Context
Due to consumer preferences, Hydroponic Farming has emerged as, at the forefront of an agricultural transformation.
About
- The Hydroponic System is a system of growing plants without soil, often called soilless farming. In this system, the plant roots grow in a liquid nutrient solution or in the wet inert substances like Rockwool and Vermiculite.
- The liquid nutrient solution is a combination of crucial plant nutrients in the water.
- The plant roots are suspended either within the static liquid solution or in a constantly flowing nutrient mixture.
Suitable Regions for Hydroponic Farming
- Areas with Limited Water Supply: Hydroponics significantly reduces water utilization, making it best for drought-susceptible areas.
- Rocky Regions: In places in which the terrain is flawed for soil-based agriculture, hydroponics gives a practical alternative.
- Low Soil Fertility Areas: Hydroponics bypasses the want for fertile soil, allowing cultivation in regions with terrible soil quality.
- Demand-Driven Areas: Regions with a high demand for sparkling merchandise are best for hydroponic farms, catering to fitness-conscious purchasers in urban and semi-urban locales.
The Edge with Hydroponic Farming
- Higher Yields: The performance and managed environment of hydroponic systems result in substantially higher crop yields.
- Resource Efficiency: The recycling of water and vitamins considerably cuts down on enter fees and environmental impact.
- Labour and Maintenance Savings: The absence of weeding and traditional cultivation reduces labor requirements and costs.
- Pest and Disease Reduction: By casting off soil, hydroponics reduces the threat of soil-borne diseases and pests.
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Mains Practice Question
Q.What are the key features that distinguish hydroponic system from traditional agriculture? What challenges do hydroponic systems face?
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