The past few years have seen technological advancement in various sectors, and farming has not been left out. As the global population grows, the demand for healthy food keeps growing. That is why promising technologies such as hydroponic farming keep rising in popularity. 

In this article, we highlight some of the advantages of this emerging farming practice. 

What is hydroponics? 

For starters, hydroponics refers to the growing of plants in water. It was derived from two terms: hydro which means water, and phonics which means toil.

You might be wondering: 

How can plants do without soil?

Plants do not necessarily require soil to grow. Plants only derive nutrients and stability from the ground. If you eliminate soil and provide nutrients and alternative stability, plants would still grow. Plants only need water, sunlight, and carbon dioxide to synthesize their food, ensuring growth and development. This process is called Photosynthesis and is made possible through chlorophyll, the green colouring matter in leaves. That is why plants can grow without soil, as long as you artificially provide the nutrients that would naturally be found in soil. 

Where do roots get attached? 

Since soil is not in the equation of hydroponic farming, the role of soil needs to be substituted with something else. For nutrients, the plants are put in contact with the solution having the needed nutrients. For support, plants are subjected to a medium such as clay pellets or rockwool, among other inert materials. The primary concern with hydroponic farming is to ensure the plant is in contact with the solution containing nutrients. 

Why hydroponics?

So you might wonder: 

What is the point of all this hustle of providing nutrients artificially when plants can naturally do well in the soil – hassle-free? 

Well, here are some of its advantages: 

• Maximum yield 

Hydroponics allows you to subject plants to their best environment. When plants get all the nutrients they need in the right proportions; you can expect maximum output. Plants grow healthier, become more extensive and juicier, and produce better yields. 

• Accommodates various plants 

Hydroponics allows farmers to grow different types of plants. There is no limit to what you can do with hydroponics, with the proper nutrients and equipment. 

• Farming made easier

Farming is often characterized by hard labour and scorching sun, but not hydroponics. Everything is done over a shade, and farmers do not struggle. You won’t have to weed plants over a scorching sun; there are virtually no weeds in an artificial environment. With that, you can have cost-effective farming. 

• Controlled environment

With the controlled environment offered by the practice of hydroponics, you can actualize organic farming. The method eliminates the use of pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals.

Is hydroponics worth your consideration? 

You will agree with me that indoor growing hydroponics systems presents more benefits than disadvantages. Hydroponics are certainly worth your consideration if you are concerned with increasing production, growing healthier crops, and making your farming a little easier.