Are Hydroponics The Future of Agriculture?
Unlike traditional agriculture, hydroponic systems use a solution of hydroponic nutrients in water to grow plants. A few benefits have been associated with hydroponics, such as saving time and providing healthier crops. This has helped the market to grow and be expected to keep growing for the following years.
According to a report by Research and Markets, in 2017 the global hydroponics market reached a value of US$411.88 million. It’s expected that the market will have a value of US$752.57 million by 2022.
Eco-Friendly Farming
Hydroponics eliminates any need for sunlight, soil, or rain. With many pests originating from the soil, hydroponics reduces the likelihood of pests attacking plants. This also reduces the need for herbicides, insecticides, and pesticides. Additionally, the lack of topsoil use prevents topsoil erosion, which increases the difficulty of soil supporting plant growth and storing water.
With arable land decreasing, it’s vital to have a solution that allows for plants to grow in smaller areas. In traditional farming, plant’s roots tend to spread out and expand so that plants can find oxygen and nutrients. Hydroponics, however, soaks plants’ roots in a nutrient solution full of oxygen, allowing plants to be grown closer together.
Possible Anywhere, at Any Time
Independent of climate and weather, making it possible to be done anywhere and at any time. Occupies less land than traditional farming by growing plants in containers and vertically.
Similar to greenhouses, hydroponics allows for complete climate control. Humidity, temperature, air composition, and lighting is adjusted according to plants’ needs. Crops can be grown anywhere and at any time regardless of the weather or the season.
Faster Plant Growth
Hydroponics are more efficient than traditional farming methods, as less water is used than with traditional agriculture. Water used in hydroponics can be recycled many times. This re-circulation prevents wastage and evaporation, as the water reaches the plants’ roots.
Plants grow faster, which allows for bigger yields in short periods of time. Crops flourish in a controlled environment and, with hydroponics having a shorter growing cycle, yields can easily be doubled or tripled.
Healthier Crops
Protection from pests and diseases provides healthier crops and stops the fear of the former spreading to other plants or future crops. Powdery mildew and root rot, for example, can affect the following year’s crops and hinder recovery.
Additionally, hydroponics remove the uncertainty of why plants may be struggling. You have control over your plants’ environment and you can easily balance their pH levels, the nutrient solution, and create a customised environment for every crop.
Control Over Nutrients
With complete control over all resources and nutrients needed by the plants, hydroponics help plants receive more nutrients than through traditional farming. Specific values of nutrients for specific plants are easily mixed with water, reducing the nutrient changes or losses naturally occurring in the soil.
This futuristic concept of growing plants in vertically-stacked layers is often done in indoors through growing methods such as hydroponics. Even in extreme and challenging environments, hydroponics might be a solution for unavailable land for agriculture.