What is Hydroponics ?

Hydroponics is commonly known as the cultivation of plants in water. Hydroponics is a technique for growing plants without using soil. This technology has plant roots absorb a balanced nutrient solution dissolved in water that meets the requirements of the plants. Hydroponics can be either open system or closed system. in an open system the nutrient solution is mixed and applied to the plant as required instead of being recycled whereas in the closed system the nutrient solution is circulated continuously providing nutrients that are required for the growth of the plant. An example of this practise is Mama’s Green Garden which has used hydroponics to produce lettuce in Trinidad & Tobago for over a decade, producing over 40 000 heads of lettuce monthly.

Advantages of Hydroponics

• Hydroponics allows crops to be cultivated throughout the year which also helps meet market demand more effectively.
• The system is controlled, reducing the risk of eutrophication since no nutrient rich water is released externally .
• Water is the only substrate needed thus no soil is needed and soil-borne fungal pests and diseases are eliminated
• Crops are grown in a controlled environment and produce is cleaner
• fresher and healthier.

Disadvantages of Hydroponics

• Hydroponics have high startup costs if it's done on a commercial scale.
• Practicing hydroponics on a commercial scale requires technical knowledge as well as certain skills.
• There is a need for care and attention to detail in the preparation of formulas and in plant health control.
• How constant supply of water is required to not disrupt the growth of the
• plants.