the advantage of gravel is that it makes it better to grow plants that you eat? the disadvantage of gravel is that gravel can not hold the plant?
Here's a website that discusses using sand and gravel in hydroponics.
http://www.frogchorusfarm.com/growingmediagravelsand.html
The advantage of using gravel as a growing medium for edible plants is that it provides good drainage, which is essential for healthy root growth. Gravel allows excess water to flow away from the roots, preventing waterlogging and root rot.
However, the disadvantage of using gravel alone is that it cannot hold nutrients or moisture for the plants. Gravel is an inert material that doesn't provide any nutrients to the plants. Without a suitable growing medium like soil or a hydroponic system, plants grown solely in gravel will not receive the necessary nutrients to thrive. Additionally, gravel alone cannot retain moisture, leading to faster evaporation and an increased need for frequent watering, making it more challenging to maintain proper hydration for the plants.
To overcome this, a common technique is to use a mixture of gravel and soil. The gravel provides proper drainage, while the soil holds nutrients and moisture. This combination allows edible plants to establish healthy roots, ensuring better growth and productivity.
In summary, while gravel alone might not be suitable for growing edible plants due to its inability to retain moisture and provide nutrients, it can be a beneficial component within a mixed growing medium that includes soil or other suitable materials.