What is Hydroponics Technology?

Hydroponics, as the name suggests, is a unique way of growing plants in water. University of Arizona confirmed that plants can be grown without the presence of soil; all they need is nutrients to grow and they can get those nutrients from water as well. This can be possible through the method of hydroponics.

Advantages

Hydroponics have endless advantages, the first being the perfect solution of scarcity of arable land. Land and natural resources are scarce and hence technology like hydroponics is a perfect alternative for growing healthy crops. Another advantage is that external factors can be monitored and controlled such as light entering the system, temperature and the amount of nutrients added to the water. All of these can be regulated to ensure maximum growth of crops. Another notable advantage is that unlike geoponics, hydroponics is free of impurities and harmful bacteria. In geoponics, the removal of all types of impurities in the soil cannot be assured, but in this system they can be screened out.

Various Types

There are many types of hydroponics, and scientists are working on finding ways to maximize the yield produced by this technology. The most common and earliest developed type of hydroponics is called aquaponics; this is where only the plant roots are immersed in a nutrient-rich culture to absorb the nutrients and grow. Large plants are set up for this type of hydroponics with a continuous flow system which keeps regulation of the culture with nutrients. Another much developed and efficient type of hydroponics is the aeroponics. In aeroponics, plants with their roots hanging are sprayed with nutrients.

Significance

Hydroponics has a great significance and scope in the near future as this technology ensures a greater yield and better crop. It has a remarkable commercial significance and one can also integrate this system at a domestic level if she wishes to.