond to your message.

SECTION 2 – LEGITIMATE INTEREST

If you have purchased any of our products, please note that we may process your personal data for promotional purposes, based on Royal Queen Seeds' legitimate interest only to offer you products or services from our company and about products or services similar to those you have purchased. You may exercise your right to opt out of future messages by the means set out in this Privacy Policy or through any notification you receive.

2.1 How do you withdraw consent?

If you change your mind, you can withdraw your consent for us to contact you for the purpose of collecting, using, or disclosing your data at any time by reaching out to us at: support@royalqueenseeds.com.

SECTION 3 – DISCLOSURE

We may disclose your personal information if we are required to do so by law or if you breach our Terms of Service.

SECTION 4 – HOW LONG DO WE KEEP YOUR DATA?

At Royal Queen Seeds, we will not retain your data for longer than is necessary for the purposes described in this Policy. Different retention periods apply for different types of data; however, the longest period we will normally hold any personal data is 10 years.

4.1 Account information

Data relating to the account remains relevant for as long as the consumer is in possession of an account. Therefore, the data remains documented for as long as the account exists. When our customers delete an account, the associated data will be deleted within a reasonable period of time. Requests regarding the inspection or correction of stored personal data or the deletion of an account can be sent to support@royalqueenseeds.com.

4.2 Newsletters

In the event that you give us your consent to inform you about our products or services, we will keep your data until you express your wish not to receive any further communications from us. However, we regularly (every month) carry out a relevance check. Registered customers (and their personal information) will be deleted whenever customers do not reply to our request. In addition, our newsletter mailing has an opt-out feature. Consumers can withdraw their consent by using this opt-out feature.

SECTION 5 – COOKIES

Cookies are small information files that notify your computer of previous interactions with our website. These cookies are stored on your hard drive, not on our website. Essentially, when you use our website, your computer displays its cookies to us, informing our site that you have visited before. This allows our website to function more quickly and remember aspects related to your previous visits (such as your username), making your experience more convenient. At Royal Queen Seeds, we use two types of cookies: functional and analytical.

5.1 Functional Cookies

Functional cookies are used to enhance your online experience. Among other things, these cookies track what is added to your shopping cart. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

5.2 Analytical Cookies

Analytical cookies are used for research and market analysis. The data collected with these analytical cookies is anonymous, making it unusable for third parties. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

SECTION 5 – THIRD-PARTY SERVICES

Third-party services are required to conduct transactions and provide our services. In general, the third-party providers we use will only collect, use and disclose your information to the extent necessary to enable them to perform the services they provide to us.

However, certain third-party service providers, such as payment gateways and other payment transaction processors, have their own privacy policies regarding the information we must provide to them for your transactions.

We encourage you to read the privacy policies of these providers so that you can understand how these providers will handle your personal information.

In particular, certain suppliers may be located or have facilities located in a different jurisdiction than yours or ours. Therefore, if you choose to proceed with a transaction involving the services of a third party, your information may be subject to the laws of the jurisdiction in which that service provider or its facilities are located.

Once you leave our website or are redirected to a third-party website or application, you are no longer governed by this Privacy Policy or the Terms of Service of our website.

Web analytics service (anonymous data)

On this website we have integrated an element of a web analytics service (with anonymisation functionality). Web analytics can be defined as the gathering, processing and analysis of data about the behaviour of visitors to websites. An analytics service collects, among other things, data about which website a person came from (the so-called referrer), which sub-pages they visited or how often and for how long they visited a sub-page. Web analytics is mainly used for website optimisation and for a cost–benefit analysis of internet advertising.

Courier service

To complete deliveries we use a courier service. This courier service carries out the delivery between our company and the consumer's home. To complete these logistics, the company requires access to the consumer's name and address information.

Mailing service

Royal Queen Seeds uses a third-party mail service provider to send its newsletter. This provider has access to limited account information related to opt-in consent (e.g. email address).

Marketing services

Royal Queen Seeds has the support of a company that specialises in marketing and communication activities. Their access to personal information is very limited and mostly anonymous.

Payment services

At Royal Queen Seeds we use external payment services to handle our transactions (e.g. credit card payments).

SECTION 6 – SECURITY

To protect your personal information, we take reasonable precautions and follow industry standard best practices to ensure that it is not inappropriately lost, misused, accessed, disclosed, altered or destroyed.

If you provide us with your credit card information, the information is encrypted using secure socket layer technology (SSL) and stored using AES-256 encryption. Although no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, we follow all PCI-DSS requirements and implement additional industry standards that are commonly accepted. Information related to the account is protected with a hashing method. This method transforms the information into a generated hash. As a result, confidential information is protected and invisible, even to us. In addition, our databases are exceptionally protected against unauthorised access. For example, access to the database is only possible and permitted via approved IP addresses (e.g. from Royal Queen Seeds headquarters). Other attempts and addresses are rejected at all times.

Furthermore, data is anonymised as much as possible, so it cannot be directly linked to a specific consumer. With this data, however, we may be able to carry out market research and analysis. In addition, the third parties concerned (e.g. mailing service) are examined prior to our collaboration, comply with the GDPR from the EU and receive a processing agreement. Within Royal Queen Seeds, employees are assigned different access permissions. Specific permission provides access only to information that is strictly required to perform a task. Digital security measures are subject to change and must meet high requirements to ensure the safety of online customers. That is why, at Royal Queen Seeds, we appoint a security officer. Regular verification and improvement of security measures (where necessary) are part of the role.

SECTION 7 – CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

We reserve the right to modify this Privacy Policy at any time, so please check back regularly. Changes and clarifications will be effective immediately upon being published on the Website. If we make substantial changes to this policy, we will notify you here that it has been updated so you will know what information we collect, how we use it and under what circumstances, if any, we use and/or disclose it.

SECTION 8 – YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO: