Soil-less Production Systems
Door Suzanne Rosenberry
1. Certified Organic Diversified Vegetable Farmer (Against)
1.1. Soil-less production degrades public trust
1.2. Soil-less production doesn't promote the ecosystem like soil based production does
1.3. The footprint for soil based production is lower than soil-less
1.4. Soil based production utilizes the soil food web
2. Urban Ag Non-Profit Representative (For)
2.1. Soil-less farming can help with pest management
2.1.1. Can potentially cut costs
2.2. Soil-less production allows farmers to get involved anywhere
2.2.1. Soil-less allows a means for new and interested candidates to gain a passageway to organic agriculture
2.3. Urban based soil-less productions can provide more food locally
2.3.1. Shortening the food chain can prevent waste
2.3.1.1. Cut costs
2.3.2. Less transportation
2.3.2.1. Less pollution
2.3.2.2. Cut costs
3. Non-Profit Organic Ag Advocacy Representative (Against)
3.1. Soil-less farming doesn't use soil as a growing medium
3.1.1. Can't properly manage soil as required per the NOP
3.1.1.1. Lack of cover crops
3.1.1.2. Lack of crop rotation
3.2. Soil-less productions are built over soil
3.2.1. Can cause soil erosion
3.2.2. Top soil is destroyed
3.2.3. Soil infiltration is lost
3.2.4. Carbon cycle is lost
3.2.5. Habitats are lost
4. Hydroponic Vegetable Farmer (For)
4.1. Can follow the NOP guidelines for organic
4.1.1. Organic Hydroponic farming is already approved for organic certification
4.1.2. Use organic substances in production
4.2. Does not contribute to soil erosion
4.3. Uses environmental practices which help the land
4.3.1. Use less water
4.3.2. Use less land
4.3.3. Use less gas