Urban Jungles: Redefining the Modern Cityscapes with Hydroponics

From the desk of Muzaffar Sayyed

Farms and agriculture are no longer restricted to massive farmlands lying in the outer reaches of urban cities. Hydroponics is the practice of farming that is transforming modern cities into urban jungles capable of sustaining themselves. Hydroponics refers to the practice of growing plants without the use of soil solely relying on water-based mineral and nutrient solutions. Through hydroponics, the world can satisfy its ever-increasing demand for food products that too in a sustainable manner without having to worry about proper climate as climate change becomes a real threat. Food shortage issues and the lack of arable land to grow produce are key issues that can be resolved by the meticulous deployment of hydroponic farms on a global level.

William F. Gericke is regarded as the father of modern hydroponics because he coined the term 'hydroponics' in 1929, building upon earlier work in the field. While the idea of growing without soil seems novel, there are rumors that ancient civilizations, ranging from the Egyptians to the Aztecs, practiced large-scale hydroponic agriculture.

Why Hydroponics is the Future of Urban Farming?

From balconies to rooftops, hydroponic farms can be set up almost anywhere in an urban landscape. The most popular approach is through the use of vertical farming and hydroponics in conjunction. Reduced carbon footprint of urban settings and high availability of fresh produce for inhabitants of the city are key benefits that make hydroponics an essential component of modern farming. Less requirement of water and easy set-up are also other benefits that are boosting the adoption of hydroponics in urban farming.

Essentials of a Hydroponic System

Growing Medium

Nutrient Solutions

Temperature Control Systems

Growing Containers

Grow Lights

Water Reservoir

Rise of Indoor Farming Popularity

Indoor farming has exploded in popularity on a global level and this is also contributing to the rising demand for hydroponics and aquaponics as well. An increasing number of people are investing in the development of new indoor farms to grow crops all year round and eliminate the climate factor. Precise control and higher yields of indoor farming are key factors that are pushing more people towards it. Advancements in agriculture and the growing use of robotics in the same will also help in improving yields.

Hydroponic farming can also be done indoors with the use of grow lights or setting up a greenhouse of any size to control indoor temperatures for optimal growing conditions. Rising demand for specialized and exotic crops on a global level is also promoting the use of indoor farming to farm these crops. Moreover, the deployment of indoor farming robots is also expected to completely automate the indoor farming approach and boost its adoption in the long run.

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Aquaponics: Hydroponics on Steroids

Aquaponics refers to the farming of fish in recirculating tanks while utilizing the same nutrient-rich water to grow plants through hydroponics. Fishes provide a natural fertilizer for plants to grow and the need for nutrient addition in hydroponic solutions reduces. This is a highly sustainable approach that combines two key methods of agriculture and uses one to benefit others. Better profitability of such farms is what is pushing more and more people to integrate aquaponics and hydroponics on a larger scale.

Top Benefits of Hydroponics Farming

Higher Yields

Less Labor Involved

Minimal Water Consumption as Compared to Traditional Farming

No Need for Pesticides or Insecticides

Better Control Over Growing Seasons

Faster Crop Growing Times

Better Utilization of Space and Resources

Shortening of Food Supply Chains

What Does the Future of Hydroponics Look Like?

Combined with the vertical farming approach, hydroponic farms are projected to be spread across urban landscapes in the future as awareness regarding them increases. Hydroponics is a highly promising concept with a lot of scope for innovation. Growing awareness regarding hydroponics and the availability of supportive government initiatives to promote the use of hydroponics in urban settings will create new opportunities in the future.

Use of robotics and other advanced technologies could also augment the utilization of hydroponic farms going forward. A high emphasis on sustainability is also a highly crucial aspect that will back the use of hydroponics in the long run. The highly transformative potential of hydroponics has just started to be realized and this is why more and more companies are targeting this market. A detailed report on hydroponics and related markets can be found with Skyquest to better understand the current and future market potential.

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