What is hydroponic farming?

Written by Edwin Arunga

Hydroponic farming

This is a smart farming activity that involves growing plants in liquid nutrient solutions instead of soil. According to Prof Jennifer Morganthaler from Missouri State University, hydroponic comes from two greek words; hydro, meaning water, and ponos, meaning labor. This word was first used by Dr. Gericke in 1929 at the University of California. The US Army improved hydroponics to supplement their diet during the 2nd world war. For a successful hydroponic system, a farmer needs to have the following:

Growing system
Nutrient solution
Nutrient reservoir
Grow trays
Pump
Airstone
Growing substrate

Hydroponics can be designed into various systems, including wick systems, deep water culture, and drip systems. Nutrient solutions should be purchased from reliable sources, or one can make their own solutions. Hydroponic farming is an emerging trend in the field of food systems. It utilizes less land. With the increasing population, hydroponics can be a suitable strategy for adopting less land use as a climate mitigation strategy. It promotes a faster growth rate of food and increased crop yields hence a very effective measure towards achieving global food security. It is an effective control measure for pests and weeds. There is no weeding. No soil-related disease. It’s also an effective way to promote organic farming. With increased food security challenges and unpredictable weather patterns due to climate change, hydroponics can be the most effective and sure way to ensure our tables, stores, and stomachs are always full of food.

If you want to read more about hydroponics, see all the relevant articles here

Tags: hydroponics hydroponics farming

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