Applications Of Hydroponic Systems

Although growing plants hydroponically is a popular hobby

, it has several applications. Various sectors of society benefit from this technology. These include rural communities and businesses.

The efficiency in terms of nutrient absorption by plants is excellent when it comes to hydroponic systems. The dissolved mineral salts can directly be supplied to the root systems of the plants. This allows the plants to spend less energy in growing long roots. The energy is then directed in producing healthier leaves, flowers and fruits.

Very minimal amount of water and nutrients are lost in the process because they can easily be contained and circulated within the system. The space needed for culturing plants is also optimized. These basic advantages make it possible for hydroponic systems to have wide range of commercial applications.

Benefiting various sectors

The use of hydroponic technology has a broad range of application well beyond mere personal hobby. In some isolated communities, for instance, this technology is the only viable option for growing domestic produce. Grains, fruits and vegetables do not easily grow in areas that have low rainfall or in areas that do not have fertile soil. Hydroponic provides the more efficient alternative means of growing crops for communities located in drought-stricken areas and in areas that do not have sufficiently fertile soil.

Different business sectors also benefit from hydroponic technology because of the relatively low cost set up compared to traditional soil-based plant cultivation. This technology is commercially applied in horticulture, cut flower industry and pharmaceutical industry. Many fast food companies and airline companies also use this technology to produce the food that they serve to customers.

The crops that can be cultivated using the soil-less technology of hydroponics are oftentimes superior compared to those produced through traditional means. The main reason for this is the efficient way that plants absorb the nutrients. Insect pests, parasites and microscopic plant pathogens are also easier to control by eliminating the use of soil as the growth medium.

Basic types

The practical applications of hydroponic technology will not be possible without the various techniques and hardware that are involved. The technology is mainly distinguished because of the elimination of soil as the growth medium.

Hydroponic technology can be classified into at least four different subcategories depending on the techniques and hardware involved.

The first type is called aquaculture, which is also known as nutriculture and water culture. The system simply involves the immersion of plant roots in nutrient-rich water solution

Aggregate culture is the second type of hydroponic system that involves the use of alternative growth media. These growth media are porous and relatively inert compared to soil. Some examples of aggregate media include sand, gravel, pumice, rock wool, wood fiber, brick shards, and expanded clay.

Continuous flow system is the third type of hydroponic system, which is most commonly used in commercial or large-scale production. As the name implies, this system involves the continuous flow of nutrients directly over the root systems. This is the most efficient means because the nutrient solution can be contained and circulated in the system for several cycles.

Finally, the aeroponics system is commonly used in nurseries and horticultural propagation of orchids. The system involved the application of nutrient-rich water mist on the root systems of hanging plants.

by: Johnathon F Black

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