hydroponic

Hydroponics is a horticultural technique for growing plants without soil, using a nutrient-rich water solution to feed roots. Plants are supported by inert media such as rockwool, perlite, vermiculite, coconut coir, or clay pellets, while minerals are dissolved in water. This setup allows precise control of nutrient levels, pH, and moisture.

The concept dates to the early 20th century, and the term hydroponics was coined in the 1930s by William F. Gericke of the University of California, Berkeley, who demonstrated tomato production with nutrient solutions. Since then it has evolved into commercial greenhouse systems and research methods.

Systems and methods: Common configurations include NFT (a thin film of nutrient solution flowing over roots), DWC (roots suspended in aerated solution), ebb-and-flow (flood and drain), and drip systems. Solutions may be recirculating or drained to waste. Roots can be supported in inert media, or, in aeroponics, suspended in air and misted.

Advantages and challenges: Benefits include reduced water use, year-round production, and often faster growth and higher yields with precise nutrition. It minimizes soil-borne pests and enables cultivation in urban or arid areas. Drawbacks include higher initial and operating costs, reliance on power and climate control, technical requirements, and risks from outages or contamination. Nutrient solution pH and electrical conductivity are carefully monitored to prevent imbalances.

Applications: Widely used in greenhouses, urban farming, and research, especially for leafy greens, herbs, and certain fruits in controlled environments.