International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET)
e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 11 Issue: 12 | Dec 2024
p-ISSN: 2395-0072
www.irjet.net
Hydroponics as an advanced technique for vegetable production Rohit Jairam1, Sanika R H2, Suchithra V3, Usha Patel GS4 1
Bachelor of Engineering, Information Science and Engineering, Bapuji Institute of Engineering and Technology, Davangere, affiliated to VTU Belagavi, Karnataka, India. 2 Bachelor of Engineering, Information Science and Engineering, Bapuji Institute of Engineering and Technology, Davangere, affiliated to VTU Belagavi, Karnataka, India. 3 Bachelor of Engineering, Information Science and Engineering, Bapuji Institute of Engineering and Technology, Davangere, affiliated to VTU Belagavi, Karnataka, India. 4 Bachelor of Engineering, Information Science and Engineering, Bapuji Institute of Engineering and Technology, Davangere, affiliated to VTU Belagavi, Karnataka, India. ---------------------------------------------------------------------***--------------------------------------------------------------------nutrient options for their customers. While this technology Abstract - Hydroponic farming advanced technique for is gaining popularity, the major drawback for farmers is the cost of implementation. It is much higher than traditional farming methods. The initial installation cost is substantial. Other essential crop management and maintenance equipment, such as sensors, controllers, pumps, and lighting, are also required. Because there is no soil, precise temperature control, purified water, and other important nutrients like nitrates, phosphorus, and potassium are needed to promote plant nutrition. The system also promotes water efficiency. Hydroponics uses less than 10% of the water consumed in traditional farming, and the water left behind by the plants is also recycled. The process of growing crops is fascinating. The plant roots are placed in an absorbent, inert medium, such as coconut husk, instead of soil. Cocopeat is primarily used as a seed base instead of soil. Hydroponics, which is completely pesticide-free, is far ahead of organic farming because it eliminates exposure to harmful chemicals that may be present in the soil, providing consumers with the healthiest possible product.
vegetable production 6 is gaining global recognition for its efficient resource utilization and high-quality food production. Soil-based agriculture faces challenges like urbanization, climate change, and the overuse of chemicals, which degrade soil fertility. This paper explores various hydroponic systems, such as flow, drip, deep water culture, and Nutrient Film 1 wick, ebb and Technique (NFT). The review highlights the benefits of hydroponics, including reduced growth time, year-round production, and water conservation, with commercial systems saving up to 90% of water. While countries like the Netherlands, Australia, and the USA lead in hydroponic technology, challenges like high initial costs and technical requirements must be addressed for wider adoption.
Key Words: Nutrient Film Technique (NFT), Soil-less agriculture, water conservation, nutrient management, hydroponic market.
1. INTRODUCTION
2. Literature Review
Hydroponics is essentially a modern way of growing plants or gardening without using soil and agricultural products. The hydroponic method is relatively simple, but it takes time to understand. In this method, crops are planted and grown in water. These crops have also proven very effective and rich in beneficial nutrients. According to scientists, plants grown hydroponically have their roots directly immersed in a water-based solvent rather than in soil. Hydroponics is becoming a leader in agriculture, and India is quickly catching up. The wide range of benefits makes it highly advantageous in today’s world, where it can play a vital role as the backbone of sustainable agriculture. Global flexibility offers many advantages. For example, this method requires less work and produces much higher yields because the plants grow faster than conventional farming. Hydroponics uses relatively little water—only 20% of the water used in traditional farming methods. There are many benefits for growers, such as the ability to grow crops year-round through creative combinations and offer more attractive
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2.1. Fox (2019): Hydroponic Crop Production: A Practical Guide for Soilless Growers – Comprehensive insights for hobbyists and commercial grower. 2.2. Panda & Malik (2021): Discuss the history, principles, and sustainability of hydroponics. 2.3. Adhikari & Gupta (2021): Argue for hydroponics as a sustainable method that reduces water use and enhances nutrient uptake. 2.4. Sikora & Reed (2018): Focus on hydroponic greenhouse production, including design and pest management. 2.5. Resch (1981): A foundational guide for setting up hydroponic systems for home and commercial use. The literature underscores hydroponics’ potential in achieving higher yields with efficient resource use.
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