A kind of farming called hydroponics enables plants to thrive without soil. Hydroponic systems enable plant growth by employing water, nutrients, and an inert growing material in place of soil. When growing plants hydroponically, all the nutrients they require are provided to the roots of the plants through a fertilizer solution diluted in water.
On the other hand, greenhouses are buildings composed of translucent materials like glass, polycarbonate, or plastic that let sunlight inside and trap heat. Farmers can regulate the temperature, humidity, and lighting in greenhouses, which also shield plants from harmful pests and extreme weather.
So, is a greenhouse necessary for hydroponics? The quick answer is no, although it might still be advantageous. You can set up hydroponic systems inside, outside, in a greenhouse, or even within a shipping container. Indoor or greenhouse hydroponic systems can offer a controlled environment that is unaffected by environmental influences like weather or pests.
The ability to put up hydroponic systems in closed systems is one of its benefits. This prevents waste and conserves resources because all the nutrients and water are recycled and used again. In a closed system, the irrigation system and pump carry the nutrient solution to the roots of the plants, providing them with both water and nutrients. The surplus solution is collected and recycled back into the system as the plants take up the nutrients.
Plants can be grown with hydroponics, but if it’s done incorrectly, it can also be dangerous. Plant growth in hydroponic systems depends on a precise ratio of water and nutrients. Plant stress, illness, or death may result if the equilibrium is not kept. In addition, germs that are present in the system’s water can move to the plants and harm them.
Although there are many different kinds of hydroponic systems, the Deep Water Culture (DWC) system is the simplest to set up and operate. The DWC system is a passive hydroponic system that is simple to maintain and doesn’t need energy or pumps. Plants are suspended in a nutrient solution with their roots dangling below the surface in a DWC system. Through an air stone that bubbles air into the solution, the plants obtain oxygen, which maintains the health of their roots and encourages growth.
In conclusion, a greenhouse is not absolutely necessary for hydroponics, but it can be advantageous. Closed systems, which recycle water and nutrients and cut down on waste, can be used to set up hydroponic systems. Plants can be grown hydroponically, although doing so requires careful nutrition and water balancing to prevent plant stress or disease. The Deep Water Culture system, which requires no energy or pumps and is simple to maintain, is the simplest hydroponic system to set up and utilize.
The following six conditions must be met for hydroponics to work:
1. A nutrient solution
2. A growing medium
3. Appropriate pH levels
4. Sufficient oxygenation
5. Adequate illumination
6. Temperature and humidity control.
While a greenhouse may be able to meet some of these needs, it is not essential for hydroponics. As long as the prerequisites are satisfied, hydroponic systems can be set up indoors or outdoors.