Hydroponics is the use of nutrient solutions to grow plants without soil.
In hydroponics, plants are grown in an inert medium and fed with a nutrient-rich solution.
Advantages of Hydroponics:
- In hydroponics, plants can be grown year-round because climatic conditions can be controlled through the use of a greenhouse.
- Plants can grow closer together because their roots don't need to get nutrients.
- Plants grow faster and bigger because nutrients are readily available. The nutrient solution always maintains the same amount of available nutrients.
- Hydroponics allows growing in areas where the soil cannot support crops.
- It reduces the time between harvests and increases the nutritional value of the final product.
- It allows indoor gardening.
- It eliminates the use of chemicals to control weeds and pests.
- It saves water.
Disadvantages of Hydroponics:
- Hydroponics are more expensive to build and acquire than traditional growing methods.
- Hydroponic systems rely on electricity to power the different components of the system, such as grow lights, water pumps, aerators, and fans.
- Hydroponics requires a higher level of monitoring and management.
- Because plants grow in soil rather than soil, plants are more susceptible to water-borne diseases.
- Plants grown in water respond more negatively to problems such as nutrient deficiencies and disease.