HydroponicsHydroponics Technology that can Change theTechnology that can Change theFace of Indian Agriculture IndustryFace of Indian Agriculture Industry

HydroponicsHydroponics

Hydro : Water Ponics : Labor

Many people think of hydroponics as growing plants in water, but hydroponic production actually is defined as growing plants without soil.

Plants may be grown with their roots in the mineral nutrient solution only or in an inert medium such as Perlite, gravel, mineral wool, expanded clay or coconut husk.

Advantages of HydroponicAdvantages of Hydroponic

Soilless Cultivation Lower water costs Control the nutrition levels No nutrition pollution is released into the environment Potential for stable and high yields Pests and diseases are easier to get rid of than in soil

Challenges in Soil CultivationChallenges in Soil Cultivation

Depleting arable land Loss of top fertile layer due to excessive tillage Insufficient absorption of nutrients by plants due to leaching of fertilizers

into soil Excessive water usage for irrigation Pest and disease attacks Fluctuating weather conditions leads to crop loss Labor intensive

SOLUTION?SOLUTION?

Hydroponic Cultivation in Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA)

FootstepsFootstepsPast & Present Usage of HydroponicsPast & Present Usage of Hydroponics

The early use of Hydroponics system is dated back to Babylonians civilization. Early Aztecs also made use of hydroponics systems, but the use of nutrients and minerals in hydroponics systems started developing post 1800. In India, it was first developed in Bengal during the 1946-1947 periods.

Now, NASA uses hydroponics system to grow crops in outer space where space and soil are not available. Hydroponic farming has now been adopted by farmers worldwide to grow crops commercially. It is estimated that in India, area of approx. 500 acres is already under hydroponic cultivation.

Components of Components of Hydroponic GreenhouseHydroponic Greenhouse

Greenhouse structure Growing system like grow bag, trough, channels etc. Environmental control like cooling & ventilation systems Flooring Drip irrigation and fertigation machine/system Plant Nutrient

Greenhouse StructureGreenhouse Structure

Growing SystemGrowing System

Troughs Channels

Environmental control Environmental control

Fan- Fogger Cooling System Solar Heating System

Fan-Pad Cooling System

Growing MediaGrowing Media

Coco peat Reconstituted Coco peat Bricks

Irrigation & Fertigation SystemsIrrigation & Fertigation Systems

Drip Irrigation System Components of Drip Irrigation System

Fertigation System

Plant Nutrients Plant Nutrients

Primary nutrients- A range of specialized hydroponic two-part and three-part base nutrients (N-P-K), both organic and synthetic, which blends all the required macro and micronutrients in specific ratios corresponding to the growth cycle of the plant.

Root enhancers- This class of nutrients include enzymes, beneficial bacteria and fungi that facilitate root growth, ensures faster uptake of nutrients and protects against nematodes, pathogens and root rot.

Supplements- Imparts natural carrier compounds, enhance cellular metabolism, germination rate and immunity of the plants. We formulate a variety of special supplements that flushes your crops off the unwanted materials, revives the plants from nutrient deficiencies and cut down the probability of crop loss.

Drip Irrigation – Grow Bag/ Trough

Nutrient Film Technique (NFT)

Basic Hydroponic Systems

Grow Bag/Trough CultivationGrow Bag/Trough Cultivation

Grow Bag Cultivation Trough Cultivation

Crops Cultivated Crops Cultivated

CucumberLilium

Red CabbageAnthurirum

Broccolli

Nutrient Film Technique (NFT)Nutrient Film Technique (NFT)NFT is a hydroponic growing method in which the plants have their roots partly submerged in a shallow stream of recirculating water containing all the required growth nutrients and where there is no solid rooting medium. The upper surface of the root mat which develops above the water, although it is moist, is in the air. So around the roots which are in the air, there is a film of nutrient solution - hence the name nutrient film technique (NFT). (Cooper 1979).

Crops CultivatedCrops Cultivated

Lettuce

Cherry Tomatoes

Capsicum

Benefits of Hydroponic Benefits of Hydroponic Greenhouse CultivationGreenhouse Cultivation No soil is needed. The water stays in the system and can be

reused - lower water consumption. It is possible to control the nutrition

levels. Stable, higher yields & shorter times

between harvests. Produces highly nutritious, attractive

crops. Less pest & disease attack, easier to get

rid of than in soil. Easier to harvest & source of income

from direct sales.

Application Of HydroponicsApplication Of HydroponicsRoof Top GardenVertical GardensLiving Walls

Thank You

Dr. Rakhee Sharma