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Hydroponics: Innovative Farming Without Soil

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 Global Agri Vision 2023, 2(4):13-14

Global Agri Vision

e-ISSN: 2583-9683
Oct. 2023
Article ID: GAV005 Popular Article

Hydroponics: Innovative Farming Without Soil

1R VijayKumar, 2SR Jeevan Sangram, 3Prashant Shukla, 4Yabi Gadi, 5Shreedhar Beese and
6Noureen Khurshid
1PhD Silvicultreand Agroforestry, SHUATS Prayagraj Uttar Pradesh
2MSc, Department of Agronomy, Dr PDKV, Akola
3PhD Scholar in Dept of Soil and Water Conservation Engineering ICAR-IARI New Delhi
4Assistant Professor, School of Agricultural Sciences, Jaipur National University, Jaipur, Rajasthan
5PhD Research scholar, Dept. of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture, Dr. Y S Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni

Solan (Himachal Pradesh)

6Phd Scholar, department of soil and water engineering,Sheri kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology Kashmir

Open Access Abstract

*Corresponding Author Hydroponics, a soil-less method of plant cultivation, is emerging as a
2
SR Jeevan Sangram transformative solution to address the challenges of traditional
: [email protected]
agriculture. We will explore the origins, science, diverse systems, and
practical applications of hydroponics. From deep water culture to
Conflict of interests: The author has declared that no conflict aeroponics, hydroponic systems offer resource efficiency, increased crop
of interest exists.
yields, and reduced environmental impact. Commercial and urban
How to cite this article? hydroponics are thriving, providing fresh produce year-round. The
controlled environment of hydroponics results in higher-quality crops
Sangram et al., 2023. Hydroponics: Innovative Farming and efficient resource utilization. As the global population grows,
Without Soil Global Agri Vision 2(1), 11-14.
hydroponics represents a sustainable path forward, offering a greener and
Copyright: © 2023 Shukla et al. This is an open access article more food-secure future.
that permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction
in any medium after the author(s) and source are credited. Keywords: Soil Less, Climate, Environment, Population

Introduction nutrient-rich silt in Egypt. Hydroponics gained recognition

as a modern agricultural technique in the mid-20th
The world is changing, and with it, the way we grow our century. Researchers and scientists began to study and
food. The age-old practice of planting seeds in soil, under refine the process, seeking to unlock its full potential.
the watchful gaze of the sun, is evolving. In its place, a Today, hydroponics has evolved into a sophisticated and
new form of cultivation is emerging—one that is versatile approach that is finding its place in urban
redefining our understanding of agriculture. Hydroponics, agriculture, commercial farming, and even space
a soil-less method of growing plants, is taking root as a exploration.
sustainable and efficient approach to feeding a growing
global population. In this comprehensive article, we will The Science of Hydroponics
embark on a journey through the intriguing world of At the heart of hydroponics lies a profound
hydroponics. We will explore its origins, its many forms, understanding of plant biology and nutrient management.
the science behind it, and the myriad benefits it offers. Hydroponic systems use water as the medium for plant
From increased crop yields and resource efficiency to growth, and essential nutrients are supplied in a controlled
year-round cultivation and reduced environmental impact, manner. This precise management is what sets hydroponics
hydroponics is poised to transform agriculture as we know apart from traditional soil-based cultivation. The science of
it. hydroponics revolves around optimizing nutrient solutions,
The Roots of Hydroponics monitoring pH levels, and ensuring proper aeration and
moisture for plant roots. These variables are finely tuned to
To understand the present and future of hydroponics, create ideal conditions for plant growth. Hydroponic
it's vital to delve into its past. The concept of growing systems come in various forms, including deep water
plants without soil is ancient and diverse, with evidence of culture, nutrient film technique, and aeroponics, each with
its use dating back thousands of years. Early civilizations, its unique way of delivering nutrients and oxygen to plant
including the Aztecs and ancient Egyptians, practiced roots.
rudimentary forms of hydroponics, using techniques like
the floating gardens of the Aztecs and the use of water and

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Types of Hydroponic Systems Method submerged in a nutrient growing leafy
solution, and the solution greens, herbs, and
Hydroponics offers a diverse range of systems, each level decreases as roots smaller plants.
tailored to specific needs and environments. Here, we grow.
explore some of the most common types of hydroponic
systems: The Benefits of Hydroponics
1. Deep Water Culture (DWC): In DWC systems, plants Hydroponics, the soil-less method of cultivating
are suspended in nutrient-rich water with the help of a plants, is rapidly gaining attention as a transformative
buoyant platform. An air stone provides oxygen to the roots. solution to many of the challenges that traditional
This method is straightforward and widely used. agriculture faces. This innovative approach offers an array
2. Nutrient Film Technique (NFT): NFT systems involve of benefits that extend from increased crop yields to
a thin, sloping film of nutrient solution that continuously resource efficiency and sustainability. Here, we explore the
flows over plant roots. The roots draw nutrients from the advantages of hydroponics in more detail.
film, and excess solution is recirculated. 1. Increased Crop Yields = One of the most compelling
3. Aeroponics: Aeroponic systems mist plant roots with a advantages of hydroponics is its capacity to significantly
nutrient solution, allowing for maximum oxygen uptake. boost crop yields. By providing precise control over the
This method is highly efficient and promotes rapid growth. nutritional needs of plants and optimizing environmental
4. Wick System: A passive hydroponic method, the wick conditions, hydroponics promotes faster growth and more
system uses a wick to draw nutrient solution from a abundant harvests. Plants no longer compete for nutrients,
reservoir to the plant's root zone. It's simple and low- as each receives the ideal mix of water and nutrients tailored
maintenance. to its growth stage. The outcome is a consistent, year-round
5. Drip System: Drip systems supply nutrient solution to production of high-quality crops.
plants through a network of tubes and emitters. They are 2. Resource Efficiency = Hydroponics stands out for its
customizable and efficient. resource-efficient nature. Traditional soil-based farming
6. Ebb and Flow (Flood and Drain): Ebb and flow often involves significant water wastage, as plants compete
systems flood plant containers with nutrient solution, which for nutrients and water resources. In contrast, hydroponics
is then drained back into a reservoir. This cycle provides typically uses up to 90% less water. The systems are
oxygen to the roots. designed to recirculate nutrient-rich water efficiently. This
7. Kratky Method: A non-circulating hydroponic method, not only conserves water but also minimizes nutrient runoff
the Kratky system suspends plant roots in a nutrient into surrounding ecosystems, reducing pollution. Moreover,
solution, allowing roots to grow while the solution level hydroponic systems require less space compared to
decreases. traditional farming methods, making them suitable for urban
Here's a table outlining different types of hydroponic agriculture. Vertical farming, in particular, optimizes the
use of limited space by stacking crops in layers. This
systems and their common uses: efficient use of resources is essential in the face of
Hydroponic Description Common Uses
increasing urbanization and land scarcity.
System 3. Year-Round Cultivation = Hydroponics liberates
Deep Water Plants are suspended in Ideal for growing agriculture from the constraints of seasonal changes.
Culture nutrient-rich water with lettuce, basil, and Traditional farming is often dependent on climate and soil
(DWC) roots submerged, and an air other leafy greens. conditions, limiting the ability to cultivate certain crops
stone provides oxygen. year-round. Hydroponic systems, however, provide a
Nutrient A thin film of nutrient Suited for controlled environment, allowing for continuous growth
Film solution flows over plant growing herbs, irrespective of external weather conditions. This year-round
Technique roots, allowing them to lettuce, and
cultivation offers numerous advantages, particularly in
(NFT) draw nutrients while excess smaller plants.
solution is recirculated. regions with harsh climates. It ensures a consistent supply
Aeroponics Roots are misted with a Excellent for of fresh produce, reduces the dependence on seasonal
nutrient solution, growing a wide imports, and bolsters food security. Hydroponics has the
maximizing oxygen uptake. range of crops, potential to offer locally sourced, fresh produce even in the
including herbs, dead of winter.
lettuce, and 4. Reduced Environmental Impact = Hydroponics aligns
strawberries. with sustainable agriculture practices by reducing the
Wick A passive system where a Suitable for environmental impact associated with conventional farming.
System wick draws nutrient growing herbs and In traditional agriculture, excessive use of fertilizers and
solution from a reservoir to smaller plants.
pesticides often results in water and soil pollution. Runoff
the plant's root zone.
Drip Nutrient solution is supplied Used for growing from fields contaminates water bodies and has far-reaching
System to plants through tubes and tomatoes, consequences on ecosystems. Hydroponic systems, on the
emitters, providing a peppers, and other other hand, require fewer chemicals for pest control, as the
controlled flow of water and larger crops. controlled environment naturally limits the presence of
nutrients. pests. Nutrient solutions are carefully managed, minimizing
Ebb and Plant containers are Commonly used the need for excess fertilizers. This reduction in chemical
Flow periodically flooded with for growing larger use contributes to cleaner water sources and healthier soils,
(Flood and nutrient solution, which crops like making it an eco-friendlier approach to farming.
Drain) then drains back into a cucumbers, 5. Space Exploration = Hydroponics has even found a role
reservoir. tomatoes, and
peppers. beyond Earth's atmosphere. In space exploration, where the
Kratky Roots are partially Suited for availability of resources is limited, hydroponic systems
offer a solution for cultivating fresh food for astronauts.

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Controlled environments on spacecraft and space stations 2. Technical Expertise: Successful hydroponic farming
can support the growth of a variety of crops, ensuring a demands knowledge of plant nutrition, system management,
supply of fresh, nutritious food during extended missions. and troubleshooting.
6. Enhanced Crop Quality = Hydroponics excels in 3. Resource Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of nutrient
producing high-quality crops. With meticulous control over levels, pH, and system maintenance is crucial to avoid crop
nutrient solutions, pH levels, and environmental conditions, failures.
growers can ensure that their produce is free from soil-borne 4. Energy Consumption: Controlled environments, such as
diseases, weeds, and pests. This means fewer blemishes and those in commercial greenhouses, may consume significant
higher overall crop quality. amounts of energy.
Here's a table highlighting some of the common crops 5. Sustainable Practices: To maximize the sustainability of
hydroponic farming, eco-friendly nutrient solutions and
that can be grown using hydroponics: energy-efficient systems should be prioritized.
The Future of Hydroponics
Crop Description The future of hydroponics holds exciting
Lettuce Lettuce is one of the most popular possibilities. As technology continues to advance, the
hydroponic crops. It thrives in various integration of automation, data analytics, and sustainable
hydroponic systems and grows quickly.
practices will become more prevalent. Researchers are
Tomatoes Hydroponically grown tomatoes often yield
higher-quality and better-tasting fruits exploring novel approaches, such as aquaponics (combining
compared to traditional soil cultivation. fish farming with hydroponics) and the use of alternative,
Cucumbers Cucumbers are well-suited for hydroponics, eco-friendly growing mediums. The expansion of urban and
with controlled environments enhancing vertical farming will contribute to the availability of fresh,
fruit production. locally sourced produce, reducing food transportation costs
Peppers Bell peppers and chili peppers can be grown and environmental impact. Hydroponics may also play a
hydroponically, offering high yields and role in addressing food security challenges by offering a
reduced susceptibility to pests. consistent supply of fresh food in regions with limited
Herbs (Basil, A variety of herbs, such as basil, mint, and access to arable land.
etc.) cilantro, flourish in hydroponic systems,
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@2023 14 www.globalagrivision.com

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