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A Beginner’s Guide to Hydroponics: A look at what hydroponic farming is, how it’s done, and why farmers are making the switch
April 17, 2024
When you think of farming, what do you think of? Dairy and produce farming are among the most common in Lancaster County, but many other types of farms help feed us, and their techniques are sometimes different than our local experience of farming. Hydroponics is an increasingly popular type of agriculture, but what exactly is it, and why do people do it?
What Is Hydroponics?
Hydroponics is the "technique of growing plants using a water-based nutrient solution rather than soil." These techniques allow the grower total control over environmental conditions like pH balance and nutrient exposure—hydroponics provides plants with precisely what they need at the right time. Growers use various kinds of hydroponic systems, some of which include wick, drip, and nutrient film systems.
The wick system is the simplest hydroponics technique, so it's perfect for beginners. Plants are stacked on top of a closed tub full of nutrient solution, and a wick is run from the solution to the plant roots. This system works best for low-maintenance plants like herbs or leafy vegetables.
The drip system is the most common hydroponic technique. Small emitters like tubes drip the nutrient solution directly into the plant's soil. Because it is an active hydroponic system, growers must use a pump to secrete the liquid when necessary. This system was developed to improve water efficiency in areas that regularly use irrigation, as only the amount of water needed is administered.
Nutrient film hydroponic systems provide a continuous supply of nutrients to plants. Unlike the wick system, which draws the solution into the roots, the nutrient film system pumps the solution downwards into a tray containing the plants. This tray sits on an incline, so the solution flows over the roots. Once the liquid reaches the end of the tray, it is drained through a tube back into the nutrient solution tub, continuing the cycle. This technique is best for small, short-term crops like microgreens.
The Pros and Cons of Hydroponics
Farmers choose hydroponics for a variety of reasons when growing produce:
- These techniques do not require pesticides since the plants are grown indoors.
- Hydroponics uses less water than other forms of farming since it recycles water - making hydroponic techniques best for areas that face frequent water shortages.
- Hydroponics saves farmers time, as these systems do not require weeding, tilling, watering, or fumigating.
So, if hydroponics is so great, why doesn't everyone do it?
Unfortunately, these systems are expensive to set up. Often, these systems require water treatment plants, nutrient tanks, sufficient lighting, plumbing systems, and more. Secondly, these techniques rely heavily on electricity, so power outages or system failures are especially detrimental. While plants grown this way are no longer susceptible to soil-borne diseases, they are susceptible to waterborne diseases, and the continuous circulation of water through the system puts plants at higher risk of contraction. As a result, hydroponic farmers must be especially vigilant. Plants grown in these systems require high-level maintenance and monitoring. In addition, soil might be a better choice in areas that don't require extensive irrigation, like Lancaster.
Hydroponics in the Home
So, if hydroponics works well for small crops and does not require soil, can it be used in a house?
Yes! Hydroponic solutions are the perfect option for those who want their gardens indoors, wish to grow herbs and vegetables throughout the winter season, and lack adequate gardening space outdoors. If you want to start your own hydroponic garden, check out this guide from the University of Minnesota Extension! As mentioned before, these systems can be challenging to manage, so a decent setup is crucial to a successful garden.
Agriculture is a science that is constantly evolving, and farmers are always adapting to feed our communities. Hydroponic systems are one-way farmers can yield crops in any season while saving water and time. Check out the references below to learn more about these techniques and practices. If you're planning on starting your own hydroponic garden, we wish you the best of luck!
References:
https://www.nal.usda.gov/farms-and-agricultural-production-systems/hydroponics
https://www.madgetech.com/posts/blogs/top-5-methods-for-hydroponic-growing/
https://www.trees.com/gardening-and-landscaping/hydroponic-wick-systems