complete hydroponics system

Good and Bad of Hydroponic Systems

What are 5 advantages of hydroponics?

With the changing environmental factors more people are inclining towards healthier and fresh produce. Hydroponics systems are designed to provide complete indoor growth systems as well as commercial systems.

Saves Space

Hydroponics systems conserves space as compared to soil based plants. You can save up to 98 % of land as they can be grown both vertically and horizontally. As roots don’t have to spread out in search of nutrients and food because liquid rich food solution is delivered to them directly depending upon the hydroponic technique used. This results in growing more number of plants in relatively less space and in better controlled environment. Hydroponic farming techniques can be applied everywhere even if you are living in a small and cozy space.

Prevents water wastage

Plants grown in complete hydroponic systems use only 9-10 % water as compared to traditional field plants, because it is reused. The excess water is sterilized and revitalized to be used again. So only forms of water loss are through evaporation and leakage if any. Due to current water shortage issues conserving maximum amount of water is crucial which conventional irrigation systems makes impossible.

Calculations suggests that using traditional farming methods a single cup of lettuce uses about 3 gallons of water, 3 ounces of broccoli serving uses about 11 gallons of water.

Quality product in lesser time

A major advantage of hydroponic system is that it guarantees fast growth as you are completely in control of all environmental factors including temperature, moisture, minerals intake. Plants are placed in favorable conditions were their energies aren’t wasted on finding nutrients deep rooted within soil and can focus on thriving. In conventional farming ways fruits and vegetables are picked before they are ripe and stored in warehouses were sometimes they are sprayed with ethylene gas to artificially ripen as crops comes from far off places. Hydroponic farms contains own microbiomes, so these systems don’t need artificial ripening and  can be enjoyed at very instant.

Less time and labor

hydroponic technology is efficient as you don’t have to spend ours prepping soil or maintain it during yield. Hence it offers significantly lesser load for laborers and can easily be managed in few man ours. A small hydroponic plant system can easily be managed my one worker.

Optimal use of nutrients free from pests

In ydroponics systems you ave complete control over your plants nutrient requiremnets. You can find out minerals are best for your plants growt and can mix it in water at desired intervals. As excess nutrient filled liquid is stored in tanks, there is minimal possibility of loss. Since no soil is involved, use of chemicals, insecticides, pests is eliminated. This allows clean and healthy growth.

Why hydroponics is bad?

A common complaint from hydroponic systems is the taste of its produce, as we aren’t used to rich nutritious vegetation. Hydroponic plants root have stunted growth because of limited space as compared to soil grown plants, as their roots get slow release of nutrient from soil in comparison to hydroponically grown, therefore the different in texture. You need to be vigilant while growing a hydroponic farm as a lot of artificial factor are involved. A minute mistake can break the entire system.

What are 3 disadvantages of hydroponics?

Requires proper expertise and commitment

Just like any other farming method hydroponics system also require sheer commitment and patience. Even a slightest mistake can totally jeopardize the entire system, so firm grip over all the technology and products involved is necessary.

Water and electricity

Water and electricity are the two main necessary components in hydroponics systems. You will need to ensure proper safety precautions as electricity is required for running water pumps, grow lights, depending upon the type of system you are using.

Expensive installation cost

Unfortunately hydroponic farming involves expensive equipment for first installation, so you can’t set it up if empty handed. You will require quality nutrients, water tanks, lighting solutions, filters and many other products.

Hydroponic Farming: What not to do!

Hydroponic farming system of vegetation uses liquid nutrient solution. Water based minerals are fed to nourish plant growth. By adjusting the quantity of nutrients, sunlight and water plants flourishes more as compared to traditional ways. Typically an inert medium or substrate is used along with air pumps, air stones and wool. Recently a majority of commercial hydroponic systems are used because of its higher yield value. Even though the system is extremely mechanized but proper supervision is necessary to get ideal production.

Traditional farming involves the ploughing of soil prior to plantation which is very time consuming. While in hydroponic farming, ploughing is eliminated from the whole equation which makes it quite easier and stress free.

What are hydroponics techniques?

There are various techniques that are used, but the principal of hydroponics system are essentially the same for every system.

Hydroponic systems are generally categorized as water based or medium based systems.

Water setup does not require an inert medium to support the roots, only needs the liquid nutrient solution. Whereas medium based setup needs a solid substrate, such as rock wool, moss, to strengthen the plant root structure.

Both setups can be open or closed. Incase of open setup liquid solution flows through the roots just once and the rest goes to waste. In closed setup the extra liquid nutrient solution is recycled and sent back to the system roots.

Revitalizing the liquid nutrient solution:

For open setup the water solution is used only once and discarded. In close setup water solution after once used is examined for ph and minerals, then refreshed, and returned to reservoir tank.

Neutering hydroponic medium:

Inert medium based hydroponic systems are inclined to pathogens attack so it is advised to sterilize the setup between each yield. It can either be done by steam sterilization or by chemical sterilization (using bleach).

Pest and disease control:

Integrated pest management (IPM) is the most eco friendly method for both commercial hydroponic systems and complete indoor hydroponic systems. It requires frequent checking and uses a range of managing techniques that varies from plant to plant. Certain thresholds are also set to identify pests and other factors.

What are 5 specific examples of plants that can grow in hydroponic systems?

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are one of the most highly grown vegetable hydroponically, whether you grow cherry or traditional ones both commercial and home grown produce yields best results. It takes about 6- weeks to harvest. Tomatoes require more light but it can easily be grown indoor (using grow light).

Lettuce

Lettuce is among the fastest and relatively easy growing hydroponic plants. It has a big market value as it is used in making fresh salad to a 5 star meal. Ideal ph required is 6-7 . It takes approximately 4 weeks to harvest.

Strawberries

Among fruits strawberries are the most sought after because of its countless use in recipes. You can enjoy fresh strawberries all-round the year hydroponically from comfort of your home. They take about 6 weeks to harvest.

Mint

Hydroponic farming is famous for its best growth results in all species of mint. Their roots spread rater quickly, and have overall faster growth time.

Beans

Growing beans is generally considered easy and requires low maintenance. It has a steady market demand and can be easy grown using hydroponic system. Ideal temperature requirement is warm with ph 6.5. It takes about 8 weeks to harvest.

If you want to read more about Hydroponics click here.

https://smartgardeninghub.com/thriving-in-water-the-world-of-hydroponics/

Complete Hydroponic System Step by Step Guide

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I am Gul, an Electrical Engineer and working as an Embedded System Designer on fiverr.com for last 6 years. Hmm Engineering and gardening, weird combination, you must be thinking. Well during the last few years, I have designed multiple products for smart gardening system for my clients around the world. I always wanted to start a blog and share my knowledge but I was not sure how and what can I exactly share and give value to my readers.

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