Hydroponic is derived from Greek words hydro which means water and ponics which mean labor. The concept of soil-less gardening has been in existence since thousands of years ago. Traces of evidence are apparent in the Floating Gardens of China and the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.
In 1950s, the first experiment with soil-less gardening began. Many countries followed suit since then.
The concept is to cultivate plants more quickly than the conventional approach which requires the use of soil.
In hydroponics gardening, the yields are even greater because the extra oxygen in the growing mediums help stimulate root growth, which in turn, helps absorb nutrients more quickly. Photo Credit to Bekathwia's photostream Flicker
The nutrients are supplied to the plant roots directly several times a day through a water solution. Moreover, the plants use less energy to find and break down food, thereby, using the saved energy to growth and fruit production instead.
Unlike the conventional gardening, soil-less gardening is not bombarded with bug infestation, diseases and fungus infection.
To start with this innovative gardening, growing mediums are required for the purpose of aeration and support for the root system. It is also where the nutrient solution is channeled through.
The growing mediums used vary. There is a hydroton or expanded shale which is fast-draining and works pretty well in an ebb and flow type of system.
Being light expanded clay aggregate, the hydropton allows adequate amount of oxygen to reach the root system. The expanded shale however, is a rock that has the tendency to break down.
There is also a horticultural grade of rockwool derived from volcanic rock and limestone and which is pressed into the growing blocks or cubes.
Other common growing mediums include perlite, different grades of sand, and vermiculite. These mediums are stable and rarely affect the pH level of the nutrient solution.
The ideal pH level of nutrient solution is within the range of 5.8 to 6.8. The optimal level considered is 6.3. In soil-less gardening, it is important that the appropriate pH level is maintained. Too high or too low of this level will result in undesirable effect including nutrient deficiencies.Moving forward, the nutrients used apply the same principle in conventional fertilizers. The nutrient solutions prepared in contain all elements normal plants require for growth.
The benefits on the environment.
It uses less water than does soil gardening because of the recyclable nutrient solution. Hence too, fewer pesticides are applied on the crops. Further, because it does not use soil, it does not cause soil erosion.
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