Develop a Hydroponic system

 Introduction 1.0

Hydroponics is a technique of growing plants in nutrient solutions with or without the use of an inert medium such as gravel, vermiculite, rockwool, peat moss, saw dust, coir dust, coconut fibre, etc. to provide mechanical support. Hydroponic means a Greek word that hydro means water and ponos means labor and water work.  Professor William Gerocke coined the first hydroponic in 1930. At Purudue University developed Nutri culture in 1940 and between 1960 and 1970 commercial hydroponic systems were developed in Arizona, Abu dhabi, Belgium. 

Due to urbanization and industrialization, conventional farming methods were not enough and made a wide negative impact. To feed the increasing population sustainably modifications on growth mediums were tried out. Agriculture without soil includes hydro agriculture (Hydroponics), aqua agriculture (Aquaponics) and aerobic agriculture (Aeroponics) as well as substrate culture. Among this hydroponics, techniques is gaining popularity because of its efficient management of resources and food production.

Structures and  2.0 

Hydroponic systems are customized and categorized according to the recycling and reuse of nutrient solutions and supporting media.  There are different types of hydroponics systems that are used in agriculture. (Fig 1) . for instance, wick system, ebb and flow system, deep water culture, and nutrient film techniques (NFT) are predominant

Wick system 2.1 

This is a simple hydroponic system that doesn’t need electricity, pump and aeration. Coco coir, vermiculite, perlite with nylon wick are used as an absorbent medium. Water and nutrient are absorbed to the plant by capillary action.  This system is ideal for small plants like herbs and spices. The high amount of water requiring plants cannot be grown in this system.

Ebb and flow system 2.2 

I work under the principle of flood and drain. Nutrient solution and water is flooded from the reservoir to the grow beds by water pump until it reaches a certain level and stay there for certain period of time so that it provide nutrients and moisture to plants.  Different kind of crop can be grown even so root rot, algae and mould is very common. To overcome these issues here filtration unit should be installed. 

Drip system 2.3

Both home and commercially used methods in the world. Water or nutrient is supplied to each and individual plant root in the appropriate portion with the help of the pump. Different crops can be grown systematically with more conservation of water. 

The deep-water culture system 2.4

The roots of the plants are submerged in the nutrient medium and the air is provided directly to the roots by air stone. Ex. Hydroponic bucket system. Plants are kept in net plots and roots are allowed to come out from the pots and sink in the nutrient medium.  Oxygen concentration, salinity, and pH should be monitored constantly. Cucumbers and tomatoes can be grown under this system and are ideal for large plants. Algae can be grown in this system.  

Nutrient film technique system (NFT) 2.5

This system was introduced by Dr. Alen Cooper in the 1960s in England in order to overcome the shortcomings of the ebb and flow system.  In this system, water is entered into a growth tray via a water pump without time control.  The system is quite slanted hence nutrient solutions runs through the root and again come back to the reservoir. Root have a tendency to infect with fungal disease because roots are always immersed in water. Leafy green plants can be grown and widely used for lettuce. 

Method and material for deep water circulation hydroponic system 3.0

• Storage container or bucket

• Net pots

• Air pump with air stone

• Hard Water Liquid Nutrients (A & B)

• pH Down

Find a suitable container for the system. 3.1

A deep storage bucket should be found and should not be transparent unless algae can grow. Container should  shave at least 55L capacity 

Drill holes into the lid of the container 3.2

Drill the holes into the lid of the container where the plants are sit. Size of the holes should not be larger than the net pots or else net pots will fall into the container.  Drill multiple holes in the lid of the container. Maintain an even distance with each hole. 

Set up the air pump 3.3

The air pump should be kept outside of the reservoir. Make sure to check values and that pump doesn’t suck water back. Connect the air stone and check the value. Check the value of air pump and air stone in the same manner. 

Fill the reservoir and add nutrient 3.4

Add hydroponic nutrients to the water and mingle it according to the amount and guidelines are given. It is highly important to maintain a good pH value (normally 6.5-7.5)

Assemble the system 3.5

Plug the water pump and operate it. The lid of the reservoir should be closed. Place the plants in rockwool and place them in net pots. Next net pots can be inserted into the holes of the lid. Rockwool plugs or hydroton clay pellets are a cleaner solution

Advantages and disadvantages of Hydroponic system 4.0

This system has become popular in the world because there is no chance of getting soil-born diseases, insects or pest pathogens. No need of using pesticides and will not make fruits toxic. Besides, the crop growth rate is high in this method rather than growing in the field. Other than that, crops can be protected from severe environmental conditions. The plant is faster as there is no mechanical hindrance to the roots and the entire nutrient is readily available for plants. Commercial hydroponic systems can be automated, and it will assist in reducing labor costs, the time required to maintain and other agricultural practices.  Hydroponics saves a large amount of water as well. ed easily while weed is practically non-existent. Higher yields can be obtained since the number of plants per unit is higher compared to conventional agriculture. 

There are some limitations as well. It requires higher technical knowledge and an initial cost. It shares the same nutrient with the system so water-borne diseases can be spread from one plant to another plant. Hot weather and limited oxygen are other handicaps. pH vale, EC, and concentration should be monitored and maintained precisely. Light and energy required to run the system and operate it    

Conclusion 5.0

Over the past year, hydroponic systems have become very popular as a strategy to grow different crops.  It is possible to grow short-duration crops like vegetables under low labor and in a limited area without soil. Most countries are encouraged to move with hydroponic systems since many advantages of it. But it is important to develop a low-cost hydroponic system that anyone can afford. With that contribution to sustainable agriculture can be increased. Thus, hydroponics are useful to agriculture.