Hydroponics: A Novel Horticulture Method Helping Increasing Production up 3-10 times in Limited Space
Hydroponics is the method of cultivating plants in water, either a solution of oxygen and mineral nutrient solution or air. This cultivation is accomplished with a support system in the form of media. Hydroponics systems provide a controlled environment for plants to thrive. There are advantages of Hydroponics and disadvantages such as; low water usage, the need for a constant and adequate nutrient source, direct exposure to sunlight, indirect sunlight, and lack of plant density in soil. The scope and natures of Hydroponics are vast. This is where organic gardening is combined with hydroponics techniques. Aquatic plants; fish, aquatic root systems, rocks, tubers, herbs, coir, gravel, coconut fiber, Perlite, and a variety of annuals plants are cultivated commonly in Hydroponics as Healthy Hydroponics Solutions. These are then processed into finished products that can be used commercially.
Hydroponics has great demand, especially in emerging countries. Hydroponics is an effective solution to grow crops at a lower cost and with better yield. Hydroponics is the science of growing plants in containers using water and nutrients under controlled conditions for better crop production. It is widely used for various agricultural, cosmetic, and manufacturing applications. Hydroponics applications are suitable for growing plants and are used for home gardens, small commercial plantations, specialty crops, eco-innovative methods, on-site manufacturing, and wild sustainable agriculture. In short Hydroponics is the art of growing plants in solutions that have the potentials of sustaining life in various forms. The major problem in a hydroponic system is contamination. Contaminates such as particulates of dirt, dust, germs, bacteria, and other biological agents can be lethal to the hydroponic crops. Therefore it is important to use a good quality hydroponics nutrient solution to ensure good growth and yield.
Hydroponics equipment used for hydroponics farming is different types of gear that are available in the market today. These are Bioprene, Cloner, Extractor, Greenhouse, Hotbox, Lighting, pots, Trips, Water culture apparatus, and Grow lamps. Hydroponics equipment has come a long way from its early inception during World War II as a means for aerial soldiers to survive. However, as time progresses technology has made these tools more user-friendly, cost-effective, and user-friendly. There are various kinds of Hydroponics equipment used for growing vegetables. The most popular is aeroponics systems, nutrient solutions for plant nutrition, mist nozzles, drip feeders, and reservoirs.
Aeroponics systems simply are a collection of chambers that are connected together creating an environment where plants can grow. There are differences between traditional outdoor gardens and hydroponics gardens as far as size is concerned. A container garden can be as large as one meter or as small as a cupboard. The nutrient solution for plant nutrition is a simple although effective process that has been made simple with the use of the Rockwool Farming Medium. Hydroponics nutrients include N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Cu, Zn, Co, and Fe. This medium allows for the development of hydroponic crops. There are many companies that manufacture nutrient solutions and offer support and advice to new users.