What is Hydroponics

Growing plants without soil is called hydroponics.
Hydroponics is a technique of growing plants using a water-based nutrient solution rather than soil and can include an aggregate substrate or growing media such as Vermiculite, Cocopit, and Perlite.

Type of Hydroponics system

A beginner can get easily confused and overwhelmed with all the variations of the hydroponic method. So, let’s take a look at the different hydroponic applications that you can try out.

The Nutrient Film technique (NFT)

In this setup, plants are placed in sloping hollow pipes or channels. Nutrified water is continuously pumped through the channels over the root system. The NFT is a closed system that recirculates water throughout the channels by pumping it first to the upper or higher ends of the channels which then flows down the slope.

Drip System

This technique makes use of drip lines and a pump that transports water from an underlying reservoir into the growing media encasing the plants above. Usually, a dripper will be allocated to each plant which allows for the fine-tuning of nutrient concentrations and watering intensity. The water can be recycled, which saves time and money.

Aeroponics

Here, plants are suspended in the air vertically or horizontally. A pump then delivers a misting of nutrient media to the roots of the plants at scheduled intervals or continuously, depending on the needs of the plant. This is a more advanced system requiring pumps, misters, and timers, among other equipment, and should only be considered by expert growers to make the investment worthwhile.

Deep water culture (DWC)

Here, plants are placed in pots with growing media or lightweight covers that float on the water’s surface. The plant’s roots then grow into the water. A pump oxygenates the water to keep the roots healthy, but apart from that, no other mechanization is required. This makes the Deep Water Culture system great for beginners.

Wick Systems

This is one of the simplest hydroponic setups and is perfect for beginners. A reservoir of nutrient-enriched water is placed underneath the plants. There is a wick that extends from the growing medium downwards into the reservoir. The water moves through capillary action from the reservoir into the growing medium and keeps the roots nourished and moist.

Ebb and Flow

Also known as the flood and drain system, plants embedded in a growing medium are placed over a reservoir filled with nutrient water. A pump periodically forces the water up into the section housing the plants. The pump is turned off and the water gradually flows back into the reservoir. This is another simple technique and apart from the pump and piping, little expert equipment is required for success.

Advantages of Hydroponics Farming

Firstly, you can set up a hydroponic operation, big or small, almost anywhere. Because no soil is needed, you can grow a considerable number of plants indoors. 📍You can maximize your yield because the roots of hydroponically grown plants are kept compact. This is possible because when they are provided with the perfect amount of water and nutrients, roots do not need to grow in search of more. You will also be free from the constraints of poor soil conditions and environmental pollutants, allowing you to grow almost any herb or leafy vegetable anywhere.

• The money saved on water and nutrient inputs is another advantage offered to hydroponic growers.
• Hydroponic systems also allow you to overcome the constraints imposed by a change of season.
• Climate-controlled systems allow the grower to fine-tune the temperature and lighting to suit the needs of their plants. This can open up the possibility of producing crops in their offseason, which can ensure you receive a premium for your harvest and limit the need for expensive and polluting international airfreight.
• The climate control also means that plants grow faster. Because you can alter the environmental conditions as needed, the plants can always be provided with the optimal conditions for growth.
• The lack of soil will also eliminate any soil-borne diseases or weed infestations. If this problem is solved, then the money spent on the usual control methods will no longer be required.
• Lastly, you will be able to change crops or cultivars easily and quickly if market demand fluctuates away from or towards certain products. You will therefore be able to keep up to date with consumer trends and meet demands as they arise.

Disadvantages of Hydroponics Farming

• It is easy to see why hydroponics is a favorite among commercial growers and hobbyists alike. However, there are some obstacles that every grower needs to consider before they start.
• While a small, backyard setup may not be too costly, the startup costs of a commercial hydroponics operation will be expensive.
• You will therefore need to make sure that you have a solid business plan and contingencies in case of unforeseen obstacles. This may be a barrier for small-scale farmers who cannot afford the initial investment or be approved for the necessary loans.
• Relating to the expenses of setting up a hydroponic production, you will need the expertise and experience required to make a commercial setup
• a success. You do not want to waste money on mistakes and mishaps
• that could have been easily prevented with the correct experience. This is
• less of an issue for hobbyists, as making mistakes and learning from them is all a part of the hydroponics experience.
• Lastly, and this is especially so for large, electric-powered systems, the risk posed by power and water outages is a big one. Because the roots of the plants are not anchored in water-retaining soil, prolonged periods without water or nutrient applications will be devastating and result in large-scale losses. It is therefore wise to invest in generators and boreholes if you are a commercial grower.