Are chemicals from hydroponic nutrient present in produce?

[dg]

I am sure we have all heard somebody say something like "be careful what you ingest, hydroponic fruit has chemicals in it". Or maybe that some particular produce tastes "chemmy".

Is there really anything to worry about? I mean, assuming there is "chemicals" in the nutrient solution, does the plant actually contain chemicals that are present in the nutrients? I would like to think that roots take only nutrients that they need and not just blindly absorb anything that is presented to them.

Can anybody recommend any books or web sites relating to this subject? Any input is appreciated.

Thanks,

--Dan

[David Hare-Scott]

The question has no answer unless you say what you mean by "chemicals".

If you mean the N, P and K, and minor and trace elements that are in a hydroponic solution then of course they are in the produce - that is what they are there for. The plant requires them to grow and metabolises them. Some of these in excess quantity may be harmful to humans. Whether this is the case or not depends on many things not just if the plants are grown hydroponically.

If you mean insecticides and other complex compounds, whether naturally occuring or synthetic, that may be harmful to humans in some circumstances, these may or may not be present in hydroponic produce in significant quantities. But the same is true of non-hydroponic produce.

The key issue is what substances are present in the produce and how much, not whether you can tag them as "chemicals".

David