The hydroponic system is a soilless gardening method. It’s a subset of horticulture that involves growing plants, usually crops and medicinal plants by utilizing water-based nutrient solutions. 
 
With a hydroponics system gardeners can grow plants both indoors and outdoors. It has become popular among small farmers, hobbyists, and commercial enterprises due to the production of healthier plants and higher yields.  
 
Besides, hydroponic systems are not exposed to soil-borne diseases. On the other hand, growers can’t control plant growth and the growing system in traditional farming. Also, soil-based plants are more likely to get diseases like root rot, damping-off, vascular wilt, and more. 
 
As a result, more growers, especially in the urban areas, are starting their farming mission with hydroponics systems. Besides, in the world of urbanization, water scarcity and shortage of land are the prime concerns.  
 
The hydroponic farming method offers a sustainable solution to these issues by reducing water use by up to 90%. Also, farmers can recycle and reuse the water and set up this gardening system within a limited space.  
 
In this article, we will share every fundamental of the hydroponic farming system so that you can begin your indoor hydroponic garden DIY.  

 

The History of Hydroponic Farming System

 
You might be thinking that the hydroponic system is a modern way of farming. But it’s not true. Plants used to grow in lakes and oceans before moving on to land. So, water-based farming isn’t a new thing.  
 
Here is a brief overview of the history of hydroponics:  

  • The Hanging Garden of Babylon may have used hydroponics around 600 BC.  
  • Ancient Egyptians grew plants in water along the Nile.  
  • Greek Scientists like Theophrastus and Dioscorides experimented with hydroponic system.  
  • In the 10th and 11th centuries Aztec people (native American People) created a floating garden in Lake Tenochtitlan.  
  • Marco Polo, an Italian explorer also saw similar ice cultivation in China in the 13th century.    
  • In 1600, Jan Van Helmont discovered plants can absorb nutrients through water and air.  
  • Sir Francis Bacon, a British scientist and philosopher, works of 1627 sparked research into soilless gardening.   
  • John Woodward mixed water and soil in 1699, understanding plants' nutritional absorption.  
  • Nicolas De Saussure identified plant elements from water, soil, and air in 1804. 
  • French scientist Jean Baptiste Boussingault's 1850s research contributed to hydroponic knowledge.  
  • German scientist Julius von Sachs, professor of Botany at the University of Wurzburg, formulated a nutrient solution for plant growth in 1860.  
  • In 1924, Dr. William F. Gericke coined the term “hydroponics”. 
  • In 1925, the greenhouse industry started to show interest in soilless growing systems.  
  • Berkeley scientists Dennis Hoagland and Daniel Arnon’s 1938 publication called “The Water Culture Method for Growing Plants Without Soil” is one of the significant works of hydroponics. 
  • In the Second World War “Gravel Method” was used to produce food for soldiers.   
  • Commercial hydroponics expanded globally from the 1950s to 1960s. 
  •  Hydroponics are used in the face of global warming, desertification, and resource shortage.   
  • Another interesting fact is that hydroponics is favored by amateur gardeners and small-scale growers. Over 1,000,000 households in the U.S. use hydroponics to grow food.  

 

Understanding Hydroponic System

  
The term “hydroponic” comes from the Greek words “hydro” which means water, and “ponos” meaning labor. So, hydroponic means “working with water”.  
 
The hydroponic system is a subset of horticulture where plants absorb water-based nutrient solutions to get all the required minerals, oxygen, and nutrients.  
 
Flowers, herbs, and vegetables are planted in inert growing media and fed nutrient-rich solutions, oxygen, and water in a hydroponics growing system. 
 
Using hydroponic technology, growers can achieve maximum yields and superior-quality crops. When plants grow in soil, their roots constantly seek essential nutrients to support their growth.  
 
However, if a plant’s root system can directly access water and nutrition, it can conserve energy. This extra energy can be redirected towards the plant’s maturation. It will eventually result in an increased leaf growth and flourishing of fruits and flowers.  
 
Furthermore, plants sustain themselves through a photosynthesis process. They utilize the sunlight using chlorophyll (Chlorophyll is a pigment that gives plants their green color). Plants split water molecules which they absorb via the root system by employing light’s energy. 
 
Besides, CO2 (Carbon dioxide) and H2 (Hydrogen) molecules combine and create carbohydrates that plants use to develop themselves. Then, oxygen (O2) is released into the atmosphere which makes our mother Earth more habitable.    
 
So, plants don’t require soil for the photosynthesis process. In conventional farming, plants want the soil to supply them with water and nutrients. Hydroponic methods have demonstrated that it can provide adequate water and nutrients without soil. 
 
Direct application of nutrient-filled water to the plant’s root can stimulate faster and healthier growth of plants compared to traditional irrigation. Growers can directly apply it by flooding, misting, or immersion process.  
 

How Does Hydroponic System Work?

The first important function of the hydroponics system is the control over many environmental factors such as pH balance, humidity, temperature, and light. The Hydroponic system works under a very simple principle: provide plants with what they and when they need it. 
 
In hydroponics, gardeners can use fertilizers based on the demand of specific plants. For instance, if you’re growing Lettuce, then using specific nutrient solutions for this plant can result in faster growth and stronger yields.  
 
Besides, hydroponic farming allows farmers to control the amount and intensity of light. You can control how much and how long the plants receive light. Indoor growers can purchase grow lights from the hydroponic store and use them as they want in their indoor garden system.  
 
You can measure and alter the pH of water. Normally, outdoor soil-based plants experience a lot of negative impacts including plant varieties of diseases. 
 
Rabbits, for example, will raid your garden for ripening vegetables. Pests such as locusts can ruin crops in the afternoon. However, if gardeners grow hydroponically, it will eliminate the uncertainty of growing plants outdoors or on the ground. 
 
In hydroponic growing medium, seedlings develop more quickly without the mechanical barrier of soil. Hydroponics gardening produces significantly healthier and higher-quality fruits and vegetables by eliminating pesticides. When there are no hurdles in the path, plants may flourish strongly and rapidly. 

 

Basic Components of Hydroponic Systems 

To maintain hydroponic gardens, gardeners will require some important components. In this section, we’ll discuss the main components of hydroponics to keep the system up and running.  

  1. Water and Water Basin 
  2. Growing Medium  
  3. Light 
  4. Temperature Control  
  5. Fertilizers or Nutrients  
  6. Air Stones and Air Pumps  
  7. Net Pots 
  8. Channels, Grow Trays, Tables, and Other Hydroponic-Specific Equipment 

 

Water and Water Basin

 
The first key thing that growers need for their hydroponic farming systems is water. A water basin is a reservoir or tank that stores the water.  
 
Filling the water basin for the initial time may require more water than soil gardening. But this is countered by the substantially lower quantity required in the long term.  
 
It is strongly recommended that the newbie growers evaluate the pH level of the water and look for purified and filtered pH so that they can change it when necessary.  
 
Regarding the water basin, this is where your plants will drink from. A reservoir or water tank can be anything from storage bins to empty water buckets. The size of the water basin depends on the size and number of plants in your hydroponic system.

 

Growing Medium


In soilless gardening, growing media or growing medium is the material where your plants grow. In hydroponic system, it is used as an alternative to soil. Growing medium serves 3 key roles:  

  • Growing media provides physical support to the plants.   
  • Promotes root growth. 
  • Nutrients, water, and air are delivered to the plant via its roots. 

Some examples of hydroponic growing media include rock wool cubes, coco coir (made from coconut husk), expanded clay pellets, and rice hulls. These media are often mixed with perlite or vermiculite. 
 
Here are some key traits of growing medium:  

  1. Bulk density: The medium's weight. 
  2. Water holding capacity: The amount of water that a material can hold when saturated. 
  3. Air Porosity: The volume of pore space that includes air after a medium drain is referred to as air porosity. 
  4. pH level: A measure of how acidic or alkaline a substance is. 
  5. Electrical conductivity (EC): The ability of soil to transport an electrical current, which determines the amount of nutrients available to crops. 

Lights

 
Hydroponics farming is possible both indoors and outdoors. Generally, growers set it up indoors. In the case of an indoor hydroponic system, you’ll require adequate lights.  
 
A window light is sufficient for a small hydro garden, but a larger garden would require more light sources. Different plants require varying levels of light. Before installing lighting, it is vital to understand the type of plants you are growing. 

Temperature Control


To control temperature, you’ll require plant care tools like thermometers to measure the temperature. To get an accurate reading, you can just place the thermometer in the water.  
 
Different plants need different plants for their growth and development. But most plants prefer middle to high temperatures of 21 degrees Celsius. Hydroponic gardeners need to ensure this temperature remains the same during night and day.  
 

Fertilizers or Nutrients


Gardeners need to ensure hydroponic nutrients for plants. Instead of soil, plants need all the micro and macro nutrients for growing healthy. Micronutrients are Boron, Copper, Zinc, etc. and macronutrients are Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium.  
 
You can buy these nutrients separately and mix them according to the instructions or you can buy a premix solution specifically formulated for a hydroponic system.   
 

Air Stones and Air Pumps

 
If the water doesn't have enough oxygen, plants that are underwater will die quickly. Small bubbles of dissolved oxygen are spread around your nutrient solution tank or reservoir by air stones. These bubbles also help spread out the nutrients that have been dissolved in the fluid.  
 
Air stones do not make their own air. They need to be connected to an outside air pump with dark food-grade plastic tubing. 
 
This will stop algae from growing because the tubing is not clear. Air pumps and air stones are popular equipment. You can buy it from the nearest hydroponic supplies. 
 

Net Pots


Net pots are planters made of mesh. It is used to grow plants in water. The latticed material lets roots grow out of the sides and bottom of the pot.  
 
This gives them more access to air and nutrients. Net pots also have better drainage systems compared to clay or plastic pots 
 

Channels, Grow Trays, Tables, and Other Hydroponic Equipment


Your water tank or reservoir should be placed on a raised surface. Depending on the hydroponic system, these could be separate trays for each plant, big trays for an entire table, or channels that house numerous plants at the same time. 
 
Other types of equipment may be required depending on the given hydroponics system. For instance, if you’re growing plants in the wick system, you’ll need air pumps and wicks. 
 

 

Types of Hydroponic Systems

 

So far, you've learned the fundamentals of hydroponic systems, such as what a hydroponics system is, how it works, and the essential components of this system. 

Now, we’ll discuss the types of hydroponics systems. There are basically 6 types of hydroponic gardening systems.  

  1. Deep Water Culture Systems (DWC)
  2. Wick Systems
  3. Nutrient Film Technique Systems (N.F.T.)
  4. Ebb and Flow Systems (Flood and Drain)
  5. Drip Systems  
  6. Aeroponics Systems 

1. Deep Water Culture System (DWC)

 

 

Deep water culture is one of the simplest hydroponic systems where a plant’s root is submerged in nutrient solution. It is also known as the DWC system. It is one of the most popular and easiest hydroponics methods. 

 
Here are some important components of DWC or Deep Water Culture System:  

  • Reservoir/ Water Tank/Container 
  • Air Stones/ Diffusers 
  • Net Pots/ Floating Raft 
  • Air Pump 
  • Nutrient Solution 

The DWC system starts with a reservoir that stores the nutrient solution. Amateur gardeners can also use large empty buckets or old aquariums as reservoirs if they want to set up DWC at home without using any expensive equipment. 
 
Gardeners need to use air stones to aerate the hydroponic nutrient solutions. Air stone will help to provide oxygen to the root zone of your plants. Adequate oxygen will prevent suffocation and root rot.  
 
Next, you need to place the plants in a floating raft or net pots that sit on the surface of the nutrient solution. The roots dangle down into the water.  
 
Then, an air pump is used to oxygenate the nutrient solution by creating bubbles. The air stones at the bottom of the reservoir help DWC plants in the even distribution of oxygen.  
 
The nutrient solution in the reservoir should be mixed carefully with essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and other micronutrients. This nutrient solution is constantly circulated and oxygenated.  
 
The most suitable plants for the water culture system are vegetables and herbs. Growers cultivate some common plants like basil, bok choy, chard, kale, broccoli, cabbage, lettuce, tomatoes, squash, and peppers.   
 

Advantages of DWC hydroponic System


So, what are the advantages of the Deep Water Culture system? Here is a list of benefits you’ll have for choosing this hydroponics system. 
 

  • Faster Growth: As plant roots have direct access to nutrient solutions in DWC, they grow faster compared to soil-based cultivation.    
  • Indoor Hydroponic Garden DIY: DWC can be made easily and cheaply compared to other hydroponic systems. A newbie gardener can assemble all the necessary equipment and set up an indoor hydroponic garden at home. 
  • Low Maintenance: Once you set up your hydroponic Deep Water Culture system, you won’t have to take the burden of heavy maintenance. You just have to replenish the nutrient solution when required and ensure the air pump is properly running and providing oxygen to the air stones. 
  • High Yields: In DWC, it is certainly possible to secure higher yields in a relatively small space. This makes it efficient for commercial farming.  

 
Disadvantage of the DWC hydroponics system

  • Plants Limitations: Herbs and vegetables are suitable for the Deep Water Culture System. However, DWC struggles to produce some larger and slow-growing plants. With some additional efforts, gardeners can also grow tomatoes, squash, and bell peppers.  
  • Electricity Consumption: Heavy consumption of electricity is another disadvantage of the DWC system. The constant operation of air pumps and air stones can increase your electricity consumption.  
  • Temperature Control: Growers should make sure the temperature of the water solution stays between 60°F to 68°F. As water is static, it can be challenging to regulate temperature in DWC.  

 

2. Wick System

 
The wick system is another easiest soilless hydroponic growing method. It refers to a hydroponic growing set-up that makes the use of soft fabric string or wick. It’s one of the passive hydroponic systems that doesn’t require any mechanical parts like an air pump to function.   
 
In the wick system, the wick secures a steady supply of nutrient solution from the reservoir or tank. Wicks do this by traveling from the reservoir to the growing tray. Nutrients flow up the wick through capillary action and saturate the growing media around the roots.  
 
Growers can make wicks using materials like felt, rope, or string. Various types of growing media are used in the wick system.  
 
The 3 most suitable growing media for hydroponic wick systems are given below: 

  • Coco Coir: Coconut coir is a fiber from the outer husk of coconuts. It’s a renewable and sustainable growing media. Coco coir is one of the best-growing media for wick systems due to its water retention, capillary action, and pH-neutral ability. 
  • Perlite: Perlite is another suitable component for substrate blend used in the wick system. The medium-grade perlite is ideal for a wicking system as it draws moisture and has a neutral pH. 
  • Vermiculite: This growing media is very porous and holds cation exchange capacity (CEC). It means vermiculite can store nutrients for later use. 

However, the wick system is a bit slow compared to other hydroponic systems. In the Wick system, you’ll have to ensure that there is at least one wick running from the reservoir for each plant in the growing tray.  
 
Another fact is that many indoor gardeners also use air pumps and air stones to add extra oxygen to the hydroponic system. The most suitable plants to grow in wick systems are smaller and non-fruiting plants like lettuce and herbs.

  

Advantage of Wick System

  • The Wick system is one of the simplest hydroponic farming methods to set up and maintain which makes it accessible for beginners and home gardeners.  
  • This system requires minimal equipment and is cost-effective compared to complex hydroponic systems.  
  • The hydroponic wick system is self-effacing. You can install it anywhere. Besides, growers don’t need any electricity to run it, so it’s perfect for educators, beginners, and hydroponic explorers.  
  • The wick system is incredibly water efficient. It utilizes less water and nutrients compared to conventional farming.  

 

Disadvantage of the Wick Systems

  • Limited Plant Types: The Wick hydroponic system is suitable for small and low-water demand plants like herbs and leafy greens. Larger, thirstier, and fruiting plants like tomatoes may not receive sufficient nutrients through the wick. 
  • Slow Growth: The growth rate in the wick system is slower than other sophisticated hydroponic systems.  
  • Risks of Overwatering: In humid conditions, the wick system may over-saturate the growing medium and cause root rot or nutrient imbalance.  
     

3. Nutrient Film Technique (NFT)

 

Nutrient Film Technique (N.F.T.) is a popular active hydroponic system. It uses pumps to distribute a thin film of nutrients through shallow channels where plants' roots can sink to receive nutrients.   
 
There are a few key components of N.F.T. systems that work together to run the system. These are growing trays, water pumps, air stones, and nutrient solutions. 
 
N.F.T hydroponics consists of a slopping (a shallow channel or tube) through which a film nutrient solution flows. Plants are placed in small holes or cups in this channel. It lets the plant’s root dangle into the flowing solutions.  
 
A nutrient solution containing water and essential minerals is continuously pumped into one of the channels. It flows one of the bottoms of the channel that bathes the roots of the plants as it passes by.  
 
After passing over the roots the nutrient solution drains down the channel and is collected at the other end. Again, this drain solution is recirculated.  
 
It's our recommendation to use net pots in the N.F.T. hydroponics systems. However, N.F.T. doesn’t accommodate larger plants but it does scale well.  
 
The best-suited plants for N.F.T systems are leafy green plants. Bibb and leaf-type Lettuce are ideal as well. You can grow other leafy plants like spinach, and broccoli Rabb in N.F.T systems.

 

Advantage of N.F.T. Systems

  • Water Efficiency: N.F.T. systems use water efficiently as they recycle the nutrient solution. This makes N.F.T. hydroponics environmentally friendly and ideal for regions with water scarcity.  
  • Oxygen-rich roots: The thin film of nutrient solution provides ample oxygen to the roots and promotes healthy growth and nutrient uptake. 
  • Reduced Pest and Disease Risk: Since N.F.T. systems don’t use soil, there is a reduced risk of soil-borne pests and diseases. This makes it easier to maintain a pest-free garden.  

 

Disadvantage of N.F.T. System

  • Maintenance Sensitivity: N.F.T. systems require careful monitoring and maintenance. If the flow of nutrient solutions is disrupted or if the system clogs, it can quickly harm the plants. 
  • Lack of Buffer: Nutrient Film Technique systems are less forgiving than other hydroponic methods. Any issues with the nutrient solutions can have rapid and adverse effects on plant health. 
  • Pump Failure: If your pumps fail and the channels no longer circulate the thin nutrients, then your plants will dry out. It is noteworthy for the home growers and commercial growers that entire crops can perish if they’re not supplied with water. 

 

4. Ebb and Flow (Flood and Drain)

 

Ebb and Flow, also known as Flood and Drain is one of the recognized hydroponic system. This system operates on a cyclic basis. It provides water and nutrients to the plants periodically which creates an environment conducive to the healthy growth of plants.  
 
Here is a list of major components of Ebb and Flow hydroponic gardening and how they work together:

1. Basic Components  

Growing Trays: This is where the plants are placed.   

Reservoir: A container that holds the nutrient solutions.  

Submersible pump: The pump is responsible for moving the nutrient solutions.   

Timer: The timer gives you control regarding the pump. It helps to decide when to flood and when to drain the system.  

Grow Medium: A substrate like a coco coir, rock wool, and clay pellets are used to support the plants.  

 

2. Operational Cycle

The cycle begins when the timer activates the submersible pump. The submersible pump floods the growing tray with nutrient solutions. Growing medium growers have used absorb the nutrients and give water and nutrients to the plant's roots.  
 
Then, after 15-30 minutes, the timer shuts off the pump, and the nutrient solution drains back into the reservoir by gravity. Draining makes sure that the plant roots have access to both water and oxygen.  
 
The best-suited plants for the Ebb and Flow hydroponic system are tomatoes, Kale, Cucumber, and Lettuce.  
 

The Advantages of Ebb and Flow Hydroponic System

  • Ebb and Flow systems are relatively easy to set up and maintain. 
  • They provide good aeration to the roots which prevent problems associated with overwatering and root suffocation.  
  • Nutrient uptake is efficient because the roots are exposed to fresh nutrient solutions during each flooding cycle.  
  • Home growers and commercial growers can use a variety of plants including vegetables, herbs, and flowering plants.  

 

The Disadvantages of the Ebb and Flow System

  • Power outages or pump malfunctions can disrupt the system and harm plants. 
  • Water and nutritional imbalances can affect plant health.  
  • The initial setup cost can be higher compared to other hydroponic systems.

 

5. Hydroponic Drip System

 

In a drip hydroponic system, a tube or hose with tiny holes (like dripping faucets) carries water and nutrients to each plant. In this way, plants get exactly what they need and there’s less waste.  
 
There are two types of drip system: recovery and non-recovery. In a recovery drip system, excess water that is not absorbed by plants is collected and recirculated back into the system. 
 
In a non-recovery drip system, any excess water not taken up by plants is not collected and reused. This system is simple and often used where there is plenty of water.       

Here is a list of components that you’ll need for Drip system hydroponics: 
 

  • Water Source/water pump 
  • The main water line to carry water to the garden.  
  • Emitters/Drippers, small devices that release water drop by drop. 
  • Tubing, the main line connects to tubing or pipe. 
  • Plant-specific drippers 
  • Precise watering with controlled flow rate and duration using emitters. 
  • Automation 

 

The Advantages of Drip System

  • Variety of plant options: Compared to most other hydroponic systems, a drip system can grow significantly larger plants. This is only one of the many reasons why commercial growers find it so intriguing. Slow-draining media, including rockwool, coco coir, and peat moss, are suitable for drip irrigation systems. The right-size drip system can support melons, pumpkins, onions, and zucchinis in abundance.  
  • Precise Control: You can control the flow rate and timing of water delivery to each plant. This ensures each plant receives the right amount of moisture.   
  • Soil Erosion Prevention: The drip system doesn’t flood the soil surface. So, they minimize soil erosion.   

Disadvantages of the Drip System

  • High Maintenance: If home growers want to grow plants using a non-recovery drip system, there is a substantial amount of maintenance involved. Draining, replacing, and continuous pH monitoring are some of them. On the other hand, recovery systems can also be clogged by debris and plant matter.  
  • Initial Cost: Setting up your drip system can be expensive compared to traditional watering methods like sprinklers or hoses. Home growers will need to buy components like emitters, tubing, filters, and timers. 

 

6. Aeroponic System

   
An aeroponic system represents an innovative and efficient approach to plant cultivation. In aeroponic, the plant’s roots are suspended in the air and exposed their naked roots to a nutrient-filled mist.  
 
Here are some key aspects of aeroponics:  
 

Framework and Design: Aeroponic systems are typically designed as enclosed structures, often resembling cubes or towers.  

Nutrient Delivery: Water and nutrient solutions are stored in a reservoir and pumped to a nozzle, where they are atomized into a fine mist. This mist is released from the top of the tower.  

Root Exposure: Aeroponic systems maintain continuous exposure of plant roots to nutrient mist. Some systems mimic the constant nutrient film technique (N.F.T.) and others follow the ebb and flow system. 

No Substrate Media: Aeroponic hydroponic system doesn’t rely on substrate media. The open-air environment promotes efficient oxygen.  

The most suitable plants in aeroponics are tomatoes, lettuce, leafy greens, cucumber, peppers, and carrots.  
 
 

The Advantages of Aeroponic Systems

  • Water Efficiency: One of the standout advantages of aeroponics is its remarkable water efficiency. According to NASA scientists, aeroponics consumes 98% less water than soil-based gardening.   
  • Vertical Farming: The vertical structure of the aeroponic system minimizes space requirements.  
  • Faster Growth: Constant oxygen supply accelerates the plants’ growth. This rapid growth leads to quicker harvests and higher yields.  
  • Oxygen Surplus: The extra air that the bare roots take in speeds up the plant's growth. Aeroponics is the most eco-friendly way to grow plants in water, and it is also one of the best ways to grow plants. 

The disadvantage of the Aeroponic System

  • Costly: Initially home growers will have to invest more money to set up an aeroponic growing system compared to other hydroponic systems. To entirely function the aeroponic garden, you’ll have to purchase a pump, reservoir, and times that can cost thousands of dollars.  
  • Maintenance: Aeroponic gardening needs delicate and balanced maintenance. If one system is disrupted, then your entire crops will perish. If the timer doesn’t go off, or the pump fails, you might lose all your crops unless you mist the roots by hand. 

 

Benefits of Hydroponic Systems

 
 
To that end, what advantages does the hydroponic farming system have over the more conventional methods of farming? Hydroponic farming offers a wide variety of benefits, including water efficiency and space efficiency, in comparison to conventional gardening methods. Let's go over some of the advantages in more depth. 

  • Water Conservation: Hydroponics conserve water as it recirculates water effectively. It reduces water wastage seen in traditional farming.   
  • Space Efficiency: Home growers can grow hydro plants within a limited space. Besides, hydroponic plants don’t rely on spreading roots for nutrients.  
  • Reduced Chemical Usage: This soilless farming required fewer herbicides and pesticides due to a controlled environment and limited weed growth.   
    Precise Nutrient Control: Growers can implement precise amounts of nutrients based on the specific plant’s needs due to the precise control over nutrient solutions.  
  • No Soil Erosions: Hydroponics farming eliminates soil erosion and weed growth which is one of the significant concerns of traditional farming. 
  • Faster Growth and Higher Yields: Hydroponically produced plants grow faster due to direct access to nutrient solutions. Besides, they provide higher yields.  

 

Limitations of Hydroponic Gardening

It’s true that hydroponics is way more effective than conventional soil-based farming. But every good has some downsides too. Hydroponic isn’t different.  
 
Here we’ve compiled a list of drawbacks or limitations of hydroponics farming:  
 

  • High Setup Cost: Establishing a hydroponic system can be expensive. If you want a large-scale setup with a customized design, then the initial cost will include water treatment, lighting, and a control system which demands a significant budget.  
  • Reliance on Constant Power Supply: Hydroponic gardens heavily depend on the continuous power supply. Power outages can disrupt the system and destroy your crops entirely.  
  • Susceptibility to Water-borne Diseases: Plants that are grown hydroponically are free from soil-borne diseases. But they are raised with a water-based solution, so there is a chance of transmitting diseases through water solution. 
  • High-Level Maintenance and Monitoring: To maintain a hydroponic system, growers will require vigilant monitoring. Important components like pumps, temperature, and light levels need constant attention to prevent failures that could impact plant growth.  

 

Wrapping Up

  
The hydroponic system has entirely changed the approach of modern agriculture. This new and trendy farming practice has redefined our relationship with food and production.    
 
Hydroponics gardening enables us to grow crops with greater efficiency, reduce resource consumption, and increase yields. The scarcity of water and land has inflicted us with worries about food production. 
 
But the emergence of hydroponics saves us all by showing us a ray of hope in food production. Hope this sustainable and eco-friendly way of farming will vehemently progress in the near future.