26 Jan Why a Hydroponic System Is Deemed Sustainable Farming
The earth and its natural resources are currently at risk of becoming scarce soon enough because of humans’ excessive intervention in nature. The demands for water, energy, food, land, and minerals are skyrocketing, significantly increasing the cost of these natural resources. In response to this pressing issue, many individuals and organisations are now calling for greater attention to sustainability.
Sustainability is not just a buzzword; it is a practice that must be followed in this day and age across different sectors, and farming is no exception. Traditional large-scale farming practices are depleting our natural resources and causing harm to the environment. For this reason, it is time to shift towards sustainable farming methods, such as the use of large-scale hydroponic systems in Singapore. To learn more about this, read as this article looks into why hydroponic systems are now considered by many to be sustainable farming.
What exactly is a hydroponic system?
A hydroponic system is a cultivation system that makes use of the art of hydroponics. Derived from the Latin words “hydro,” which means water, and “ponos,” which means labour, hydroponics essentially means cultivating plants with water in the absence of soil. Without soil, water operates to provide hydration, oxygen, and nutrients to plant life. From the crispness of lettuce to the juiciness of tomatoes and the delicate beauty of orchids, various plants thrive under hydroponic care.
In a hydroponic system, flowers, vegetables, and herbs are planted in stable growing media and supplied with a mix of oxygen, water, and nutrient-rich solutions. This system enables stronger yields, rapid growth, and premium quality. On the contrary, when a plant is cultivated in soil, its roots search for necessary nutrition on a perpetual basis to support the plant. If the root system of that plant is directly exposed to nutrition and water, it does not need to use any energy to sustain itself.
How does a hydroponic system work?
A hydroponic system works by enabling extensive control over environmental conditions, such as pH balance, temperature, and maximised exposure to water and nutrients. Hydroponics essentially operates under the same principle—give plants their exact needs whenever needed. As such, this system administers nutrient solutions specifically made for the needs of the particular plant being cultivated.
By having control over the plant’s environment, numerous risk factors are minimised, such as the spread of diseases due to fungus and damage due to pests and wildlife animals. A hydroponic system ultimately ends the uncertainty and unpredictability of growing plants outdoors. In the absence of external obstacles, plants have the freedom to grow rapidly and vigorously.
Why is a hydroponic system considered sustainable farming?
There are several reasons why hydroponic systems are now considered by many to be an essential component of sustainable farming. For one, hydroponics enables more yields to be produced at a much more rapid rate. Because the system eliminates the soil’s mechanical resistance, seedlings have the ability to mature much faster. With fewer resources like nutrient-laden solutions and water, it is also possible to reap triple from crops under the regimen of hydroponics.
Furthermore, because hydroponic farming makes use of water, the plants are at no risk of fungal diseases, thereby eliminating the need for pesticides, too. In the absence of pesticides, much healthier and more high-quality vegetables and fruits can be produced through hydroponics. This makes the hydroponic system a 100% environmentally friendly farming solution that allows farmers to grow and sell premium-quality organic crops and plants at fair prices.
Conclusion
Overall, hydroponic farming is considered sustainable because it can address several environmental problems currently facing the world, such as water scarcity, soil degradation, food security, and climate change. Because hydroponic systems consume less water than traditional farming methods and never need soil, there can be no doubt about the sustainability of these farming solutions. If given more attention, hydroponic farming can be the future of sustainable urban farming.
If you are now convinced to give hydroponic farming a try, Vicplas is here to help you get started. We have excellent hydro-agriculture solutions under our VPONIC™ line, which offers a variety of premium channels, trays, pot nets, and gutters that are all customisable to fit your hydroponic system requirements. Aside from hydroponic components, we also provide a great selection of SS141 uPVC pipes and PVC pipe fittings that can cater to your different pipe and fitting needs, such as electrical conduits, sanitary systems, and more. Feel free to get in touch with us today to learn more.