What is Hydroponics?

Hydroponics is a subset of hydroculture, which is the growing of plants in a soil less medium, or an aquatic based environment.

Hydroponic growing uses mineral nutrient solutions to feed the plants in water, without soil. For those of us who love growing plants these are exciting times indeed. We are no longer limited by climate or by season in the pursuit of our harmless pleasures.

We can now grow virtual lyany plant at virtual lyany time of the year–the only limitation is our imagination. The simple, effective hydroponic systems now available, coupled with modern horticultural lighting, have transformed our hobby and freed us to grow our favorite plants where and when we choose.

Executive Summary

The Issue facing us. Today Indian farmers face the following challenges

• Drought conditions and unpredictable weather
• Rising temperatures
• Polluted water systems
• Lack of irrigation
• Poor water management
• Under-nourished or over nourished crops

Need for a solution.

• India today needs food security which entails that all people at all times have physical and economic access to safe and nutritious food to meet dietary needs.
• Lack of water for agriculture leads to production of lesser food which means more hunger and malnutrition
• We are going to highlight the need for technology in agriculture that can contribute towards water savings and have a positive impact on food production and availability.

Introduction to Hydroponics

• Hydroponics is one methodology of soil-less cultivation.
• It is a method of growing plants using mineral nutrient solutions, in water, without soil.
• The earliest published work on growing terrestrial plants without soil was the 1627 book Sylva Sylvarum by Francis Bacon.

Advantages of Hydroponics.

Some of the reasons why hydroponics is being adopted around the world for food production are the following:

• No soil is needed for hydroponics
• The water stays in the system and can be reused
• It is possible to control the nutrition levels accurately
• It is stable and provides high yields hence economically viable
• Pests and diseases are easier to get rid of Ease of harvesting
• It is better for consumption

Benefits of Soilless farming

• Clean working environment with less pests, weeds etc u High planting density – more plants per sqm
• Year-round production - More harvest cycles
• No soil borne diseases
• Significant reduction in fungal, root diseases
• IPM can be practiced significantly reducing pesticide usage
• Full control over nutrition distribution
• Higher yields and quality fruit with better management practices
• No water stress on plants and very less consumption of water

List of Plants under Hydroponics.

Leafy Greens & Herbs	Herbs (medicinal & Culinary)	Vegetables	Fruits
Spinach	Mint	Peppers	Watermelons
Amaranthus	Parsley	Beetroot	Strawberries
Lettuce (all varieties)	Coriander	Broad Beans	Blueberries
Lettuce (all varieties)	Coriander	Broad Beans	Blueberries
Kale	Chives	Broccoli	Muskmelon
Chard	Marjoram	Brussel sprouts	Cantaloupe
Bok Choy	Cress	Cabbage
Methi	Rosemary	Tomato
All Indian leafy greens	Sage	Carrots
All microgreens	Thyme	Radish
	Dill	Cauliflower
	Oregano	Cucumber
	Ashwagandha	Brinjal
	Brahmi	Lady finger
	Long Pepper	Peas
	Basil (all varieties)	Bottle Gourd
		Ridge Gourd
		Squash
		Zucchini
		Chili
		Turmeric
		Ginger