Did you know that 10% of all greenhouse gas emissions in the United States were emitted through agriculture in 2022? That is equivalent to about 630 million metric tons of CO2! That’s the current environmental impact of farming.
We will be the first to emphasize agriculture and its importance, but how can we keep our carbon footprint in check at the same time? One solution is hydroponics! Hydroponics is an environmentally conscious, soilless cultivation method that nourishes crops with water-based nutrient solutions. Let’s discuss how this unique approach is cultivating a greener—and overall better—agriculture sector!
How do Hydroponics Help Keep Food Safe?
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Water Recycling and the Environmental Impact of Farming
You may be surprised to learn that hydroponics, the water-based farming technique, can save up to 10 times the amount of water used in traditional field crop production. But how can that be? The answer is in water recycling!
Hydroponic systems are closed-loop, which allows them to recycle their water supply that’s contained in a reservoir. This means minimal water is wasted as opposed to experiencing the water run-off seen in traditional farming. Some hydroponic systems may even combine with technology that could capture and use water from plant vapor, recycled wastewater, or even collected rainwater!
Using Less Space
Anyone who has ever driven through the American Midwest knows how much space traditional farming takes up! Hydroponics does things differently. Using less space, hydroponics offers much more flexibility from its soil-based counterpart.
Vertical hydroponics farming alone allows farmers to plant and optimize their space. In fact, vertical farmers can grow 3 to 10 times more crops in the same amount of space as conventional farmers, depending on the layout.
Horizontal hydroponics is also an extremely effective use of space, though not to the same extent as vertical hydroponics. Still, horizontal hydroponics optimizes its space by cultivating plants to need less root space, allowing plants to grow closer together, allowing for more plants in less room.
This reduction of space, too, allows farmers to grow from just about anywhere – even outer space!
Back to Earth, though, for farming’s environmental impact, this means a substantial reduction in deforestation and soil erosion that comes with traditional farming practices. Deforestation is the second largest source of carbon emissions (only behind the combustion of fossil fuels), and soil erosion means the loss of fertile land, livelihoods, and increased pollution. Hydroponics is a great way to work around these problems, while still feeding the people.
Save space with vertical farming!
Eliminating Pesticides
Pesticides, commonly used in agriculture to control pests, diseases, and weeds, play a crucial role in protecting crops and ensuring successful harvests. However, there are serious drawbacks to pesticides on the environment.
When it comes to the environmental impact of farming, pesticides can enter nearby water bodies through runoff, disrupting local ecosystems. Furthermore, pests and diseases may develop resistance to certain pesticides over time, which could call for stronger chemicals with even heavier impacts on the environment.
In hydroponics, the use of pesticides is rare compared to its use in traditional farming. Additionally, the positive difference for hydroponics is having the pesticides be in a controlled environment, combatting the risk of contaminating the local environment. There are also special pesticides used in hydroponics to work with the nutrient solutions and make sure that the system is not damaged. Farmers just need to make sure they follow the pesticide application protocols closely to ensure healthy crops.
Going Green with Hydronov
Hydroponics is a fantastic way to reduce the environmental impact of farming. From water recycling to space optimization, there are plenty of benefits for farmers, people, and the planet.
You can be a part of the change and farm for the future with Hydronov! With our technology and expertise in design, building, and growing around the world, you will be in safe hands with our team. Contact us today for a consultation!
