What is Hydroponics?
When we think about the growing of plants, the first thing that comes to our mind is “SOIL”.
But it is also true that plants can grow much better in water or moist condition without soil. Many foods that we eat already are grown hydroponically such as tomato.
Let’s see hydroponics in deep view… what is hydroponic?
#hydroponicsfarming #hydroponics
Hydroponics Meaning
In simple words hydroponic is defined as the growing of plants without soil or growing of plants in the water.
Plants do photosynthesis, they need carbon dioxide and water and they produce glucose that is used as food material. Simply plant needs water and some nutrient to complete its life cycle. In this process, the soil isn’t essential for growing the plants. So it is possible that growing plants without soil.
Why we grow plants hydroponically? Benefits of hydroponics or advantages of hydroponics
Plants grown hydroponically have more yield as compare with traditional farming. The solution used in hydroponics is enriched with nutrients and provides what plants need. In the case of traditional farming, it has been seen that plant is always deficient with one or other nutrients but the plants grown hydroponically are achieving complete nutrient dose.
Plants were grown hydroponically grow faster as compared to traditional farming.
Soil contains pests and many types of pathogenic diseases but the plant grown hydroponically are hygienic comparatively.
Plant under hydroponically can be grown throughout the year control by providing some control conditions and a computer timer system for the nutrient enrich solution movement on time.
What are the 5 types of hydroponics?
1. Wick system
This is the simplest method of hydroponics, in this system the solution is filled in the container and grows the plants without any movement or electrical system.
2. Water culture system
The water culture system is also one of the simple methods to grow plants hydroponically. In this system, the plants are fixed in a Styrofoam that is floating on the top of the container. The roots of the plants are dept in the container that is filled with nutrient-enriched water. A water culture system is best for few plants but not recommended for long-duration plants or plants that have a long life cycle.
3. Ebb and flow system
An ebb and flow system is slightly complex as compare to previously discussed methods because the nutrient enriches solution flows to the roots and goes back to the reservoir. These methods can slightly use for long-duration plants.
4. Nutrient film technique
In the nutrient film technique, the nutrient-enriched solution is also flowing but this flowing is continuous to the root zone from a reservoir. This method is very well for fast-growing plants for example radishes and herbs etc.
5. Aeroponic system
Aeroponic is one of the complex but effective methods. The roots are suspended in misted air that is sprayed with nutrient solution after few minutes. This method needs highly efficient labor and equipment otherwise the plant roots can dry and eventually die.
What can be grown in hydroponics?
Hydroponics plants
1. Lettuce
b. Strawberries
c. Cucumbers. ...
d. Spinach
e. Beans
f. Bell Peppers.
g. Chives
h. Blueberries.
Hydroponic Growing Tips
1. Most of the plant needs 12 to 16 hours light requirement for normal growth. So if you want to grow plant hydroponically you should set timer 16/8 hours light and dark for photosynthesis.
2. 25 to 30ºC should be provided in the case of plant grown hydroponically.
3. 40 to 60% relative humidity should provide.
4. Water that is using for making solution should be filtered because the hard water can not dissolve nutrients as effectively.
5. pH level should be between 5.5 to 6.5 in the hydroponic system.
6. Both macro and micronutrients should be included in the growth solution.
Why is hydroponics bad?
1. Hydroponic is a very expensive method as compared to traditional farming.
2. Plants that are cultivated hydroponically have a smaller and weak root system.
3. Plants are dependent on artificial chemical fertilizer as in the case of traditional farming the nutrients are naturally occurring in the soil.
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