Hydroponics: Definition, Diagram, Flow Chart, Uses, Benefits
Hydroponics is a soilless method of growing plants using a nutrient-rich water solution that supplies essential minerals directly to the roots. This sustainable technology enhances growth rate, yield, and resource efficiency, making it a key component of modern and urban agriculture.
This Story also Contains
- What is Hydroponics?
- Types of Hydroponic Systems
- Key Components of a Hydroponic System
- Growth Stages In Hydroponic Cultivation
- Common Plant Species Grown Hydroponically
- Advantages of Hydroponics
- Limitations of Hydroponics
- Hydroponics NEET MCQs (With Answers & Explanations)
What is Hydroponics?
Hydroponics refers to the process of growing plants in nutrient-rich water solutions rather than in soil. This solution exposes or dips roots into the root area to deliver critical minerals and other required nutrients to the plants. This method offers full control of the growth environment, hence higher efficiency and productivity.
Today, hydroponics has taken a place at the centre of all sustainable agriculture. It allows the production of crops all year round while saving water resources and decreasing the need for arable land. Hydroponics has received much attention in modern agriculture due to more being harvested using fewer resources. It offers solutions to problems associated with conventional cultivation like soil degradation, water shortage and lack of space. Optimising the growing conditions, hydroponics guarantees continuous high-quality crop yields, hence ensuring food security and sustainability.
Types of Hydroponic Systems
The different types of hydroponic systems all have their unique characteristics and benefits.
Wick System
Easy to set up and maintain and good for beginners.
Does not include any moving parts and does not need electricity, thus is inexpensive to run.
Takes very little time to be visited once everything is set up.
Grows herbs and leafy greens best.
Larger plants do not work with this system.
Slow growth when compared with other more advanced systems.
Nutrient distribution is uneven.
Deep Water Culture (DWC)
High amounts of oxygen at the roots promote rapid growth.
The roots are constantly in contact with nutrient-rich and oxygenated water.
Requires little maintenance once it is established.
Stagnant water developed when it is not well managed can host pathogens.
Air pumps require running time to oxygenate the water continuously.
Best for lightweight plants so as not to topple over.
Nutrient Film Technique (NFT)
Nutrients are continuously cycled through in a thin film of water.
Roots are bathed constantly, promoting steady growth without roots becoming dry.
This system is suitable for growing plants like lettuce, spinach, and herbs.
Pumps must operate continuously,
This is not suitable for cyclical operation, plants will suffer damage.
Nutrient concentration in the solution and pH must be monitored constantly.
Root systems can become too large for the system.
Ebb And Flow (Flood And Drain)
Theoretically suited to growing all plant types.
Flooding is periodic, allowing for some oxygenation and CO2 is removed by draining.
Small and large plants can be grown with it in many applications.
Moreover, mechanical parts can break down, causing floods or droughts.
Floods and drain cycles need to be timed perfectly to allow for optimal growth.
Nutrient salts will build up over time and the system needs to be flushed periodically.
Aeroponics
Roots are suspended in the air and misted by the nutrient solution.
Plants grow faster due to high amounts of oxygen and solubilised nutrient uptake.
Requires very minimal water and nutrient solution.
Requires specialised equipment and setup.
Nutrient misting systems must be checked regularly.
Any disruption in misting can cause plants to become damaged in a short amount of time.
Drip System
Can be used for small or large operations.
The nutrient solution comes directly to the plant roots.
Works with small or large crops.
Drip emitters can clog and require constant maintenance.
Frequent checking and cleaning of the system.
If not controlled properly, plants can be overwatered.
Here is quick overview and of the types of the hydroponic systems:
Type | Description | Suitable For | Limitations |
Wick System | Nutrient move via capillary action | Herbs, leafy greens | Slow growth, uneven nutrient spread |
Deep Water Culture | Roots in nutrient solution, high oxygen | Lettuce spinach | Risk of stagnant water, power dependency |
Nutrient Film Technique | Thin film of nutrient flows over roots | Leafy greens | Needs constant monitoring |
Ebb and Flow | Periodic flooding and draining for oxygenation | All types of plants | Mechanical failure may cause stress |
Aeroponics | Roots misted with nutrients | High value crops | Expensive setup |
Drip System | Nutrients dripped near roots via emitters | Large or small crops | Risk of clogging |
Key Components of a Hydroponic System
An important hydroponic system includes several key components which interplay to support plant growth.
Growing Medium
Hold the plant upright.
Materials such as perlite, coconut coir, and rock wool do not affect the nutrient solution.
Allows air to reach the roots.
Nutrient Solution
Customisable to meet plant needs.
pH and nutrient levels must be checked frequently.
Light
Provides energy for photosynthesis, essential to plant growth.
Indoor systems use artificial grow lights like LED and fluorescent lights to mimic sunlight.
pH And Nutrient Monitoring
pH levels should be kept within the optimum range.
There is no case of lockout of nutrients or nutrient deficiencies.
Water Management
No water stagnation occurs.
Proper drainage with adequate oxygen supply is vital.
Growth Stages In Hydroponic Cultivation
Plants cultivated using hydroponic systems undergo various stages of growth, wherein each phase requires optimum conditions and nurturing.
Seed Germination
Controlled temperature and humidity ensure uniform germination
Use starter plugs or cubes to provide the right media for sprouting of seeds.
Vegetative Growth
Rapid development of stems and leaves
Adjust nutrient ratios (N, P, K) for optimum growth
Flowering and Fruiting
Increase phosphorus and potassium content
Balance light duration and humidity for maximum yield
Common Plant Species Grown Hydroponically
The common plants species that are grown with help of hydroponic farming are:
Types of Plants | Examples |
Leafy greens | Lettuce, spinach, kale |
Herbs | Basil, mint, parsley |
Fruit-bearing Plants | Tomato, strawberry, pepper |
Flowers and Ornamentals | Orchid, rose |
Advantages of Hydroponics
Hydroponics confers many advantages that make it a very plausible alternative to traditional farming.
Higher Yield and Faster Growth Rates
It ensures that plants get all the necessary nutrients.
It reduces environmental stressors.
Water Efficiency
It reduces water consumption drastically.
It reduces nutrient wastage.
Fewer Pest and Diseases
The risk of exposure to pests and diseases is reduced.
Increased health and safety of produce.
Space Efficiency
Full use of available space.
This makes it possible in cities.
Environmentally Friendly
There is a lesser use of pesticides and herbicides have less impact on the environment.
There is minimal wastage of water.
Limitations of Hydroponics
Though much advantageous, hydroponics also has some challenges and limitations.
Setting up and equipping can be costly.
Expensive and Hi-Tech systems like automation and monitoring systems
Plant physiology and system management understanding is required.
Constant checking that optimum conditions are maintained.
Constant electricity is needed to power pumps and lights.
Reliant upon a suitable supply of nutrients.
Pathogen spread in case of disease will be rapid because this is a closed circuit.
Strict hygiene is required including cleaning and sterilisation regularly.
Hydroponics NEET MCQs (With Answers & Explanations)
The key concepts to be covered under this topic for different exams are:
Types of Hydroponic Systems
Advantages and Disadvantages of Hydroponics
Practice Questions for NEET
Q1. The advantage of hydroponics is
Hydroponics is used for the production of vegetables such as tomatoes, seedless cucumber and lettuce.
Hydroponics helps in knowing the essentiality of mineral elements.
Hydroponics helps in knowing the role of an essential element in the metabolism of the plant.
All of the above
Correct answer: 4) All of the above
Explanation:
Hydroponics helps in knowing
- Essentiality of the mineral element.
- The deficiency symptoms developed due to the non-availability of a particular nutrient.
- Toxicity to plants when an element is present in excess.
- Possible interaction among different elements present in the plant.
- The role of an essential element in the metabolism of the plant.
Hence, the correct answer is option 4) All of the above.
Q2. Who demonstrated, for the first time, that plants could be grown to maturity in a defined nutrient solution in the complete absence of soil?
Arnold Hoagland
Steward
Julius von Sachs
De Saussure
Correct answer: 3) Julius von Sachs
Explanation:
It was only in 1860 that German botanist Julius von Sachs demonstrated the possibility of cultivating plants to maturity in a nutrient solution defined in the absence of soil. From this pioneering work, hydroponics has developed as a kind of soilless cultivation that takes support from nutrient solutions. His experiments provided an added impetus to the understanding of plant nutrition and physiology, which significantly modified present-day agricultural practices.
Hence, the correct answer is option 3) Julius von Sachs.
Q3. Hydroponics or soilless culture helps in knowing
essentiality of an element
deficiency symptoms caused by an element
toxicity caused by an element
All of these
Correct answer: 4) All of these
Explanation:
Hydroponics - The commercial technique of growing plants to maturity in a defined nutrient solution in the complete absence of soil. This method allows for precise control over nutrient delivery, promoting faster growth and higher yields. It is particularly useful in urban and arid regions where arable land is limited. Additionally, hydroponics minimizes water usage compared to traditional farming, making it an eco-friendly alternative.
Hence, the correct answer is option 4) All of these.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Setting up a hydroponic system at home requires one to choose an appropriate system, such as wick or DWC, procure the necessary materials for the growing mediums and nutrient solutions or light, and then follow the step-by-step procedure to set up and maintain the system.
In hydroponic farming, you get increased yields and faster growth rates. Water and nutrients are also utilised effectively. Further, there is a reduced incidence of pests and diseases and the methods are environment-friendly and space-efficient. resources.
Hydroponics is the name given to that method of cultivation system wherein no soil is used, but instead, a nutrient-rich water solution is fed to the plants. Plants absorb nutrition from the water directly through their roots.
Common hydroponic systems are the wick system, deep water culture, nutrient film technique, ebb and flow, aeroponics, and drip system.
With hydroponics, one can grow most kinds of plants—from green leafy vegetables like lettuce and spinach, herbs like basil and mint, fruit-bearing plants like tomato and strawberry—to even flowers like roses and orchids.