trends & technology
There are many good reasons why hydroponic gardening is typically done indoors . The heightened control of an indoor or greenhouse environment is perfect for reaping all the benefits of hydroponic growing . The advantages of hydroponic gardening generally include faster growth rates and larger yields due to the plant ’ s increased accessibility to nutrients and oxygen . Although indoor environments make it easier to control many of the variables that affect the way a hydroponic system performs , many growers are also taking hydroponic gardening outdoors . In fact , with a few alterations , most outdoor hydroponic systems will offer growers many of the same benefits as an indoor environment . Outdoor hydroponic systems also provide a possible solution for poverty-stricken nations , where food security is scarce due to a lack of resources .
Advantages of Outdoor Hydroponics vs Traditional Agriculture
Outdoor hydroponics ’ largest advantage over traditional agriculture is water usage . Traditional soil-based agriculture requires nearly 300,000 gallons of water per year per person supplied with food . For nations without a reliable source of water , traditional agriculture is either extremely limited or impossible . Traditional agriculture also requires cleared land , which reduces animal habitats and , in turn , reduces animal populations . The use of herbicides , pesticides , and fertilizers in traditional methods contribute to the pollution of land , air , and water . Not to mention this eventually sterilizes the soil , rendering it stripped of sufficient nutrients . Conversely , an outdoor hydroponic system only requires five to 10 per cent of the water used by traditional agriculture . In other words , the amount of food produced using 300,000 gallons of water in traditional agriculture can be obtained by using only 15,000 to 30,000 gallons of water in an outdoor hydroponic system . Outdoor hydroponic systems do not require the same land clearing or destructive use of herbicides , pesticides , or fertilizers . In fact , most outdoor hydroponic systems will recycle the water and fertilizers so they can be used repeatedly . Outdoor hydroponic systems offer another advantage over traditional agriculture in that they can be customized to fit many different applications .
Outdoor hydroponic systems can be hung , stacked , set up vertically or horizontally , or configured in just about any way to best meet the needs of the space and the crop being grown .
Disadvantages of Outdoor Hydroponics
Although there are many benefits to using outdoor hydroponic systems , there are also some disadvantages . The initial cost of equipment is a large shortcoming of outdoor hydroponics . This is especially true if it is a large system and / or if the system is going to be automated . The larger the hydroponic system , the higher the initial cost . An agriculturist who has a large garden space must consider how long it will take to recoup the initial expense of the hydroponic system . Automating a hydroponic system adds extra cost . Expensive computer controllers , sensors , pumps , and other mechanical equipment must all be purchased , synchronized , and maintained to ensure a properly running hydroponic system . All this equipment quickly adds up . However , more automation requires less labor . This can reduce costs and increase the amount of time a horticulturist gets a return on his or her investment . Another disadvantage of outdoor hydroponic systems is the inability to control nature . Unlike indoor hydroponic systems , horticulturists will not be able to control temperature , humidity , rain , etc . They will also not have control over lighting , since outdoor systems rely solely on the sun . Sunlight is superior to artificial lighting in many ways , but its intensity can cause problems over time for outdoor hydroponic systems . Sunlight can cause damage to plastics and other hydroponic components that are not properly UV protected . Some hydroponic systems are more susceptible to damage caused by temperature fluctuations . Intense sunlight on reservoirs and plant modules can cause temperatures
The advantages of hydroponic gardening generally include faster growth rates and larger yields due to the plant ’ s increased accessibility to nutrients and oxygen ( for the roots ).
Photo courtesy of Ildar Sagdejev
92 grow cycle