Hydroponics

The method of growing plants without soil in nutrient-rich medium is called hydroponics, aquaculture, or soilless culture. The hydroponics was discovered by William Frederick Gericke in 1860. For example tomatoes, strawberries, and many other plants can grow through hydroponics techniques.

In a growing population, scientists believe hydroponic technology may be able to reduce impending food shortages. The hydroponic farming method is used to identify the signs of various nutrient deficiencies in plants and to identify crucial nutrients for the growth and development of the plant.

Hydroponic Nutrient Solution 

Plants get 3 nutrients from the air – carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen and 13 nutrients from supplemented water: nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, iron, manganese, copper, zinc, boron, chlorine, and molybdate.

Types of Hydroponic Systems

The many types of Hydroponic systems are given below:

Ebb and Flow System

To provide stability, a medium like a perlite is needed. The tray containing the plants is periodically pumped with water and mineral solutions. The residual solution drains back into the reservoir after being absorbed by the plants. This straightforward approach is employed in backyard gardens. It is used to grow herbs.

Drip Systems

Similar to ebb and flow, but with smaller tubes that drain onto the tops of the plants. Using this technique, little plants with less established root systems are cultivated.

Nutrient Film Technique

It is well-liked and adaptable. This system uses a pump to feed fertilized water to the grow tray and a drain pipe to recycle the used nutrient solution. The nutritional solution flows constantly over the roots in NFT due to gravity. A fresh solution is continuously poured into the high end of the tube, and the grow tray is angled to let the water flow down towards the drainpipe.

The thin film of nutritional solution that flows over the roots ensures that they are adequately nourished and moistened without drowning them. The thin film makes sure that the tops of the roots are dry and may access the air’s oxygen.

Advantages of Nutrient Film Technique

• Efficient nutrient delivery directly to plant roots
• Continuous flow system ensures consistent moisture and oxygen access
• Reduced water usage compared to traditional soil-based methods
• Suitable for a wide range of plants and growing conditions
• Minimal space requirements, making it ideal for indoor or urban gardening.

Disadvantages of Nutrient Film Technique

• A whole crop can be destroyed by a failed pump in a matter of hours.
• Not recommended for use with plants that have extensive taproot systems.
• Fails miserably with plants that demand a lot of support.

Hydroponics Advantages and Disadvantages

The advantages and disadvantages of Hydroponics are discussed below:

Advantages of Hydroponics

• Plants grow more quickly, increasing the yield.
• Where traditional farming is not feasible, plants can be grown.
• Recycled and utilized nutrients and water.
• It is possible to grow organic food without using pesticides or fertilizers.
• A lot of space research programs use hydroponics.
• When there is no access to soil, food can be grown hydroponically away from the earth.

Disadvantages of Hydroponics

• Costly to set up. A hydroponics system is more expensive to buy and construct than a conventional garden.
• Power outage or pump failure can quickly impact plant health
• Requires regular monitoring and maintenance of nutrient levels and pH
• Limited availability of nutrients may require supplementation
• Susceptible to diseases and pests if not properly managed
• Risk of waterborne diseases.

Mineral Requirements of Plants: Minerals are the naturally occurring inorganic nutrients found in food and soil that are necessary for the healthy functioning of the body. Minerals in food are essential for growth and survival. Micronutrients, such as boron and copper are needed by plants in tiny amounts, whereas macronutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, are needed in larger quantities.

Plants require minerals for crucial roles in biochemical processes within the plant. In this article, we will cover the methods to study the mineral requirements of plants.