What is Hydroponics Farming?

Hydroponics farming is the practice of growing plants without soil. Plants can thrive with just water as a growing medium as long as the proper nutrients are introduced to the water supply. There are advantages and disadvantages to hydroponic farming and gardening, but years of research have led to modern techniques and successful applications.

History

Scientists seized on hydroponics as early as 1627, when Frances Bacon published a book on growing terrestrial plants without soil. Two hundred years and thousands of experiments later, "solution culture," more commonly known as hydroponics, is still used in research labs worldwide. The application moved to farming in 1929 when William Gericke of California began suggesting solution culture as an option for farmers. He grew 25-feet high tomato vines in his backyard and eventually wrote a book, "The Complete Guide to Soiless Gardening." Gericke valso coined the term "hydroponics."

Advantages

There are several advantages to hydroponic gardening. The water gets recirculated and cleaned so the plant uses less water, thereby reducing water costs and toxic water chemicals. Gardeners have complete control over nutrition levels, helping to ensure healthy and productive plants with high yields. Pests are more easily controlled because containers can be moved and the product is easier to harvest from the plant. An added benefit is the application of hydroponics in regions where soil is scarce or of poor quality.

Disadvantages

The main disadvantage of hydroponics is that different plants require different hydroponic units to thrive. Different nutrients are required as well as different moisture levels. The high moisture levels that sometimes result from hydroponics can cause wilting and pathogen attacks because of over-watering. If the hydroponic unit fails, the plants die rapidly, because there isn't any soil to help protect the roots.