Environmental sustainability is a hot topic within agriculture today. Increasing concerns about global temperatures, poor growing seasons, and limited resources have forced farmers to reevaluate their practices. But how can you boost yield while reducing wasted resources? With traditional farming, you can’t; however, hydroponic farming makes it possible! In this blog, we’ll explore the advantages of hydroponics and how this system can benefit the environment.
Hydroponics: A Primer
Hydroponics is a revolutionary farming method involving growing plants with minimal to no soil. Instead, plants are submerged in a tank full of nutrient-rich water to grow. Within this water system, the amount of sunlight, oxygen, temperature, and nutrients are regulated. As a result, plants grow inside the water, and the roots grow upwards and receive more oxygen.
The Ins and Outs of Hydroponic Systems
Hydroponic systems give growers the tools to think outside the greenhouse. Here’s a look at the main components that go into the system:
- Growing Media – Hydroponics only uses growing media to support plants as the roots start to grow. Growing media consists of peat, vermiculite, wood fiber, rockwool, rice hulls, coco coir, and other low-cost materials.
- Nutrients – Hydroponic systems circulate nutrients in the water to sustain the health and production of crops. This nutrient solution must have the right levels of nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, and sulfur to promote optimal growth.
- Technology – Specific measurement tools are used to monitor crop development. Hydroponic systems use pH meters to regulate the acidity level in each set of crops. Using the system’s air control, you can increase carbon dioxide levels in the air to promote plant fertility.
With the right tools and resources, hydroponics give you the means to grow more while using fewer resources.
3 Environmental Advantages of Hydroponics
Though hydroponics use machinery and electricity, the system can reduce the waste and costs associated with soil-based practices. In fact, some advantages of hydroponics include:
Land Conservation
Typically, farmers are restricted to growing and harvesting crops during a limited time of the year. Additionally, the yield depends on the seasonal weather conditions, resulting in inconsistent production. Harsh cold or arid heat can damage soil, forcing farmers to use more land. Hydroponics, however, allow crops to flourish in every season. With more control, growers achieve larger harvests without wasting fertilizer, soil, or other resources.
Reduced Toxins
Traditional farming practices create emissions and release toxins into the air. Using herbicides and pesticides can also infect the ground, potentially harming people and animals—additionally, these products can seep into the produce and harm consumers. Thankfully, hydroponic systems don’t use these toxins. Submerged plants cannot be eaten by pests, and weeds won’t grow outside of natural soil. Therefore, growing with hydroponics can help reduce harmful toxins caused by herbicides and pesticides, creating safer produce to sell to the community.
Water Conservation
It may be surprising to read that hydroponic systems use much less water than traditional farming. Traditional methods waste gallons of water, which may dry up quickly or be insufficient depending on the weather. Using hydroponics, much less water is used since the tanks constantly recycle the specific amount of water the plants need. Nutrients in the water can also be reused, providing a regular supply of resources to plants.
Innovate Farming with Hydronov
Protecting the environment requires farmers to reconsider their approach to agriculture. At Hydronov, we recognize how limited resources are today, which is why we offer our Floating Raft Technology to increase your output as well as environmental sustainability. From better use of resources to improved costs with production, there are many advantages of hydroponics to explore in your agricultural pursuits! Interested in our hydroponics solutions? Contact us today to learn more!
