The process of growing plants like leafy vegetables without using soil as medium is called green hydroponics. This type of agriculture started in the 18th century and has been continually developed until today. In this way of farming, the medium used in growing crops are water and inert substances like perlite, gravel, coconut husks, and mineral wool.
Early research from agriculturists show that the role of soil in plant growth is to hold the foods and minerals and has no direct outcome in the growth. Following this, experiments are made that would erase soil from the equation and see if the plant continues to grow normally provided that all the other factors needed for growth remain. The agriculturists derive that almost all the plants previously grown in soil are able to survive without it.
The absence of soil in the equation enables the crop to grow in larger quantities without the need for larger spaces. The nutrient requirement of the plants are supplied by a process of constant aeration, watering, providing nutrients, and the physical flora through water. There is also more control in the root environment through continual monitoring, which results in the provision of a more control in the conditions required for the growing plant.
To enable continuous life cycle for the crops, it needs sunlight to make chlorophyll. It also needs essential nutrients and minerals to produce sugar as glucose. This is used as fuel for the plant cells to grow and produce oxygen as a by product. Without light in nighttime, a reversal of this process occurs.
The controlled environment provided by the hydroponics way allows the crop to continue with the life cycle. Artificial lighting is used to provide illumination. This still allows the plants to produce energy. Water full of minerals are also provided through the roots to make the plant system function normally.
One benefit in using hydroponics is the control that the farmer has in supplying the exact nutrients that the plant requires. There is also zero or slim threat of pest infestation that usually comes from the soil. Further, there are no weeds that can pose as threat to the plants.
Farmers are also able to save on fertilizer cost since it can now be directly infused into the roots. Another advantage is the higher yield of the crops compared to those grown in the conventional way. However, there are also some disadvantages in this method of farming.
For one, the initial capital for starting this project is large. Another is the difference in the number of workers that are needed to operate the project. Still another is the delicateness of the plants grown in controlled conditions where a small threat from the outside could have a great impact on the crops that include green hydroponics.
Early research from agriculturists show that the role of soil in plant growth is to hold the foods and minerals and has no direct outcome in the growth. Following this, experiments are made that would erase soil from the equation and see if the plant continues to grow normally provided that all the other factors needed for growth remain. The agriculturists derive that almost all the plants previously grown in soil are able to survive without it.
The absence of soil in the equation enables the crop to grow in larger quantities without the need for larger spaces. The nutrient requirement of the plants are supplied by a process of constant aeration, watering, providing nutrients, and the physical flora through water. There is also more control in the root environment through continual monitoring, which results in the provision of a more control in the conditions required for the growing plant.
To enable continuous life cycle for the crops, it needs sunlight to make chlorophyll. It also needs essential nutrients and minerals to produce sugar as glucose. This is used as fuel for the plant cells to grow and produce oxygen as a by product. Without light in nighttime, a reversal of this process occurs.
The controlled environment provided by the hydroponics way allows the crop to continue with the life cycle. Artificial lighting is used to provide illumination. This still allows the plants to produce energy. Water full of minerals are also provided through the roots to make the plant system function normally.
One benefit in using hydroponics is the control that the farmer has in supplying the exact nutrients that the plant requires. There is also zero or slim threat of pest infestation that usually comes from the soil. Further, there are no weeds that can pose as threat to the plants.
Farmers are also able to save on fertilizer cost since it can now be directly infused into the roots. Another advantage is the higher yield of the crops compared to those grown in the conventional way. However, there are also some disadvantages in this method of farming.
For one, the initial capital for starting this project is large. Another is the difference in the number of workers that are needed to operate the project. Still another is the delicateness of the plants grown in controlled conditions where a small threat from the outside could have a great impact on the crops that include green hydroponics.
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