Growing in hydroponics offers many benefits to the grower, such as higher productivity and plant quality, efficient use of water, year-round cultivation and better working ergonomics.
What is hydroponics?
Hydroponics is a word that comes from the Greek (water + work). This name is given to the system of growing plants without direct contact with the soil.
The NFT (Nutrient Film Technique) hydroponic system is the most widely used in Brazil. It is a hydroponic cultivation technique without the use of soil, in which the plant grows by having its root system permanently in contact with a nutrient and water solution, which circulates in a specially designed profile.
Why produce hydroponic products?
Hydroponic cultivation is the best way of overcoming water and food shortages and, at the same time, obtaining products of a high nutritional quality and taste in any type of climatic environment.
It is a precise scientific method of cultivation, developed by experiment and observation, which consists of reliable, predictable and high-quality production that is harmless to human consumption.
What can be grown
In theory, any plant can be grown using this technique. Lettuce is the most common food, but several species can be grown using hydroponics, such as:
- Cucumber;
- Eggplant
- Watercress;
- Arugula;
- Parsley;
- Cabbage;
- Seasonings;
- Cabbage;
- Beans;
- Broccoli;
- Peppers;
- Tomatoes;
- Strawberry;
- Melon;
- Seedlings for forestry;
- Ornamental plants, etc.
Hydroponics cycle
The NFT hydroponic system has 3 growing stages: Germination or Maternity, Nursery and Final Growth.
Germination or Maternity
Normally carried out in a separate room, germination is the initial stage of hydroponics where the seedlings are formed. Seedlings can be formed in a variety of substrates, but the most recommended is phenolic foam. Phenolic foam is great for supporting small seedlings and, as well as being practical and hygienic, it also helps to keep the plant roots moist.
Before planting the seeds in the foam, wash it well with running water to remove any residue. Don’t plant with the foam soaked, wait until it is damp, make a hole approximately halfway up the foam and plant the seed.
Nursery
It is in the nursery that the seedlings are replanted from the phenolic foam into the hydroponic profiles, receiving the nutrient solution necessary for their growth. The hydroponic nursery profiles are smaller than the final growth profiles, but the nutrient solution used in both phases is the same.
At this stage, quality control is also carried out, where plants that are not developing very well are removed from the planting, increasing the productivity of the plantation.
When the roots start to become too close together and space is tight, the plants are transplanted for final growth.
Final Growth
In the last stage of the cultivation system, the plants are transplanted into the final hydroponic growth profiles, where they will remain until they are harvested.
The length of stay in this stage varies according to the species planted. It is important to note that the growth cycle changes depending on the length of the day, temperature, etc.
The best times to harvest are before dawn or at dusk, when the weather is cooler.
Advantages
In addition to providing greater productivity and plant quality, hydroponics has several benefits for the grower, some of which are:
- Year-round harvest;
- Less dependence on weather conditions;
- Lower water consumption compared to traditional farming;
- Less use of pesticides;
- Lower incidence of insects and rain that can damage growth;
- High productivity and less time between planting and harvesting;
- Longer shelf life of the plants in the post-harvest markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Difference between conventional and hydroponic gardening?
The main difference between these two growing methods is the way in which the plant receives its nutrients.
In conventional gardening, the plant is grown directly in the soil and takes the nutrients it needs from the earth. In hydroponics, the plant roots receive a balanced nutrient solution through water.
Ideal water temperature and pH
To ensure that the water is suitable for hydroponic cultivation, the temperature should be kept at an average of 25ºC and should not exceed 28ºC.
Another factor that needs the grower’s attention is the PH factor. In hydroponics, the PH of the nutrient solution needs to be balanced, ideally between 5.5 and 6.5, depending on the type of crop and the plant.
Find out more about water and PH in hydroponics in our post!
Care
In addition to taking care of the water temperature and pH, it is also necessary to pay attention to the oxygen level and electrical conductivity for hydroponic cultivation to be effective.
- Oxygen level
Directly related to the water temperature, oxygenation ensures the absorption of nutrients. A low oxygen level makes the plant more vulnerable to fungi, which can contaminate the plants and even end production.
- Electrical conductivity
Used to monitor the amount of ions in the nutrient solution. The more ions, the higher the electrical conductivity, i.e. the greater the availability of nutrients.
As the plants grow, the nutritional value decreases. Excess nutrients can hinder development and even lead to the death of the plant.
Hortivinyl Germination Tables are suitable for growers who use phenolic foam for the plant germination phase.
Hortivinyl germination tables are made from 100% PVC and have a smooth surface, which makes it easier to pour the solution. Their large side and front fins prevent the solution from falling. They also have ¾-inch outlet connections (solution outlet) and support crossbars (optional).
Table dimensions:
2000mm | 618mm | Capacity: 2,070 seedlings |
1000mm | 618mm | Capacity: 1,035 seedlings |