Centuries ago, it would have been not easy to imagine that we could grow crops without soil. Rich soil has traditionally been an essential requirement for growing plants, but technological advancements in agriculture are changing. Hydroponic systems are challenging traditional soil gardening and may well be the plant-growing systems of the future. Hydroponic cultivation is a method of cultivation without soil. Hydroponics is a Greek word derived from “Hydro,” meaning water, and “ponos,” meaning work, and literally means working with water. This method has already been successfully implemented in other countries. It is very suitable for growing fruits and vegetables and even small florets, and with a few changes in the implementation of the system can be used in almost any greenhouse. The chemical needs of the root or the whole plant can be estimated by accurately calculating the number of nutrients in the root zone and maintaining the chemical balance of the solution.
In places where water scarcity is a problem, hydroponic systems can radically improve water consumption in farming. The hydroponic system uses ten times less water than traditional soil-based farming. This is because it is unlike field crop watering, where water has to be sprayed till the soil absorbs it. In hydroponics, the systems deliver nutrient solutions directly to plant roots. When they pump it through a medium, absorption is not necessary. The water which contains nutrients is recaptured and reused, unlike in traditional farming, where water is allowed to run off into the environment. This eliminates the need to source water resources often. There are various methods of creating nutrients for hydroponic farming. Usually, farmers create nutrient solutions with nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. Other elements like sulphur, calcium, and magnesium may be added. The idea is to deliver a perfect balance of pH and nutrient solution to the roots, so it takes the plant little effort to take in its food. This is an easy task compared to soil, where the roots must search out the nutrients. Beyond the nutrient, there is also the culture in which the crop grows. In most situations, a bit of gravel, peat, perlite, rock wool, or sand is used to aerate and support the root system. We refer to these materials as mediums. In such situations, they pump the nutrient solution through the tubes or tanks periodically.
You can apply hydroponics to home gardening successfully. It is an excellent option for people who do not have space for traditional gardening. You will need several things, including nutrient solutions, which can be bought at a store or made at home. If you are growing plants hydroponically indoors, it helps to have an artificial light source to stimulate healthy plant development. Also, ensure that the space has excellent air circulation. It is best to use vertical hydroponic systems to grow your vegetables and herbs.
Nutrients and Hydroponic Solutions
Centuries ago, it would have been not easy to imagine that we could grow crops without soil. Rich soil has traditionally been an essential requirement for growing plants, but technological advancements in agriculture are changing. Hydroponic systems are challenging traditional soil gardening and may well be the plant-growing systems of the future. Hydroponic cultivation is a method of cultivation without soil. Hydroponics is a Greek word derived from “Hydro,” meaning water, and “ponos,” meaning work, and literally means working with water. This method has already been successfully implemented in other countries. It is very suitable for growing fruits and vegetables and even small florets, and with a few changes in the implementation of the system can be used in almost any greenhouse. The chemical needs of the root or the whole plant can be estimated by accurately calculating the number of nutrients in the root zone and maintaining the chemical balance of the solution.
In places where water scarcity is a problem, hydroponic systems can radically improve water consumption in farming. The hydroponic system uses ten times less water than traditional soil-based farming. This is because it is unlike field crop watering, where water has to be sprayed till the soil absorbs it. In hydroponics, the systems deliver nutrient solutions directly to plant roots. When they pump it through a medium, absorption is not necessary. The water which contains nutrients is recaptured and reused, unlike in traditional farming, where water is allowed to run off into the environment. This eliminates the need to source water resources often. There are various methods of creating nutrients for hydroponic farming. Usually, farmers create nutrient solutions with nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. Other elements like sulphur, calcium, and magnesium may be added. The idea is to deliver a perfect balance of pH and nutrient solution to the roots, so it takes the plant little effort to take in its food. This is an easy task compared to soil, where the roots must search out the nutrients. Beyond the nutrient, there is also the culture in which the crop grows. In most situations, a bit of gravel, peat, perlite, rock wool, or sand is used to aerate and support the root system. We refer to these materials as mediums. In such situations, they pump the nutrient solution through the tubes or tanks periodically.
You can apply hydroponics to home gardening successfully. It is an excellent option for people who do not have space for traditional gardening. You will need several things, including nutrient solutions, which can be bought at a store or made at home. If you are growing plants hydroponically indoors, it helps to have an artificial light source to stimulate healthy plant development. Also, ensure that the space has excellent air circulation. It is best to use vertical hydroponic systems to grow your vegetables and herbs.
Control over nutrients: In a soil-based planting system, fertilizers lose their effectiveness after a while, and not all of them reach the plant. However, the solution used in the hydroponic system is in constant direct contact. As a result, only a few tablespoons of nutrients, even organic, per gallon of water, lower nutrient intake and supply costs. Nutrients are available in both powder and ready-to-buy forms. The powder type is cheaper, but it takes longer to dissolve. The ready mix is more expensive and mixes quickly with water, and even has a pH buffer composition.
Today, more than one million households in the United States have soilless cultivators to produce household goods. France, Canada, South Africa, the Netherlands, Japan, Australia, and Germany are among the leading countries in hydroponic cultivation.
Despite a myriad of advantages of hydroponics, there are yet things to keep an eye on. Some rules may guide growing plants in hydroponic systems in your locality. These rules may dwell on safety practices for commercialized hydroponic gardens. It would help if you found out what regulations exist in your area and how they affect your hydroponic gardening endeavours.
References:
Today, more than one million households in the United States have soilless cultivators to produce household goods. France, Canada, South Africa, the Netherlands, Japan, Australia, and Germany are among the leading countries in hydroponic cultivation.
Despite a myriad of advantages of hydroponics, there are yet things to keep an eye on. Some rules may guide growing plants in hydroponic systems in your locality. These rules may dwell on safety practices for commercialized hydroponic gardens. It would help if you found out what regulations exist in your area and how they affect your hydroponic gardening endeavours.
References: