The future of agriculture, or what is hydroponics and what are its benefits

Basic concepts of hydroponics

The essence of the technology is the creation of an artificial environment that excludes the use of soil as such. The roots of plants (exactly the roots, not the stem, otherwise the plant will simply rot) are immersed in a moisture-consuming environment, from where they extract the necessary components. The environment is periodically saturated with nutrient solutions rich in mineral salts. As a result, the harvest ripens faster than with the traditional method, and the yield is higher.

The method is universal, with its help it is possible to grow various herbs and agricultural crops, with the exception of those that are harmful to excessive moisture - potatoes, carrots, beets and other root crops.

A hydroponic installation looks like this:

1. A container of a suitable size is selected, which is filled with a nutrient solution.
2. The container is covered with a grate (a sheet of foam with holes will come off).
3. The grate is sprinkled with a layer of substrate in which the seeds are placed. In this role, peat, moss, coconut fiber or expanded clay are often used. When using foam, there is no need in the bulk layer, the seedlings pass the roots through the holes to the water itself.
4. To activate the process, the substrate is abundantly moistened with plain water or nutrient solution.
5. As the crop grows, the roots lengthen, sinking lower and lower, sinking deeper into the nutrient fluid. The tops are formed above the lattice (foam), forming neat fresh shrubs.

Video "Features of hydroponic growing method"

In this video, you will learn about the features of a hydroponic growing method.

Solution concentration

The yield of the cultivated crop depends on the nutrient concentration. It varies for different plants, the main requirement is to maintain the volume constantly at the required level (this is achieved by adding water). Water is required soft, for which it is either defended or filtered. The solution should be changed every three months.

When purchasing a nutrient solution from a well-known manufacturer in a store, the concentration is selected according to the attached instructions. Deviations are possible:

• for insectivorous crops it is reduced by 3-4 times;
• if the plant grows quickly, it is increased by one and a half times;
• annual vegetable crops need a concentration that exceeds the norm by 1.25 times;
• if it gets colder, the concentration is reduced by 2–3 times, while simultaneously reducing the level of nutrient fluid.

Solution acidity

When using a bulk substrate, the acidity of the impregnating solution should be minimal. This will protect the environment from the appearance of fungal bacteria and harmful microorganisms.

Here is a table of the optimal values ​​of the acidity of the nutrient solution for different crops.

As can be seen from the table, for the bulk of plants, it is sufficient to adhere to acidity at pH 6.5, although there are exceptions.

The history of the method

For the first time, the idea of ​​growing plants without soil by artificially supplying food and moisture to them began in Holland in the 17th century. Experimentally, over the next two centuries, scientists managed to develop the basic techniques and techniques, and already in 1856, German botanists managed to obtain the first samples of full-fledged plants from seeds at the Leipzig-Mackern Experimental Station, using only an aqueous nutrient medium.

Over time, the technique has been improved. Modern hydroponic crop production began in 1860. The very same term "hydroponics" (hydroponics) was proposed in 1929 by the American phytophysiologist William Guericke.

In Russia, the corresponding experiments were carried out by well-known scientists K. A. Timiryazev and D. N. Pryanishnikov. It was in Russia in the late 1930s that they learned to grow the first vegetables by the hydroponic method, putting this into practice to provide the polar stations in Antarctica with vegetables.

The main advantages and disadvantages of the method

Like any new technique, hydroponics has advantages and disadvantages.

The lack of awareness among the population should also be mentioned. Ignorant people mistakenly believe that hydroponics is a "non-natural method" and that the plants grown with its help are supposed to be harmful to health.

Popular hydroponic systems

Hydroponics has seen a number of innovations in recent years. The difference in methods allows farmers to select options in accordance with the existing conditions. For example, there are installations based on the use of a substrate; in other methods, intermediate layers were completely abandoned, forcing the root system of plants literally hanging in the air.

Even mandatory watering is carried out in different installations in different ways. There are three options:

1. Active. The nutrient solution is supplied by pumps.
2. Passive. The solution is delivered using the capillary effect.
3. Combined. Both principles are involved.This technique is gradually becoming common.

Let's consider the basic principles of operation of various hydroponic systems.

Wick

Water is supplied in a passive way, a system of wicks saturates the solution, which gradually permeates the substrate. The following are used as a neutral filler:

• perlite;
• vermiculite;
• coconut fiber.

With the help of the installation, it is possible to grow only slow-growing crops that are undemanding to moisture, since the throughput of the filter system is low. On small farms, it is used, for example, for the cultivation of decorative flowers.

Floating platform

Instead of a substrate - a foam base, dipped in a bath with a nutrient solution. The cultivated crops are in special holes, the roots descend into the solution. Oxygenation is carried out by an active method.

It is used for growing moisture-loving plants. It does not require special knowledge, therefore it is suitable even for novice farmers.

Periodic flooding

From time to time, a nutrient composition is pumped into containers containing plant roots with the help of a pump. Then, according to the timer, it is drained into a special storage container.

The process is automated. The timer adjusts to the growing plant. As a result, it is possible to achieve the microclimate (temperature and humidity) required in each case.

Nutrient layer

The method is based on the constant circulation of the nutrient layer located at the bottom of the plant bath. Not the entire root system is immersed in the solution, but only the tips of the roots. The crops grown are in special fixed pots with slots; no substrate is required. Air comes from the environment through the part of the roots hanging in the air.

Installation is electrical. With long-term failures, circulation is interrupted, the roots dry out and the culture dies.

Drip irrigation

Based on the use of a substrate, which can be coconut fiber, expanded clay or perlite, as well as:

• stones, rubble;
• mineral wool;
• granular basalt.

The crops grown are either placed in a single bath or in insulated pots. The nutrient fluid is pumped through tubes to each plant. As in the previous case, the installation is volatile - if the food is lost, the consequences will be sad for the plants.

Aeroponics

The roots are constantly watered with a large amount of solution. The air around is saturated with vapors, which do not allow the root system to dry out. The irrigation system is activated by a timer. The system is of great benefit in countries with hot climates.

How to assemble a hydroponic plant with your own hands

There is nothing difficult here. For the construction of the simplest structure you will need:

• plastic pallet;
• a lattice that is placed on top;
• substrate.

You can install it in a city apartment (on a balcony or windowsill) or in a separate greenhouse in the country.

Next, we will explain how to build a more efficient capillary-based plant with minimal automation. We will take the widespread PVC sewer pipes as a basis.

Required tools and fixtures

For work you will need:

• pipe 140 cm long and 10 cm in diameter;
• a pair of pipe plugs, connector;
• linear sprayer;
• connecting pipes with non-return valves;
• compressor for an aquarium;
• pots with a diameter of 10 cm for plants and lamps.

Choosing pots

Plastic pots used for growing indoor flowers will do. Others will work as well, but be aware that there will be many holes to be drilled in them. Ceramic, for example, are not suitable for this reason.

The best option is special pots with a built-in self-irrigation system, combined into a system to redistribute moisture.

Installing lamps

There is a wide selection on the market, but not all models are suitable for our purpose. Let's analyze the most commonly used lamps in everyday life:

1. Incandescent. Cheap, but give an unsuitable spectrum of radiation. They consume a lot of energy, generate excess heat.
2. Luminescent. Expensive, but economical, almost do not heat the air, moreover, blue light is favorable for plant growth.
3. LED. Dear ones, but they serve for a long time, they do not get warm, they emit light of a suitable spectrum.
4. Sodium. They are often used for growing plants. Dear ones, you need additional equipment.
5. Plasma. Too expensive.

A bracket with lamps is attached above the landing panel. The distance is adjusted depending on the expected height of the crops grown. An electric wire is supplied to the lamps, an automatic system of periodic switching on and off is organized, synchronized with irrigation of the roots with a nutrient solution.

Preparing the soil and solution

The filler for the substrate is selected for certain crops. Most sought after in hydroponics:

• gravel and expanded clay;
• sphagnum moss;
• coconut flakes;
• mineral wool;
• vermiculite and perlite.

First, you need to determine the acidity of the water used to create the nutrient solution. Further, with the help of special preparations, the acidity is increased or decreased, bringing it to the required level (see the table above).

It is important to keep the solution temperature within the required range (18–24 ° C).

Basic rules for growing plants

The cleaned and prepared plants are placed in the plant, the roots are straightened. Fall asleep the substrate. Water is poured into a container with a substrate to the required level.

The roots may not even touch the solution at first, when watering the substrate, the nutrient composition will reach them through the capillaries, and then the roots will grow by themselves.

The rules of care are as follows:

1. The solution is changed 3-4 times a year, getting rid of excess minerals.
2. The plant is trimmed, getting rid of dead fragments.
3. Temperature and humidity are closely monitored.
4. They carry out pest prevention.

Recently, hydroponic systems have become more efficient and cheaper. This is an excellent choice for those who care about the environment, ecology and health - their own and those of loved ones.