Basic Knowledge in Agriculture #28

It is a think of joy that nature as made us cross paths again. Therefore, welcome to my blog as we will be considering an essential aspect of life "Agriculture" yes! Agriculture is an essential aspect of life since other sectors depend directly or indirectly on it. Today, I will be exposing the concept "Hydroponics and I will be treating it under the following headings

Before, we dive into our business of the day, permit me to acknowledge the fact that Agriculture has evolved beyond the traditional method which made use of crude tools and facilities into innovative and structured methods where crop production is no longer left in the hands of Nature (soil) but sophisticated tools and machines.

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One of such methods making waves in the agricultural sector is hydrophonics. A technique that allows crops to grow in water-based, Nutrient-rich solution without the use of soil. In an era noted for rapid increase in population growth, rapid climate change and shrinking arable land, hydrophonics stands out to be Savior and alternative to feed the draining world.

Hydroponics is an interesting and innovative way of growing plants using a conditioned solution instead of soil. This solution is always supplied with the essential nutrients needed by plants for survival. In this method of crop cultivation, the plant root is either soaked in the water or variably suspended in an inert atmosphere such as a perlite or coconut coir. This method is unique and highly essential as the plants get their nutrients directly and rapidly thus, enhancing their growth.

The benefits of Hydroponics are such that even a deaf can hear and a blind can see irrespective of their impairments. They include though not limited to the following;

Water Efficiency: Hydroponics conserves water when compared to normal traditional method where water is used by even the unwanted plants and a greater percentage sink into the earth atmosphere. Here in hydroponics, such wastages are avoided as the water remains just for the plants usage and no other third party except as determined by the agriculturalists.

Space Efficiency: This is evidence in regions of limited space. Especially in urban areas where there's no enough land. Here, one could practice hydroponics by growing plants in cultured solution within his house. Plant can be grow. Vertically or in compact indoor systems as such maximizing limited space.

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Faster growth and Higher yields: as a result of optimal and sufficient nutrients supply to the water,the plants grows quicker than it would have grown in the normal soil thus leading to a higher yield as chemicals that favours plants yield could be added directly to the plant's roots.

Fewer Chemicals Usage: In traditional agriculture where plant are grown with weed and other unwanted plants, there is always a wastage of chemicals as the targeted plants in most cases hardly struggle and get enough chemicals for survival. This issue is reduced in hydroponics as the chemicals are been added directly to the root of plants

Year-round Production: One of the most important benefits of hydroponics is the fact that plants can be grown all year round without taking into consideration the plant's seasons. All what is required is the supplying of essential nutrients.

Planting of crops without soil though being a newly developed method of agriculture, it is gaining great traction as the day passes by. This can be seen as it's Application and uses can be seen in different areas of life including;

Urban Agriculture: As stated earlier, cities and places with low farmland adopts this method and uses their rooftop, frontage or backyard to produce crops and vegetables though in a minimal quantity depending on how big their space is.

Commercial Greenhouse: crops such as tomatoes, lettuce, herbs, cucumber and strawberry can be produced in large scale fir profit making using hydroponics.

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Home Gardening: This is seen when individuals set little hydroponic farm in their kitchen or balcony for the purpose of gardening and personal use.

Research and Education: this made me to remember my first experience with hydroponics. It was when my agricultural teacher took us to the school hydroponics garden that was constructed and managed my a research student of University of Uyo, Nigeria. With this, hydroponics can be used for education and research as revealed in my illustration.

Disaster and remote area farming: imagine how regions of poor soil fertility would manage to grow their crops. Also, how essential crops would be lacking as a result of seasonal factors. Here hydroponics comes in to remedy and salvage the situation.

Let me end by acknowledging that hydroponics as an agricultural method posses certain limitations such as;

Being highly expensive to practice,
Requiring special training and man labour,
Production in large quantities are done by wealthy people etc

However, despite these limitations, it's benefits triumphs. At this point I invites @alexanderpeace, @basil20 and @spektro223 and @nsijoro to join the contest.