yeh, if you want big yields, learn how your plant works, want it needs and what it dosnt like then look at all the manipulaton techniques like screening, pruning, training bla bla.
You could run a bubbleponics that gives you a pretty average yield if you didnt bother to try maximise the setup.
also look at the differnt strains, and their growth patterns.
learn the difference between sativa and indica characteristics because this will affect how your grow space is used.
with hydro you can grow a massive plant that has been had lots of manipulation and training with a relatively small amount of medium and space, where as in dirt the plants growth is limited to the size of the pot.
more plant under light = bigger yield