Hydroponics is a modern agricultural technique
that has gained immense popularity in recent years. It is a soilless method of growing plants, which is based on water and nutrients, making it an eco-friendly and sustainable way to grow crops. The hydroponic growing system has numerous benefits over traditional farming methods, including increased yield, reduced water usage, and faster plant growth. In this article, we will take a closer look at the hydroponic growing system and its benefits.
What is a hydroponic growing system?
A hydroponic growing system is a method of growing plants without soil. Instead of using soil, hydroponic growing systems use nutrient-rich water to grow crops. The water is infused with essential nutrients, and the plants absorb the nutrients through their roots. Hydroponic systems can be set up in various ways, such as vertical towers, nutrient film technique (NFT), deep water culture (DWC), and drip irrigation.
Vertical Tower Hydroponic System:
A vertical tower hydroponic system is a set of stacked containers that can be easily moved indoors or outdoors. It requires a small footprint, making it an excellent option for urban gardeners. Each container has holes that allow the plants’ roots to grow into the nutrient-rich water. The water is pumped from the bottom container to the top container, and the excess water is drained back into the bottom container.
Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) Hydroponic System:
The nutrient film technique (NFT) hydroponic system is a continuous flow system that uses a thin film of nutrient-rich water to grow crops. The plants’ roots are exposed to the nutrient-rich water, and the excess water is collected and recycled back to the reservoir.
Deep Water Culture (DWC) Hydroponic System:
The deep water culture (DWC) hydroponic system is one of the easiest and most common hydroponic systems. It involves suspending plants’ roots in a nutrient-rich water solution. The plants’ roots are submerged in the water, and an air pump is used to add oxygen to the water to prevent the roots from rotting.
Drip Irrigation Hydroponic System:
The drip irrigation hydroponic system is a set of tubes that run over the plants, allowing a slow drip of nutrient-rich water to reach the plants’ roots. The excess water is collected and recycled back to the reservoir.
Benefits of a hydroponic growing system:
- Increased Yield:
Hydroponic growing systems can produce a higher yield compared to traditional farming methods. Hydroponic systems allow plants to grow faster and produce more crops because they receive constant access to the nutrients they need. Hydroponic systems also allow for a higher plant density, meaning more plants can be grown in the same area.
- Reduced Water Usage:
Hydroponic growing systems use up to 90% less water compared to traditional farming methods. Traditional farming methods require large amounts of water to irrigate the crops and provide nutrients to the soil. Hydroponic systems recirculate water, reducing water usage and minimizing waste.
- Faster Plant Growth:
Hydroponic growing systems can produce crops up to 30% faster than traditional farming methods. Hydroponic systems provide plants with the nutrients they need to grow faster and produce more crops. Additionally, hydroponic systems provide plants with a controlled environment that can optimize growing conditions, such as temperature, humidity, and light.
- Eco-friendly:
Hydroponic growing systems are an eco-friendly alternative to traditional farming methods. Hydroponic systems use less water, pesticides, and herbicides, making them more sustainable and reducing the environmental impact of agriculture.
- More Accessible:
Hydroponic growing systems can be set up in small spaces, making them more accessible to urban
