The hydroponics industry is growing worldwide! Did you know that as of 2023, the global hydroponics market size was valued at $5.00 billion and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 12.4% from 2024 to 2030? It’s true! With such rapid development, it is only natural that questions are asked as to hydroponics’ pros and cons. Let’s dive into hydroponics, their pros and cons, and what investors can expect from this innovative growing method.
How do Hydroponics Help Keep Food Safe?
Find Out Here!
What is Hydroponics?
Before we get into the deep end of hydroponics’ pros and cons, let’s take a moment to understand what hydroponics is.
A hydroponic system is a soilless cultivation method that relies on water-based nutrient solutions to feed plants and support their growth. Without soil, which would typically act as a medium to deliver nutrients to the plants, nutrients are delivered directly to the roots in a controlled environment.
Hydroponics’ Pros and Cons
Now that we better understand what hydroponics is, let’s discuss the important factors investors may want to account for when considering using these systems. To begin, let’s start with the the benefits of hydroponics:
Pros of Large-Scale Hydroponics Farming
Many consider hydroponics the future of agriculture because of the following benefits:
Higher Yields
One of the wonderful things about hydroponics is everything is controlled to see plants thrive. With specific light, water, and nutrients all being controlled and maintained thoroughly, plants are given precisely what they need to prosper.
By the numbers, too, hydroponics is proven to have 2 times the growth rate of traditional agriculture. Hydroponic grown plants achieve 16 times the density of soil-grown vegetables.
Resource Efficiency
Despite what you would believe, hydroponics, the water-based, soilless agricultural system, uses less water than traditional agriculture. In fact, hydroponic farms use up to 90% less water than traditional farms.
Furthermore, the amount of nutrients used in hydroponic systems is far less than traditional farming. Hydroponics only use up to 50% of the nutrients used compared to conventional agricultural methods.
These exceptional numbers are due to hydroponics being more precise, and their systems’ ability to reuse materials.
One of the aspects of hydroponics is the ability to regulate all conditions to ensure optimal plant growth.
Controlled Environment
With a hydroponic system, there is no need to fear extreme weather conditions or a lack of rainfall damaging your plants. The controlled environment utilized in hydroponics means your plants are safe, no matter the conditions. This also means that plants can be cultivated throughout the year, without local growing challenges.
A controlled environment also allows you to grow regionalized plants in more diverse places allowing you to replicate their environmental needs, such as humidity, water, and other important factors.
Sustainability
When plants grow long, deep roots, it’s a sign they are searching for needed nutrients in the soil. In contrast, in a hydroponic system, where nutrients are delivered directly to the plants, the roots do not grow far at all. Due to less root space, hydroponic plants can grow closer together, meaning more plants in less space.
Long-term, with less space, water, nutrients, and other resources being used, hydroponic farming is very environmentally conscious, and is one great way to reduce our carbon footprints.
Cons of Large-Scale Hydroponic Farming
Of course, there is no such thing as a perfect growing system. That said, although hydroponics also has its drawbacks, Hydronov’s expertise and innovative solutions can help overcome many of these challenges. Below are some of the cons of hydroponic growing and how Hydronov can help overcome these obstacles.
Initial Investment
Setting up a hydroponic system can be expensive, especially for a large-scale system.
When you remember how much technology is needed for hydroponics, and installation would include the plants, nutrient tank, lighting, temperature controller, plumbing systems, and more, you can expect a high initial budget. That said, the high return on investment means investors may find that hydroponics is more profitable than soil-based growing methods.
We recognize that hydroponic systems can have a high upfront cost. That’s why Hydronov is dedicated to helping you create the most cost-effective and profitable solution for you. Additionally, we are confident that, in time, the system will pay for itself. Hydroponic grown plants grow to be higher quality than soil-grown and can yield up to 18 harvests per year compared to the average 3 harvests from soil farming.
Hydroponics demands significant monitoring, management, and expertise.
Technical Complexity
Hydroponics require a substantial level of monitoring, management, and expertise. These systems are complicated, and the vigilance needed to adjust to plants’ needs and development, maintenance, cleaning, and so on. Without proper expertise and work, though, it is likely that the plants will not grow, which can result in a heavy loss.
Luckily, Hydronov offers comprehensive grower support services to ensure your plants’ success. With these services, you will be provided with an on-staff grower who understands your plants’ needs from germination to harvest and will guide you through ensuring your system maximizes yield and quality.
We also offer training and support staff to empower you and your team to operate, troubleshoot, clean, and maintain your hydroponic equipment.
Energy Dependency
Hydroponic systems are dependent on electricity to see components work effectively. This comes with the risk of power outages, which can be an obstacle to work around, or can be detrimental to plants if improperly accounted for by the grower. However, it is possible to set up a hydroponic system with solar power, or with generators.
Hydronov is proud to offer hydroponic systems that are energy efficient and environmentally conscious.
Being environmentally friendly is a priority, as we push our systems to conserve space, reduce toxins, and conserve water. Deep water culture systems are particularly resource-efficient, which also makes it more cost-effective.
Be a Hydroponics Pro with Hydronov
Taking the time to consider the why’s and why-nots of any investment is an excellent idea, and hydroponics are no exception. With its many benefits, it’s easy to see why investing in hydroponics is a smart choice, and, although there are cons, many are manageable with Hydronov and our teams of designers, builders, and growers.
Contact us to learn more about hydroponics and what we can do for you!
