{"id":125,"date":"2021-07-20T00:58:42","date_gmt":"2021-07-20T00:58:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lighthousehydroponics.com\/?page_id=125"},"modified":"2021-10-26T11:38:08","modified_gmt":"2021-10-26T11:38:08","slug":"benefits-of-hydroponics","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/lighthousehydroponics.com\/benefits-of-hydroponics\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Surprising Benefits of Hydroponics"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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The Challenge In Traditional Farming<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Before looking deep into the benefits of hydroponics over soil gardening and farming, let’s take a look at the challenges of the traditional ground farming methods.<\/p>

People have learned how to plant thousands of years ago. Throughout the centuries, traditional farming has helped people have food on their tables. But with the increasing global population, the demand for crops has skyrocketed for the past decades. <\/span><\/p>

Here is the thing. Traditional farming has encountered many challenges despite the creation of modern and innovative techniques. Climate change is one of the never-ending problems that farmers face up to this day. Studies have shown that the intensity of extreme weather, constant changes in temperature, and atmospheric carbon dioxide have significant impacts on yields. <\/span><\/p>

While elevated carbon dioxide increased plant growth in some laboratory experiments, the change in temperature and limited access to water may counteract these yields. Due to the lack of nutrients, the quality of plants will be compromised. <\/span><\/p>

Aside from climate change, pests and insects pose another threat to traditional farming. This is the reason why herbicides, pesticides, and insecticides came into fruition. But experts say these chemicals have been overused since they were introduced into the market. This has resulted in pesticide resistance in which scientists believe there are mutations among the genes of bacteria, making them resistant to chemicals. <\/span><\/p>

Water depletion is another source of headache for farmers. Scientists warn that the freshwater in most regions in the U.S. could decrease in the coming years. The increasing population is one of the factors to blame. <\/span><\/p>

This marked the beginning of horticulture like hydroponics. With its potential to replace traditional farming, people start to switch to this modern planting technique. Still, some are hesitant whether or not hydroponics is an excellent alternative. Worry no more! Below, I present some of the benefits of this type of horticulture. Let\u2019s get started! <\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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1. Hydroponics Is Perfect For Space of All Sizes<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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If the size of your gardening space is too small, if planting in soil is the only available solution \u2013 then what can you do other than just plant less? And it is frustrating to say the least. Luckily, hydroponics changes the rules of the game.<\/span><\/p>

No matter how big or small your yard is, hydroponics is a viable solution. If you are only willing to learn the simple how to<\/i> (some of which you can find right here on this website, of course) then it is an excellent choice for any gardener!<\/span><\/p>

Unlike traditional gardening, this method of farming does not require a hectare of ground to start with.\u00a0You can start as small as a single box \u2013 as small as a pot.<\/span><\/p>

In soil, the roots of the plant grow longer and deeper in search for nutrients. But in this method, the plant does not send out long roots, because everything it needs is delivered directly to the roots. It\u2019s sort of like the mountain coming to Mohamed.<\/span><\/p>

For that reason, the plant\u2019s root system takes up much less space.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

The choice of a suitable hydroponic system should also not be overlooked. With the right choice, you can optimize and maximize your space like a pro.<\/span><\/p>

If you are dealing with a small space, you can choose between a moveable bench system<\/i>, or a vertical<\/i> or tiered system<\/i> \u2013 and count on them to serve you well.<\/span><\/p>

A moveable bench system is commonly utilized in commercial greenhouses for many leafy greens.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

A vertical system consists of a tower, stacked, or column design. With plants positioned on either side to ensure enough sunlight for all of them.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

A tiered system, on the other hand, is another practical way to maximize vertical space. It is ideal for salad greens, culinary herbs, strawberries, and other small plants. It usually uses overhead lamps or natural light.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

\u00a0<\/span>Even when we are considering much bigger scales and up to industrial farming yielding masses of produce, what hydroponics gives us is the ability to take farming into a literally new level (or levels) by farming in 3D with vertical farming.<\/span><\/p>

If you want to know more about the various plants you can grow with hydroponics, click through to this article<\/a>.<\/p>

Watch this video and see what people are doing right now in this area of vertical farming and urban gardening<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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2. Hydroponics Reduces Water Consumption And Helps Avoid High Utility Bills<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Who would have thought that hydroponics would actually conserve water and reduce high electricity bills?\u00a0<\/p>

You might be shocked at first since hydroponics uses strictly water to grow the plants rather than soil. But one of the less known and unexpected benefits of hydroponics farming is that it saves water<\/a> in the end compared to soil farming of similar sizes and yields.<\/p>

That does not mean you can farm without a balanced amount of water \u2013 a limited amount of water can also make your plants wither whereas on the other hand, too much water can cause the plants to rot and die of excess fluids.<\/p>

As the world population grows, the demand for food grows with it. So, the agricultural sector needs to increase its effort to supply more and more produce. This in turn could result in increasing water consumption.\u00a0<\/p>

Studies have shown that growing a head of lettuce traditionally takes at least 3 gallons of water. A head of Broccoli requires more than 5 gallons of water. That\u2019s a lot!<\/p>

Hydroponics is a popular and effective solution, and experts say that in optimal conditions, farmers can save up to 10 times of water compared to conventional soil farming.\u00a0<\/p>

This is no surprise, being that hydroponic systems recirculate the water and use pumps and filters to clean the water.\u00a0<\/p>

With the growing population, the use of water is also estimated to increase. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average indoor water consumption is 100 gallons per day.\u00a0<\/p>

But it is nothing compared to what the U.S uses for crops, irrigation, and weed control.\u00a0<\/p>

The latest survey reveals that America had more than 410 billion gallons of freshwater withdrawals in 2005. That\u2019s massive.\u00a0<\/p>

This is the reason farmers are switching to hydroponics to ensure sustainability.\u00a0<\/p>

If you are in an area with no access to sufficient water, it is time to invest in hydroponics.\u00a0<\/p>

See what this rooftop farmer is doing to provide nutrient rich water to his plants:<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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3. Enjoy Higher Yields<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Since it is soil-less, people think hydroponics is at a disadvantage in terms of yield. But the opposite is true.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

As Dr. Howard M. Resh states in Hydroponic Food Production<\/i><\/a>, this \u201cnon-traditional\u201d farming method allows for higher density planting, which means you can grow more yielding plants in seemingly lesser conditions.<\/span><\/p>

Soya planted in soil, for example, can only yield half the amount of produce compared to hydroponics – That\u2019s a big difference.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

With beans, the produce following the traditional method can be as little as a quarter in yield as compared to water-based farming for similar resources.<\/span><\/p>

You will also experience higher yields in other foods like peas, wheat, rice, oats, beets, cucumber, tomatoes, lettuce, cabbage, and potatoes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

But that is not automatic. Proper planting and care are required to achieve such yield.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

To enjoy a better output, it is critical to ensure the plant receives sufficient nutrients. Although it sounds quite straightforward, it is challenging and demanding for beginners and even pros.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

I also suggest that you journal everything you do in your garden. This makes the process more accurate and measurable, and takes out the guesswork.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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4. Faster Crop Growing<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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It takes time for vegetables and fruits to grow using soil-based farming. For some crops, it takes several months or even more.\u00a0 A plant grown in hydroponics on the other hand, is different. Botanists say it can grow as much as 50% faster than a similar plant in soil.\u00a0<\/p>

Why is that you may wonder?<\/p>

Well, there are several reasons, including:<\/p>