Why do we need hydroponics? Hydroponics is the process of growing plants without soil in water and nutrients. The key is the nutrients, since the plants are in water, they can’t rely on the soil for nutrients. Hydroponics is a way to grow plants in a controlled environment.

Read this article until end to know the reasons why do we need it. In this blog we also have an article about best indoor hydroponic grow system that you might want to read about it.

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Why Do We Need Hydroponics

Hydroponics is a system of gardening that uses water and nutrients to grow plants. It is a good idea because it is more efficient, and it is better for the environment. Here are the reasons behind it:

1. Makes the most of available space

Hydroponics takes far less room than soil-grown plants. When hydroponics and vertical farming methods are combined, they may utilize up to 99 percent less land than conventional agricultural techniques.

One reason hydroponic plants have a smaller footprint is because their roots do not have to extend out in search of nutrients and moisture. Direct delivery of water and nutrients to the roots occurs either sporadically or continuously, depending on the hydroponic technology used. This implies that the root system of each plant may occupy much less area, allowing for the growth of more plants in a smaller space. When vertical stacking techniques are used, it’s clear to understand how a hydroponic garden requires a considerably less space than a typical garden.

2. Water Conservation

Although it may seem contradictory, growing plants in water actually consumes less water than growing them in soil. Indeed, hydroponic plants use up to 98 percent less water than plants grown in conventional ways.

Only around 0.1 percent of the water taken up by a plant’s roots is actually utilised by the plant. The majority are then lost to the atmosphere by evapotranspiration. Hydroponics systems use recirculated water, which enables plants to absorb just what they need and return the remainder to the system.

Global food production is taking more water than ever before as it continues to grow year after year. It is estimated that around three gallons of water are required to produce one cup of lettuce using standard techniques. A 2.7-ounce serving of broccoli requires around 11 gallons of water to grow. And for every 4.3 ounces of tomatoes consumed, the growing process consumes 8 gallons of water. If we are serious about preserving water, hydroponics seems to be a necessary component of the process.

3. Facilitates the establishment of a microclimate

Hydroponic gardens may be confined simply within a hydroponic greenhouse or other building. This allows them to create their own microclimates, free of many of the challenges that conventional farmers face. They are not at the mercy of pests and do not need a broad variety of pesticides. Plants may be cultivated year-round in temperature-controlled environments regardless of the climate or weather outside. Furthermore, with artificial grow lights, even the quantity of accessible sunlight is irrelevant.

4. Increases Yields

By establishing optimum circumstances, you can guarantee that plants get the optimal quantity of nutrients that come into direct touch with their roots. Furthermore, microclimates enable year-round growth and shorter crop cycles. All of this adds up to yields that are far greater than those obtained via conventional agricultural techniques. Indeed, we’ve discovered that our hydroponic greenhouses can generate around 240 times the productivity of conventional farming.

5. Labor Requirements Are Reduced

Without the need for tilling, weeding, herbicide and pesticide spraying, and other labor-intensive agricultural tasks, hydroponics significantly reduces the burden on workers and may easily be handled with much less man-hours. This both reduces the expense of crop production and frees up time for other activities. Indeed, a modest hydroponic greenhouse may be operated wholly by a part-time employee.