For those who don’t have access to soil or another inert medium, including gravel, sand, rock wool, vermiculite, perlite, coir, peat moss, or sawdust, hydroponics is an alternative technique of plant cultivation (Sharma et al., 2018). To grow plants without soil, hydroponics involves suspending the root systems in a nutrient solution, as described by Maharana and Koul (2011). Hydroponics is a method of plants cultivation without the need of soil; instead, they are fed a nutrient solution that has been diluted in water. The first published work on soilless gardening for terrestrial plants is likely Francis Bacon’s “Sylva Sylvarum” from 1627. The Greek words “Hydro” (means “water”) and “Ponos” (means “labour”) are a natural fit for the English word “hydroponics.” W.F. Gericke, a professor at the University of California, initially employed hydroponics in the 1930s. Hydroponics is synonymous with “hydroculture,” “aqua (water) culture,” “soilless culture,” “nutriculture,” “tank farming,” “chemical culture.” and “soilless agriculture,” A hydroponicist is someone who performs hydroponics, while a hydroponicum is a garden or building used for hydroponics (Jones, 2014).
Hydroponics is a viable method for growing numerous specialty and commercial crops including leafy greens, strawberries, cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, and many more. Hydroponics are primarily grown in France, the Netherlands, and Spain in Europe, with the United States and Asia-Pacific region coming in a distant second and third, respectively (Prakash et al., 2020). As a result of urbanisation, industrialization, and a rise in population, the amount of land that can be used for farming is decreasing. Regular weather patterns are causing a lot of problems for conventional agricultural production methods. For this reason, innovative methods of food production are required so that the world’s growing population may be sustained. Changing to a new growing medium allows for more sustainable agricultural production while also protecting our increasingly decreasing land and usable water supplies.
Fruits and vegetables are associated with a decreased risk of numerous chronic diseases in humans (Dorais et al., 2008; Giovannucci et al., 2002). Beta-carotene and vitamin C are only two examples of the antioxidants found in veggies. Fruit and vegetable manufacturers, farmers, and shoppers all need to think carefully about the chemicals they use. Hydroponics and other eco-friendly farming methods have made it possible to grow food of higher quality. It is widely used in protected agriculture as a means of environmental regulation and protection against soil and water depletion. The nutritional value of fruits and vegetables grown under regulated conditions can also be affected by the light and temperature levels.
A statistical comparison of hydroponically and conventionally grown lettuces reveals a significant variation in yield quality (Murphy et al., 2011). Tomatoes grown on soil-free systems fared better in taste, acidity, vitamins, and carotenoid assessments (Gruda, 2009). When compared to tomatoes grown in soil, those planted in a medium consisting of 80% pumice, 10% perlite, and 10% peat yielded 30% more fruit. Hydroponically produced lettuce showed higher levels of acceptable acidity, total nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium but chlorophyll, lower dry matter, iron, magnesium, and manganese than soil-grown lettuce (Mastouri et al., 2005). The peat-grown tomatoes were considered more tender and flavorful than the conventionally grown ones.
Almost any edible plant, fruit, herb, or crop can be grown successfully using this method. Flowers grown in hydroponic systems typically have more petals and a more intense hue. Because a hydroponics system can be automatically, it is likely to be well-managed and more convenient for harvesting the ultimate product. Medicinal and food plants alike can all be grown successfully in soilless or hydroponic environments (Sardare and Shraddha, 2013).
Hydroponics is a method of growing plants using mineral nutrient solutions in water, without soil. It is becoming increasingly popular as a sustainable and efficient method of crop cultivation, especially in urban areas. The future of crop cultivation may involve widespread use of hydroponics, along with other innovative techniques such as vertical farming and precision agriculture.
The hydroponics industry is the most lucrative and rapidly expanding sector of the agricultural economy. Because it prevents soil-borne diseases, insects, and pests from contaminating the crops, this method is both easy and hygienic (Hussain et al., 2014). The cost to sustain soil-based agriculture is higher, yet the yield is of inferior quality. However, hydroponics yields the most robust plants in the shortest period at the lowest cost per harvest.
In contrast, open-field, irrigated soil-based agriculture relies heavily on synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides to produce harvestable crops. To put it another way, the manufacturing pace and quality are both quite poor. Utilizing a hydroponics system, on the other hand, not only increases yields but also removes the risks connected with traditional agricultural methods. Commercial cultivars of roses, along with tomatoes, lettuce, cucumbers, strawberries, and many more crops, grow well and cheaply (Das et al., 2012). Soilless culture’s effective fertilizer management results in greater yields for less money.
When nutrients and environmental factors are carefully controlled in hydroponics, superior quality and great yields are guaranteed. The solution of nutrient is one of the most crucial factors influencing crop yield and quality. With hydroponics, plants are grown in a nutrient-rich aqueous solution containing either organic or inorganic substances. Carbon, phosphorus, hydrogen, oxygen, potassium, nitrogen, calcium, magnesium, sulphur, iron, copper, zinc, chlorine, manganese, boron, molybdenum and nickel are just some of the 17 elements that plants need to grow and thrive (Salisbury and Ross, 1994). Nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, sulphur and magnesium are the six macronutrients most commonly found in nutrient solutions, with other micronutrients added as needed. The growth, yield, and phenotypic of the plant will all suffer if the medium doesn’t provide enough of any of these vital nutrients.
Given that agricultural production in low-income nations is being negatively affected by climate change. Deficiencies in water supply could result in food shortages. Common causes of water waste include inefficient irrigation techniques. Soil pollution is being caused by both human activities and extreme weather. Caused by wind and rain, the soil is becoming less fertile and therefore less suitable for farming. Growing plants in a hydroponic system makes sense. There is no need for as much space or water as in conventional farming. Plants, vegetables, and flowers may all be grown quickly and in large quantities with hydroponic farming. Upkeep of hydroponic systems is a specialised area best handled by experts. By employing this technique, less water will be wasted. Hydroponic systems allow for precise control of plant nutrients and pH.
Experience the future of farming with our innovative hydroponics systems. Grow fresh produce year-round, using less water and space.
Experience the future of farming with our innovative hydroponics systems. Grow fresh produce year-round, using less water and space. Order now!
