All about Hydroponics and Aeroponics

Hydroponics and Aeroponics are alternative methods to grow plants incorporated in farming. Both these methods significantly overcome the need for soil to grow plants, instead in the Aeroponic method water is sprayed on the roots directly with all the nutrients which the plants require for is growth.

Whereas in Hydroponics the plants' roots are submerged in circulating water nutrients. These forming systems are also known as compact farming because they require less cultivation space.

Hydroponic and Aeroponic are gaining popularity due to their advantage of reducing water consumption for farming. For instance, growing one kilo of tomato in the conventional methods requires 214 liters, but only 70 liters are sufficient in the hydroponics method, and only 20 liters is required in aeroponics.

What is Hydroponics?

Hydroponics is a type of horticulture that primarily uses circulated water with essential minerals, without using soil [Land]. Roots are submerged inside this mineral-rich water. which are essential for plant growth. This mineral-rich water is periodically circulated, and fresh supply of minerals are mixed in the water.

The nutrients can come from a variety of organic sources such as fish excrement, poultry farms' excrement, and duck manure.

In a Hydroponics system is grown in a greenhouse or in a well-planned agricultural environment. This system is ideal for growing Cucumbers, tomatoes, strawberries, peppers, lettuces, palak, cilantro, herbs, and other aquatic plants.

The construction of the system includes top-irrigation and sub-irrigation, reservoirs, the entire system is concealed to prevent algae or fungal growth when exposed to light.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Hydroponics:

Advantages of Hydroponics:

Below mentioned are few advantages of Hydroponics:

• Because the crop is grown in the nutrition rich water, which completely eliminates the need for soil.

• This method of farming notably reduces water consumption.

• Bugs and other issues related to pests can be reduced.

• Plants can grow anywhere

Disadvantages of Hydroponics:

Despite the advantages, Hydroponics has its own disadvantages, including:

• Hydroponics can be an expensive affair, the initial setting cost can be on the higher side.

• To keep the hydroponics system heavily depend on electricity.

• The nutrient rich solution requires constant monitoring and maintain free from any contamination.

• Plants might react negatively to nutrient deficiencies and diseases quicker compared to plants growing in soil.

What is Aeroponics?

Aeroponics is a method of growing plants in air or mist while spraying the nutrient rich solution directly to the roots without soil or an aggregated medium.

Plants are grown by suspending them in a closed or partially closed environment and the canopy is exposed above.

The roots are supported by a support structure, which is often closed. To create an environment free of pests and disease which helps plants grow healthier and faster. Aeroponics are ideal for growing fruiting and flowering plants.

While farming with sensitive root system, a hybrid method combining hydroponics and aeroponics are deployed. Which acts as a savior system with the backup of nutrients and water supply in case of aeroponics system failure. The nutrients to the roots are delivered using 20-50 micrometer mist heads using 80 pounds per sq in (550 kPa) diaphragm pump.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Aeroponics

Advantages of Aeroponics:

Here are some of the advantages of Aeroponics:

• Because the root gets its nutrients through mist directly, the need for soil is evaded.

• Aeroponics is generally a closed loop system, designed to provide micro and macro-environment apt for sustainability and reliability.

• Spraying nutrients directly to the root can minimise the losses, which otherwise may not be used completely, a large portion might remain in the soil

• Maintaining an aeroponic is easier and more reliable as compared to soil farming

• Aeroponics consumes the least amount of water as compared conventional methods.

Disadvantages of Aeroponics:

Aeroponics might be easier to set up and maintain however has its own disadvantages, including:

• Water-droplets size is crucial for the sustained growth of aeroponics plants

• Initial setup costs can be high - installing precision nozzles, pumps and construction of the airtight system, and an automated spray system - can be an expensive affair.

• The roots start to grow excessive root hair under-developing the lateral root system because tiny water droplets of ultrasonic mister are sprayed directly.

• The yield may not be as nutritious as compared to yield from plants grown in the soil

• Farming in Aeroponics cannot be done on a large scale like the conventional style of farming.

Final Words:

Agriculture farming is the primary source of food production, which requires large cultivatable land with fertile soil. however, the latest methods of farming require no land or soil for plant cultivation.

Hydroponics and Aeroponics are the alternative cultivation forms. Hydroponics uses water as the base for plants growth, where as in the aeroponics system plants are grown in the air.

These methods of farming can be done even on the terrace of your house. grow vegetables, few fruit baring plants, green leafy veggies. Conversely, this form of farming cannot be done on a large scale to meet the large demands. In the Hydroponics and Aeroponics methods, it is essential to maintain a regular supply of water regularly and essential nutrients.

The yield from the hydroponic and aeroponic methods might slightly vary in its quality as compared to conventional ways of farming. Installing the apparatus essential for the farming might turn out to be expensive. However, water irrigation in these forming methods are more effective, as compared to conventional farming.

It may not be a surprise if the advancements of these methods serve as the alternative to conventional farming methods. Due to its easier farming methods, hydroponics and aeroponics is gaining popularity among young budding farmers and especially among the IT professionals turning into farming.

FAQs:

Q. What is the difference between hydroponics and aeroponics?

A. Hydroponic system uses water with essential nutrients for plant's growth, where as in the aeroponics method, the roots grow in the air while the nutrients are supplied by spraying water directly to the roots through precision nozzles.

Q. I don't have large farming land can I practise Hydroponic or Aeroponic cultivation?

A. Yes indeed, One of the greatest advantages of these methods of farming is that these can be setup anywhere even in small areas.

Q. What are the alternative methods for conventional soil based farming?

A. Hydroponic and Aeroponic cultivation systems are the alternative forms for conventional soil cultivation.