9 Benefits to Grow Without Soil with Hydroponic Farming
Every grower dreams of a bumper harvest at the end of a crop season. But the result, typically in traditional, soil-based farming, depends on various factors that are beyond our control. Weather changes, quality of soil, fluctuating temperature, weed attack, and the side-effects of pesticides and other chemicals can impact the overall harvest. But all these factors can be controlled in hydroponic farming, and the growers can have a lot more control over the growth of their crops. This is the reason why hydroponic farming is gaining popularity amongst professional and passionate growers. The benefits of hydroponics easily outshine soil-based farming, and the very fact that important factors like nutrients, temperature, light, airflow, and the overall environment can be controlled in this space-efficient technique has made it extremely popular as a farming method.
Not to forget, growing plants without soil also makes the process neater, less time, and energy-consuming, and the crops can be grown all year round. The crop you harvest is more organic, pesticide-free and healthier than what you get in soil-based farming. It is interesting to know that hydroponic systems can be designed and set up in limited space – indoor or outdoor – and they provide just as much produce.
But the benefits are not limited to having a bumper harvest. There are several other advantages of hydroponics that are worth knowing.
Water efficiency
One of the biggest advantages of hydroponic growing is that hydroponic systems are highly water efficient. Unlike in soil-based farming, where the water provided to the plants gets consumed by the soil, hydroponic setups recycle the same water over and over again. This nutrient-rich water is collected in the reservoir, pumped to the roots, and collected back into the reservoir. This process continues till the water is completely consumed by the roots.
No weeding required
The amount of time and energy farmers use in weeding out unwanted growth in traditional farming takes a toll on their overall productivity. It’s a back-breaking exercise that farmers have to go through during every crop cycle. Since there are no seeds in the growing medium in hydroponic systems, there are no weeds either. This is why hydroponic farming is a lot easier.
Organic and pesticide-free crop
Since there are no weeds, you don’t need to use any pesticides or other chemicals to enhance plant growth. The roots are soaked in nutrient-rich water, and they get all their required nutrients directly from that solution, making them healthier.
No need to safeguard the crop from pests and other animals
Since hydroponic systems are set up either indoors or in closed barricades, there is almost no possibility of the crop being attacked by pests or other animals. Crops grown in open fields in soil-based farming are prone to attacks from birds, squirrels, hedgehogs, and deer, etc., that can destroy one entire season of hard work in just a few minutes.
Quick harvest time
Since hydroponic farming is done in a controlled environment, the growers don’t have to wait for the harvest season or the restoration period. Crops can be sown immediately after harvesting. This is yet another significant advantage of hydroponics over soil farming.
Provide just the right kind of nutrient to plants
Growing hydroponically has several benefits, and one of them is that through this technique, the plants can be provided with just the right kind of nutrients they need. Since the roots are soaked in a balanced nutrient water solution, the plants get all that is required to grow well. You can create the right mix of nutrient solution that is best suited for a particular kind of plant. So, depending upon the plants you grow, you can change the nutrients and harvest a healthy crop.
Design advantage
Hydroponic systems can be designed ergonomically and in a way that suits you. This way, you don’t have to physically toil during planting, transplanting, or harvesting. Unlike soil-based growing, where all these things have to be done on the ground, it requires a lot of physical labor. This can be avoided by designing the hydroponic setup smartly.
Provides the freedom to grow anywhere
Space is never an issue with hydroponic farming, which is yet another benefit of hydroponics. You can grow indoor or outdoor, and even if you have a limited amount of space, vertical hydroponic systems can be designed to maximize the crop. Most commercial hydroponic farmers utilize spaces closer to their distribution centers so that they don’t have to spend a lot on transportation.
Round the year growing
As the environment can be controlled using grow lights, temperature controlling tools, etc., hydroponic systems allow you to grow any crop any time of the year. This way, you can have a growing season round the year. It is especially beneficial for commercial growers who don’t have to wait for the right season to grow a particular crop.
Hydroponic gardening isn’t new, but it has never been so beneficial to farmers. Through this amazing technique, growers can maximize their crops in minimum space and labor. The ability to grow any crop any time of the year has revolutionized the way farming is seen across the world. Even for small-time growers, or those who like to do this for passion, hydroponic setup brings along several benefits. All you need is the right knowledge and appropriate hydroponic supplies to create your garden and enjoy a healthy, organic, and bountiful harvest.
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