Hydroponics vs Traditional Farming Practices

For centuries, farmers have relied on traditional practices to produce impressive yields. However, there are growers embracing a new favorite farming method: hydroponics.

Even with advances in farming such as improved equipment, irrigation upgrades, and genetically engineered seeds, traditional farming practices still fail to meet the impressive results gained with hydroponic gardening. 

Many consider vertical hydroponic systems the wave of the future. They give farmers the ability to produce ample healthy vegetables and fruits in a limited space. 

Let’s examine hydroponics vs. traditional farming practices to see why many modern farmers are embracing hydro farming practices.

Impressive Yields

Hydroponic systems deliver nutrient-rich solutions directly to the plant’s root system for rapid and robust growth. Plants grown in hydroponic vertical farms have reported that the method does produce impressive yields. 

Growing hydroponically produces far greater quantities than traditional farming methods. Also, you can usually obtain more harvests per year. It is a great option for commercial growers to produce a great deal of produce in a limited space area. 

Space Reduction

As mentioned, hydroponic growing systems require extraordinarily little space when grown vertically.  Without the need for soil, they can also be built anywhere such as on the roof of tall buildings, balconies, etc. Many people are growing lush hydroponic gardens in urban jungles thanks to their reduced space requirements. The possibilities are truly endless!

Less Water 

With much of the world’s population facing drought, the need for water conservation has never been greater. Although hydroponics plants are grown in water and nutrients instead of soil, the process is wonderful water saving.

Hydroponics uses approximately 99 percent less water than traditional farming practices. The water and nutrients are delivered directly to the plant’s root systems and then recycled, unlike soil gardening where the water disappears due to runoff, evaporation. Hydroponics is an effective option in areas experiencing severe drought. 

Sustainable Farming Practices 

Sadly, traditional farming often causes severe soil degradation. The loss of fertile land is depleting at a rapid rate. However, with hydroponics, you can grow and regrow without worrying about crop rotation. Hydroponic systems need no soil. 

Many hydroponic cultivators are also relying on solar power for their greenhouses which is helping veer away from the use of fossil fuels as a power source. 

Improved Climate Control

For centuries farmers have been at the mercy of Mother Nature. Increasingly unpredictable weather in the last century has made traditional farming perilous at best. Drought, flooding, severe cold, and heat are all plaguing farming operations. 

Hydroponically growing foods in a greenhouse save space and lets the grower control the environment to ensure that the plants receive exactly what they need to thrive. The greenhouses let the plants be grown year-round for a bountiful harvest even in the winter months. 

Year-Round Farming

As mentioned, with hydroponics, you are not at the mercy of the seasons so you can grow year-round. You can enjoy anywhere from 11 to 13 more harvests per year with hydroponic growing systems. The increased crop production, even during the coldest months, helps meet the hunger needs of many in the world plus ensures that a farmer can make a stable yearly income. 

Contamination Free

Traditional farming is often at the mercy of contaminants. Such as contaminated runoff, pesticides, bird waste, groundwater problems, air pollution, and more. The contamination can quickly lead to food-borne illnesses which are extremely dangerous. 

Foods grown hydroponically are carefully monitored in a greenhouse which substantially reduces the dangers of contamination. 

Reduction in Food Waste

Hydroponically grown vegetables and fruits are remarkably fresh and will reach the market usually within 48 hours of harvest. They will have a longer shelf life and be far fresher when you bring them home. With hydroponic farming, there is far less food waste. 

If you are interested in trying hydroponic farming, please contact Humboldts Secret Supplies to learn about our hydroponic nutrient solutions.