When it comes to producing food in small spaces nothing can beat hydroponics. Hydroponics by definition means ‘water-working." In practical use, it means growing plants in a water and nutrient solution, without soil. Hydroponics allows a gardener to grow plants in a more efficient and productive manner with less labor and time required.

Hydroponics is a method of growing plants without soil in nutrient solutions. Dozens of different nutrient solution compositions have been suggested over the years, but most resemble each other fairly closely. The guidelines for nutrient solutions are that they contain nutrients in amounts that are proportional to plant tissue composition and in a total solution concentration that does not damage the plant. (By the way, nutrient solutions do not resemble normal soil solutions.)

The science of hydroponics proves that soil isn’t required for plant growth but the elements, minerals and nutrients that soil contains are. Soil is simply the holder of the nutrients, a place where the plant roots traditionally live and a base of support for the plant structure.

In hydroponics you provide the exact nutrients your plants need, so they can develop and grow. The nutrients are fed directly at the root base, never stressing the plant due to lack of nutrients or water.

Virtually any plant will grow hydroponically, but some will do better than others. Hydroponic growing is ideal for fruit bearing crops such as tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers, leafy crops, like lettuce and herbs and flowing plants. Most hobby hydroponic gardeners plant crops similar to what they would grow in a soil garden

Most commercial hydroponic growers combine hydroponic technology with a controlled environment to achieve the highest quality produce. Within a green- house structure you can control the ambient temperature, humidity and light levels allowing you to grow on a year- round basis.

Why Hydroponics?

Often times when you mention hydroponics people think of it as being relatively new. But perhaps the earliest recordings of hydroponics in use were in the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, where plants were grown in a steady stream of water. The word hydroponics as we know it today is derived from two Greek words: ‘hydro’ meaning water and ‘ponos’ meaning labor.

The term hydroponics was first used in the late 1920’s by a professor in California named Dr. W.F. Gericke. He developed a technique, pioneered by German scientists Sachs in 1860 and Knop between 1861 and 1865, into a commercial means of plant production. Sachs and Knop were among a number of scientists during the 19th century to research plant nutrition and develop a chemical formula to overcome major setbacks in previous attempts at hydroponics. Hydroponic technologies were further developed throughout the 1930’s and 40’s in North America, Europe, and Japan due to the inspirations of Dr. Gericke’s work.

During WW II, the US Army used hydroponics to grow fresh produce for troops stationed on infertile Pacific islands. In America, Britain, Europe, Africa, and Asia, there were viable commercial farms operating by the 1950’s. In 1981, CSR Ltd. of Australia started production for a horticultural grade rockwool for hydroponic use. This growool (as it is known) became widely accepted and is currently used extensively in the Australian fresh cut flower industry.

Today, hydroponic culture is being used to successfully grow vegetables, flowers, fruits, and herbs in a great variety of countries across the world.

But why do some farmers prefer hydroponics over conventional growing methods?

Growing plants in soil is unpredictable, a diverse range of problems are evident, such as changing temperatures, moisture holding capacity, available nutrient supply, proper root aeration, and disease and pest control. Hydroponics alleviates some of the problems of nature, while giving the farmer precise control of the plants and often times the seasons. A hydroponic farmer can manipulate a fruit bearing plant into producing more fruit rather than leaves and extending its season long after his competitor’s season has ended.

There are a number of different methods of growing plants hydroponically:

Hydroponic Aggregate Culture — Small particles of chemically inert substances which provide a suitable environment for the plant roots to grow in. Containers or bags are commonly used to hold the medium and plant.

Hydroponic Rockwool Culture — A fibrous sponge-like material made from molten rock which provides an environment for the plant roots to grow through (most similar to soil). Containers or baskets are commonly used to hold the medium and plant.

Hydroponic Water Culture — Aerated water provides the environment in which the roots grow. Canals or PVC pipes are commonly used to hold plants while a nutrient solution passes below.

Aeroponics — A closely related technique is aeroponics, in which plant roots are intermittently misted with nutrient solutions rather than being continuously immersed in solution. Plants generally respond to the additional aeration. Canals or bags are commonly used to hold plants while a nutrient solution is sprayed to keep roots moist.

Article by: Staff Writer / InfoHub   Article Code: GID0000001