Hydroponics is a method of growing plants in nutrient solutions without soil. Usually, the roots of the plants hang in water that is enriched with the chemicals necessary for growth. All the nutrients are dissolved in the irrigation water and are supplied at a regular basis to plants. Water, sunlight, and about 15 nutrients provide what is necessary to grow plants hydroponically. Hydroponics is becoming more popular in areas where land for farming is scarce.

Advantages of hydroponic vegetable production include:

  • Hydroponically produced vegetables can be of high quality.
  • Soil preparation and weeding is reduced or eliminated.
  • It is possible to produce very high yields of vegetables on a small area.
  • One does not need good soil to grow vegetables.
  • Water is used efficiently.
  • Pollution of soil with unused nutrients is greatly reduced.

Some of the disadvantages of hydroponics are:

  • Cost of initial investment on hydroponic systems is high.
  • Hydroponic production is management, capital and labour intensive.
  • A high level of expertise is required.
  • Daily attention is necessary.
  • Specially formulated, soluble nutrients must always be used.
  • Pests and diseases remain a big risk.
  • Some water borne diseases can spread rapidly in recirculation system.
Advertisement