Hydroponics Technology

The minerals that the plant needs, like nitrogen, potassium, calcium, etc., are dissolved into the water. This is then watered directly to the plants. Hence, the plants draw these essential minerals from the water used to feed them, as opposed to having to search throughout the soil for them. The heart of hydroponic farming is the nutrient solution.

With Mineral and Allied’s hydroponic systems, the soil is not required for the growth of fodder and vegetable crops, thus allowing them to be resilient to climate change and grow faster. Hydroponic technology methods are more efficient and allow for higher amounts of production than traditional field farming. For example, with hydroponics technology, one can grow fodder in just seven days as opposed to twelve weeks and vegetables

1. A greater yield in a lesser time than using traditional agricultural methods
2. Plants can be grown more densely
3. Same plant species can be grown repeatedly as there is no soil depletion
4. Plants have a balanced supply of air, water and nutrients
5. Cleaner, healthier and fresher products can be reaped
6. Production can be timed more effectively to satisfy market demand
7. Products are more resistant to diseases
8. Natural or biological control of pests and diseases can be employed
9. Soil-borne diseases can be eliminated
10. Troublesome weeds and stray seedlings which usually prompt the need for the use of herbicides and increase labour costs can also be eliminated
11.  Reduction of health risks associated with pest management and soil care
12.  Reduced turnaround time between planting as no soil preparation is required
13. Stable and significantly increased yields and shorter crop maturation cycle
14.  Can be utilized by families with small or no yard space
15. The water stays in the system and can be reused, thus lowering water costs
16. The controlled system ensures there is no nutrition pollution in the environment
17. Pests and diseases are easier to get rid of because of container mobility

Despite the fact that there are lots of advantages to using the technology of hydroponics farming, it is not without its own downsides.

1. Technical knowledge and a good grasp of the principles of hydroponics farming are required to practice it on a commercial scale
2. The initial investment is relatively high when it is done on a commercial scale
3. Great care and attention to detail are required, particularly in the preparation of formulas and plant health control
4. A constant supply of water is required as plants depend on a fresh supply
5.  

Plant roots need three major things for growth to occur. These are Water (moisture), nutrients and Oxygen. How these three things are delivered to the plant roots is what distinguishes one hydroponic system from the other. In deciding on the right hydroponics system to use, one has to consider if the need is for home use or commercial structures. There are seven main types of hydroponics systems.

• • Responsive Drip Technique (RDT)
  • Deep Water Culture (DWC)
  • Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) Systems
  • Wicking System
  • Ebb and Flow
  • Aeroponics
  • Drip Systems