Aeroponic Farming
The future of agriculture
Introduction
To examine the root nodules on peas, Cabot Foundation Laboratories developed Aeroponics System in the years 1973 to
74. What is Aeroponics? As the name itself implies, Aeroponics system optimizes the use of air around tge main zone for
plants to absorb nutrients via water mist for plant development. In this system, the roots are suspended in the air and
fed up with a fine mist of nutrient solution for an extremely short period of time with an increased frequency intervals.
Although, this particular system is considered one of hydroponics but nevertheless differs from the conventional hydro
and aquaponics growing system.
The criteria of Aeroponics system derive from cultivating vegetables whose roots find the best condition with regard to
oxygenation and dampness. Optimal growing condition by controlling temperature and humidity assures a farmer with
high yields. Even the consumption of plant nutrition that is supplied to a closed circuit of this plant container is very
limited allowing nutrients and water savings. As an instance, to produce a kilogram of eggplant in a traditional farm, it
will consume about 250 to 350 litres of water, growing hydroponically consumes about 65 litres of water, whiles just 15
to 25 litres is absorbed in aeroponics system.
Aeroponics System offers the possibility to enhance crop production and diminish costs compared to traditional farming
methods or to any alternate soilless technique of farming. Aeroponics system successfully utilizes every vertical distance
for either farming or production of the greenhouse. Every area available in the greenhouse, may it be horizontal or
vertical may be used for the maximum production of food per area.
Difference between Aeroponics and Hydroponics: Aeroponics System is the method of growing plants with
root system exposed to air. Hydroponics system is the technique of cultivation in a nutrient solution under
soil-less conditions.
The Importance of an Aeroponic System
Increased air exposure: Air in the root zone is important for the plant to grow healthy. The aero system provides the
best environment for the source of clean air and nutrient solution delivering oxygen and nutrition to plant roots which
stimulates plant growth. More aeration around the root zone helps to stop pathogen formation.
Water and nutrient supply: In this method, delivery of nutrients and water to plant roots is done by sprayers, foggers,
misters, or some other devices that may produce a fine mist. Water droplet size is the trick to root growth. The 20 to 100
micron droplet size generates excessive root hair system for sustained plant development and massive droplets over 100
microns leads to less oxygenation to the plants.
Disease-less Environment: Greenhouse when well maintained, chances of plant disease and insect infestation are very
less. The transmission of disease from plant to plant can be lessened. An infected particular plant could also be isolated
and destroyed without infecting or damaging other plants.
History of Aeroponics
High Pressure Aeroponics (HPA) was developed by NASA looking for a growing system that used the least amount of resources and
produced the most plant material. HPA was the ticket for NASA.
Basically the system of HPA is where plant roots are suspended in air with regular misting from high pressure nozzles. NASA found
that nutrient solution mist droplets’ size best for plant uptake was 5 to 80 microns. This can be accomplished with HPA systems
running at 80 to 150PSI depending on design.
High Pressure Aeroponics Setup
HPA systems basically must include a reservoir for nutrients, booster pump for pressure, cycle timer, pressure regulation, and mist
nozzles. This basic aeroponic system basically works by the cycle timer turning on the pump at misting intervals. The pressure should
be regulated to 80 to 120PSI depending on the nozzles you are using to create correct size range of droplets.
HOW AEROPONIC FARMING WORK?
Aeroponics System
In this aeroponics system, there are primarily two live components:
•Roots: The architecture of the plant that supports it neatly divides the roots underneath.
•Canopy: The canopy refers to the leaves and crown that are frequently higher than the plant's structural supports.
In order to meet this requirement, aeroponics relies on hydroponics. This is because there is a requirement to have a backup system for
supplying the necessary nutrients for the plants in the event that the aeroponics system fails. A high-pressure (80 psi) diaphragm pump is
used in high-pressure aeroponics to supply nutrients to the roots through 20-50 mm mist heads.
Advantages of Aeroponics
•Productive and Sustainable: Compared to soil-based farming, this sustainable method of food production uses 80-90% less water. If you
aim to go fully commercial in this field, you can grow more food, healthier types and also more profitably because you can use height and air
as a growing place.
•Air Exposure Promotes Healthy and Rapid Plant Growth: As aeroponics is used to grow plants in the air with tiny drops of water, it is
ideally suited to promote rapid plant growth in virtually any species. As a result, compared to soil-based farming, more plants can be grown in
less time.
•It Can Be Cultivated without Land: If you have a place in your tiny garden or on the roof, you may use it right now to grow your food, which
fully eliminates the need for you to have a huge amount of land under cultivation. To experience the beauty of aeroponics and to meet your
daily food needs, you can even build small aeroponics units in your living room or balcony.
•Photosynthesis is Promoted via Aeroponics: This feature makes it environmentally friendly too. By removing a considerable amount of
carbon dioxide from the environment and managing its concentration inside the system, aeroponics has an impact on how rapidly plants
produce oxygen in their leaves.
Advantages of Aeroponics
•Productive and Sustainable: Compared to soil-based farming, this sustainable method of food production uses 80-90% less
water. If you aim to go fully commercial in this field, you can grow more food, healthier types and also more profitably because you
can use height and air as a growing place.
•Air Exposure Promotes Healthy and Rapid Plant Growth: As aeroponics is used to grow plants in the air with tiny drops of
water, it is ideally suited to promote rapid plant growth in virtually any species. As a result, compared to soil-based farming, more
plants can be grown in less time.
•It Can Be Cultivated without Land: If you have a place in your tiny garden or on the roof, you may use it right now to grow your
food, which fully eliminates the need for you to have a huge amount of land under cultivation. To experience the beauty of
aeroponics and to meet your daily food needs, you can even build small aeroponics units in your living room or balcony.
•Photosynthesis is Promoted via Aeroponics: This feature makes it environmentally friendly too. By removing a considerable
amount of carbon dioxide from the environment and managing its concentration inside the system, aeroponics has an impact on
how rapidly plants produce oxygen in their leaves.
Disadvantages of Aeroponics
•Along with the associated costs, proper expertise and training are necessary to get going. If one is going to start using aeroponics,
they need to be thoroughly trained in how to keep the system clean. The caretaker of this system must always upgrade their abilities
because it is a scientific system supported by technology that is still developing.
•It entails difficulties in sustaining the tangible elements. Numerous components make up this system, some of which, if improperly
maintained, could cause a system failure.
•Maintaining the proper supply of light and supply of air for the exposed part of the plant, in the closed or indoor methodology of
aeroponics farming can occasionally be challenging, especially when vertical farming in the air is the way to produce more. This is
where artificial lighting becomes important.
Aeroponics and Hydroponics
Although the concepts of aeroponics and hydroponics are similar, the two systems' mechanics are very
dissimilar. Both systems are equally efficient and sustainable. Both systems demand different types and
quantities of resources.
Hydroponic systems need water. Their water usage is naturally higher than that of aeroponic systems. A
hydroponic system's water usage, however, might be recycled and utilised again. System maintenance is the
second crucial component. Both hydroponic and aeroponic systems require hands-on training and experience
for installation, upkeep, cleaning and sanitising. However, a hydroponic system is simpler than an aeroponic
one.
Contrary to hydroponic systems, which can be created at home using PVC pipes and easily accessible basic
supplies, aeroponic systems are more challenging to build. A good system is necessary for it to function fully
and successfully. For precisely this reason, aeroponics is less economically viable.
TYPES OF PLANT THAT CAN BE GROWN IN AN AEROPONIC FARM:
1. Lettuce
2. Tomatoes
3. Spinach
4. Basil
5. Radish
6. Cucumbers
7. Carrots
8. Strawberry
9. Herbs
10. Leaf vegetables
11. Coriander
12. Potatoes
13. Cabbage
14. Chives
15. Brussel sprouts
16. Eggplant
17. Mint
18. Cauliflower
19. Okra
20. Broccoli
21. Kale
