Hydroponic Project from Theory
to Harvest
From: Adriana Valarezo
Course: 1st Computer Science "B"
Introduction
Hydroponics is a modern agricultural technique that grows plants without soil, using mineral
nutrient solutions in water. Instead of relying on natural soil fertility, growers control the supply of
nutrients, water, and oxygen, which allows for faster and more efficient plant growth. This system
is increasingly important in addressing global food challenges, including climate change, land
degradation, and urbanization.
Hydroponics is not new—it has historical roots in ancient civilizations, such as the Hanging
Gardens of Babylon and the floating gardens of the Aztecs. However, modern technology has
refined hydroponic systems, making them precise, scalable, and highly productive.
Types of Hydroponic Systems
Deep Water Culture
• How it works: Plants are suspended in a solution of water and nutrients. Roots are
submerged and supplied with oxygen from air stones connected to an aquarium pump.
• Application: Commonly used for lettuce, kale, spinach, and herbs.
• Example: Many small-scale indoor farms use DWC because it requires minimal equipment.
• Pros: Easy to set up, inexpensive, rapid plant growth.
• Cons: Roots can rot if aeration stops; not ideal for large or heavy crops.
Nutrient Film Technique
• How it works: Nutrient solution flows continuously in a thin film along
a sloped channel where plant roots are located.
• Application: Perfect for lightweight plants like strawberries, leafy
greens, and basil.
• Example: Commercial strawberry farms in Europe often use NFT for
high-density production.
• Pros: Efficient nutrient delivery, highly sustainable.
• Cons: A pump failure can kill crops within hours because roots dry
quickly.
Ebb and Flow
• How it works: A tray filled with growing medium (like clay
pebbles or perlite) is periodically flooded with nutrient
solution, then drained back to a reservoir.
• Application: Suitable for tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and
even flowers.
• Example: Used in greenhouses for crops that require strong
root support.
• Pros: Promotes oxygen exchange, versatile for different plant
types.
• Cons: More complex timing system; risk of pump failure.
Drip System
• How it works: Nutrient solution is delivered directly to each
plant’s root zone through a drip emitter. Excess is collected
and reused (recirculating) or discarded (non-recirculating).
• Application: Widely used in large commercial farms,
especially for tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers.
• Example: Many large-scale tomato greenhouses in the
Netherlands use drip hydroponics.
• Pros: High precision, scalable for industrial agriculture.
• Cons: Emitters can clog, requires constant monitoring.
Wick System
• How it works: A wick made of cotton or nylon transports
nutrients from the reservoir to the growing medium by
capillary action.
• Application: Simple system for small plants like herbs, lettuce,
or houseplants.
• Example: Popular for classrooms and beginners because it
requires no electricity.
• Pros: Very cheap, easy to maintain.
• Cons: Not suitable for large or nutrient-hungry plants.
Aeroponics
• How it works: Plant roots are suspended in the air and misted
with nutrient solution at timed intervals.
• Application: Used for research, high-tech farming, and NASA
experiments in space.
• Example: NASA has tested aeroponics to grow food on space
missions.
• Pros: Fastest growth, most efficient oxygen delivery.
• Cons: Expensive, complex, requires advanced technology.
Aquaponics (Hybrid System)
How it works: Combines hydroponics with
•
aquaculture. Fish waste provides nutrients for plants,
and plants filter water for fish.
• Application: Sustainable farms that grow vegetables
and raise fish simultaneously.
• Example: Tilapia and lettuce are often grown together
in aquaponic systems.
• Pros: Closed-loop system, environmentally friendly.
• Cons: More complicated to balance fish and plant
needs.
Applications of
Hydroponics
1. Urban Agriculture: Hydroponics enables farming in rooftops,
basements, and vertical farms in cities.
2. Sustainability: Uses up to 90% less water than traditional soil
farming, ideal for drought-prone areas.
3. Year-Round Production: Controlled environments allow
farming in any season, independent of weather.
4. Space Exploration: Aeroponics and hydroponics are being
researched for growing food on Mars or the Moon.
5. Commercial Farming: Countries like the Netherlands and
Singapore rely heavily on hydroponics for food security.
6. Education & Research: Schools and labs use hydroponic
systems to teach biology, agriculture, and sustainability.
Results of Hydroponic
Farming
• Higher Yields: Plants grow 25–50% faster compared to soil.
• Efficient Resource Use: Reduces water waste and requires
less land.
• Cleaner Crops: Minimal use of pesticides and no soil-borne
diseases.
• Nutrient Control: Farmers can tailor nutrient levels to each
crop.
• Economic Impact: Increases profitability for commercial
farmers due to year-round production.
Conclusion
Hydroponic systems represent the future of agriculture. Each
method—DWC, NFT, ebb and flow, drip, wick, aeroponics, and
aquaponics—offers unique benefits depending on resources, crop
type, and scale of production. While challenges like high startup
costs and technical expertise remain, the advantages in
sustainability, yield, and resource efficiency make hydroponics a
powerful tool for solving global food challenges.
As populations grow and arable land shrinks, hydroponics will play
a crucial role in ensuring food security. From small home systems to
high-tech vertical farms and even space missions, hydroponics
proves that agriculture can thrive without soil, redefining the way
humanity produces food in the 21st century.
