Photosynthesis is a process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy for use by their cells. They require light, water, CO2, and certain minerals in order to survive. The soil provides plants with water as well as the nutrients they require for growth. When Von Sachs, a German botanist, demonstrated in 1860 that plants can grow without soil if they are provided with an adequate supply of nutrients and meet their oxygen requirements, the world took notice. Hydroponics, aquaculture, and soilless culture are all terms used to describe the technique of growing plants without soil. Growing plants without soil may seem strange at first, but there are many plants, such as tomatoes, that are already being grown hydroponically in many places.
What is hydroponics and how does it work?
The term “Hydroponics” is derived from the Greek words “hydros,” which means water, and “ponos,” which means toil or labour. Agroecology is a type of agriculture in which plants are grown in a nutrient solution without ever coming into contact with soil. Here, soil is replaced with sterile mediums such as rockwool, vermiculite, sand, gravel, clay pellets, and perlite, which provide stability to the roots and allow them to grow. In different ways depending on the type of hydroponic system used, nutrients are passed through the roots; oxygen is pumped through the system; pH level is controlled; and sufficient light is provided to allow photosynthesis to take place. A system of artificial lighting is installed in areas where natural light is not available. It is a cutting-edge farming technique that is now being widely used in the food production industry.
Hydroponic Farming
The hydroponic farming technique is used in determining the deficiency symptoms of various nutrients in plants as well as identifying the nutrients that are essential for the growth and development of the plant’s root system.
Strawberry, tomato, and lettuce are just a few examples of plants that can be grown hydroponically. In this study, it was discovered that hydroponic tomato flowers appeared two weeks earlier than those produced by soil-grown tomatoes.
Hydroponic Systems Come in a Variety of Forms
Water, mineral nutrients, and oxygen are required for plants to thrive. There are six different hydroponic setups available, each of which fulfils these requirements in a different way.
- The ebb and flow system necessitates the use of a medium such as perlite to ensure stability. Water and mineral solutions are pumped into the tray containing the plants on an as-needed basis. During the process of absorption by the plants, the remaining solution drains back into the reservoir. This method is straightforward and is commonly used in home gardens. This technique is used to grow herbs.
- Nutrient Film Technique (NFT): There is no need for a medium in this technique. Hydroponic plants are grown in wooden channels that have a slight incline. The mineral solution is pumped to the top of the channel, where it is collected and reused, and the slope down water is collected and reused. This method is used to grow plants that have large roots.
- Drip Systems: These are similar to ebb and flow systems, except that the water is channelled through smaller tubes and drains onto the tops of plants. This method is used to grow small plants with less developed root systems, such as tomatoes.
- Wick Systems: This is a medium-based system that makes use of perlite or rockwool as a filler material. At the base of each root that reaches out to the reservoir, a nylon rope is tied in place. It absorbs minerals and water from the environment and releases them into the medium, making them available to plants. Because it does not require the use of pumps, it is a cost-effective method of hydroponic farming.
- In contrast to NFT, aeroponics is a water-based system, which does not require a medium to grow plants. The mineral solution is sprayed onto the plants in the form of a mist to ensure complete coverage. This is time-consuming to set up, but it is extremely useful in a large commercial setting.
- Deep Water Culture (DWC) is a method of growing plants in which the roots of the plants are suspended in oxygenated water containing minerals. It is necessary to use an air pump. This is a straightforward method that requires little maintenance.
The Advantages of Hydroponic Farming
- Because the plants grow more quickly, the yield is higher.
- It is possible to grow it anywhere, including underground, on rooftops, and in greenhouses.
- Growing plants is possible in places where traditional farming is not possible.
- A system of recycling and reusing water and nutrients is in place.
- Without the use of fertilisers or pesticides, organic food can be grown and harvested.
Setup for Hydroponics
A hydroponic setup, also known as a hydroponic plant, requires a number of different components. Let’s take each of the components one at a time and examine them.
- Reservoir: A reservoir is a container that holds the nutrient solution that is necessary for plant growth to occur. It is typically contained in a plastic or glass container. It is not recommended to use a metallic container because it may contain harmful chemicals.
- Grow Tray: A grow tray is required in a hydroponic setup in order to keep the plants contained. It may include valves to improve gripping, and it may also include mediums such as coco coir, clay, and pebbles to help it hold its shape.
- Growing Medium: Because there is no soil in a hydroponic setup, the growing medium is the medium on which the plant grows. It can be made of vermiculite, coconut fibre, perlite, or gravel, among other materials.
- Nutrient Solution: Nutrient solution is nothing more than minerals dissolved in water in a concentrated form. Creating a nutrient solution for a hydroponic plant is accomplished by dissolving essential minerals in the appropriate dosage to feed the plants.
Hydroponic farming can be a profitable endeavour if the various components are carefully assembled. Additionally, other factors such as the hydroponic plant, space requirements, water supply and distribution, pipes, and financial requirements should be taken into account.
Conclusion
Hydroponic farming is extremely popular these days because it provides us with organically grown produce. It can be extremely beneficial in areas where there is a scarcity of water. Furthermore, the water can be recycled for the purpose of growing plants. The plants that are produced using this technique are high in nutrients and free of toxins, making them excellent food sources.