How Important is Hydroponics in Indoor Agriculture!
Ⅰ. The prominent position of basic hydroponics in indoor agriculture
Hydroponics plays an important role when doing indoor farming. What is hydroponics? How important is it in indoor farming?
Basically, in hydroponics, plants are grown in water with the help of other nutrient-rich solutions. In normal agriculture, soil is an important part of crop growth. While hydroponics does not require soil, the root system is supported with the help of clay particles, vermiculite, rock wool, peat moss, and fertile. The main function of basic hydroponics is to let the roots of the plants directly contact the nutrient solution, and at the same time, make the roots of the plants have enough oxygen to help the plants to develop normally.
Ⅱ. Positive aspects of hydroponic system
Implementing hydroponics in indoor farming has several benefits:
1. Notice that the plants grow very fast during hydroponics. If you set up the plants correctly, the plants are likely to grow at a faster rate and at a high scale of production compared to plants grown with the help of soil.
2. Plants can easily get a lot of nutrients. As a result, t he plants will grow faster. The best thing about the automatic hydroponic system is that a small root system will help the plant get nutrients, which will further help the roots grow upstairs rather than downstairs.
3. Soil-based plants need more water. Conversely, plants in a small hydroponic grow box will receive a balanced nutrient solution and will use less water. Most importantly, the hydroponic system is suitable for all types of environments.
Ⅲ. Ingredients mixed in basic hydroponics agriculture
Hydroponic farming uses two types of nutrients. Major nutrients include magnesium, potassium, and nitrogen. Secondary nutrients include sulfur, calcium and phosphorus. You can choose to make the nutrient solution at home or buy ready-to-use nutrient solution from your local store. Some other micronutrients like copper, boron, zinc, manganese and iron are also used in the nutrient solution to make it more effective.
Some helpful hints about the hydroponic system:
1. Always keep the water temperature in the water tank stable, it should be between 65 and 75 degrees. The water temperature can be maintained with the help of a chiller or water heater.
2. If you notice that your plants look unhealthy, then you should check the pH and adjust accordingly.
3. The nutrient solution in the reservoir must be replaced every two weeks.
4. In order to maintain the oxygenation of the nutrient solution and the normal circulation of oxygen, an air pump with an air stone should be used and properly connected to the hose.
5. After completing the growth cycle, it is necessary to clean, disinfect and rinse the entire hydroponic system. Also, you should make sure to empty the tank by removing debris before running the system for nearly a day.
6. Whether you buy the solution from a store or make it at your own location, store the solution in a food-grade container out of sunlight and at room temperature.
7. You will know if you are using the right amount of solution by looking at the leaves. If your plants receive a lot of the solution, the leaves will turn brown in color. If the plant receives less of the solution, the leaves will turn yellow in color.
8. You can grow all types of vegetables in hydroponic farming. However, vegetables such as strawberries, cucumbers, leafy greens and peppers grow best in a hydroponic system.