Hydroponics

Advantages Of Hydroponic Gardening

Many advantages are associated with hydroponic gardening. One example is that it can be used with artificial sunlight extending the growing season into the winter months. This provides the growth of out-of-season crops in greenhouses, and the growth of crops where the soils or climate is not suitable. Also, the recirculation of nutrients causes less pollution, and the need for harmful pesticides and weed killers is erased. This technique is possible because it is not the soil itself that holds the key to good gardening, but the nutrients within it. Normally, plant roots absorb the mineral nutrients after the soil dissolves in water. When the nutrients enter a plant’s water supply artificially, the need for soil is dismissed. While some do better than others, almost any plant can grow with hydroponics.

From an economic standpoint, hydroponic growing yields more in a shorter time. Another advantage lies in the minds of NASA. Since hydroponic plants can be grown without soil, they can be grown in space. This opens the door for travel and possibly civilization on other plants than earth.

Homemade Hydroponics As A New Hobby

Homemade hydroponic gardens are becoming increasingly popular although it is not ideal for commercial usage or large scale production. Many are adopting hydroponics as a new hobby and children are also turning homemade systems into science experiments. Simple materials are needed for a homemade hydroponic system: a growing tray, a reservoir, a timer controlled submersible pump used to water the plants, and an air pump to provide oxygen to the nutrient solutions. To help the hydroponic garden grow, light is necessary.

Hydroponic Farming Commercially

Hydroponic farms were beginning to commercialize in the 1960s in arid regions of the United States such as Arizona, as well as other arid regions around the World, particularly the Persian Gulf. Use of hydroponic farming can be especially beneficial to countries in which water is scarce. The little water available could be used for other purposes and the availability of food is still there.

However, hydroponic farming uses much more advanced equipment than homemade hydroponic gardens. It can be controlled with computers and sensors that regulate everything from nutrient strength, the amount of light the plants receive, and the watering cycles. Because of the advantages, these farms are more productive and profitable. The fast growth rate turns out product faster and the cost of pesticides are erased.