New technologies are coming up everyday. As the world population is increasing day by day and land availability for crop production is declining, the agriculture department is also developing new methods of growing food in less space by saving water. Hydroponics is one such amazing technology which helps to grow plants without soil, in a limited space and with limited water. One of the main problems with soil-based farming is that natural fertilizer can be inconsistent and usually includes pests. Hydroponics (which in latin means “working water”) is growing plants without soil. Supplying the essential nutrients dissolved in water.
Hydroponics is a high-tech method of growing plants in water that are rich in minerals and nutrients instead of soil. Hydroponics is a Latin word meaning “working water.” In the absence of soil, water goes to work providing nutrients, hydration, and oxygen to plant life. Hydroponics is an ideal concept for today’s agriculture sector which struggles to find new fertile lands for crop productions. The four main factors are Water, Sunlight, Air, Anchorage (root system) and nutrients are needed for any hydroponic Plants Success. Almost any kind of plant can be grown hydroponically, for example, vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers. Some vegetables like carrots, potatoes will not be effectively grown hydroponically because of their extensive roots. Even Corn and Pumpkin requires a large amount of space. But smaller varieties of these vegetables can be grown.
Advantages of a hydroponic system
● Higher productivity than the traditional farming system, the plant nutrients are effectively used, and there is no wastage.
● The hydroponic system is a controlled climate system in which the crops can grow year-round.
● Water utilization is low when compared to the traditional farming method, up to 80-90 percent lower.
● The crops are grown in a closed space, which eliminates the attack of pests and insects.
Problems associated with Hydroponic farming
● High capital investment when compared with soil farming.
● Next, there’s the threat of power failure, which can cause pumps to stop working and ruin crops.
● Finally, many people fear that hydroponics requires substantial know-how and research, when in fact, it’s very similar to traditional gardening.
● Although there is less physical labor involved, managing this system requires diligence and daily monitoring.
● If the delivery of nutrients, oxygen or water to your plants is interrupted, the plants can suffer and die very quickly.
Hydroponic gardens are easy to start in your own home so you can grow throughout the year.
There are many different styles of gardens we can build, the most common types are
❖ Wick systems
❖ Deep water cultures
❖ Nutrient film techniques.
Hydroponic farms offer a pathway towards a more sustainable food ethic that prioritizes the health of our food, bodies and environment without the heavy use of chemicals.
The climate is changing and pollution of the air, soil and sea is increasing. Aiming to produce fresh food, such as vegetables and herbs to enjoy fresher and healthier life and to produce less packaging waste is very important in the present world. Hydroponics is the most ideal system recommended for many growers because of the awareness placed on the environment and ecosystem. It is a form of soilless agriculture that presents great advantages when compared to other agricultural practices.
About ISBR: ISBR Business School, Bangalore-based, Top Class B School for PGDM or MBA, Consistently ranked as best B School in India, AICTE-CII Platinum Category, with multiple specializations.
About ISBR: ISBR Business School, Bangalore-based, Top Class B School for PGDM or MBA, Consistently ranked as best B School in India, AICTE-CII Platinum Category, with multiple specializations.