Hydroponic cultivation: understand the technique
Hydroponics is a Greek word meaning (water + work). This name is given to the technique used to cultivate plants without the presence of soil, transferring the nutrients that the plant needs through an enriched aqueous solution, which will subsidize its development.
In hydroponics, plant roots can be suspended in a liquid medium or supported on an inert substrate. A hydroponic system basically needs a light source, whether natural or artificial, nutrients mixed in the water and a way to carry those nutrients to the root.
Hydroponic Systems
There are several types of hydroponic systems, however, the most popular one in Brazil is the NFT System. It is estimated that this is used by about 90% of hydroponic producers in the country.
In the NFT System, nutrients circulate within the hydroponic profile in the exact measurement that the plant needs to develop. A timer activates the motor pump intermittently, so that the nutrient solution is pumped from the reservoir to the profiles, returning to the reservoir at the end of the cycle.
Among other types of hydroponic systems, we can mention the substrate, Floating, Aquaponics and Aeroponics system, among others.
Hydroponic cultivation
The advance in the hydroponic cultivation technique is notorious. Worldwide, protected cultivation has grown around 400% in recent years, according to Anuário Brasil Hidroponia magazine. In Brazil, hydroponic production already corresponds to 45% of the supply of leafy vegetables in the country.
Lettuce is currently the most cultivated species in Brazil, accounting for around 90% of the country’s vegetable sales, according to publications by Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária (Embrapa).
In addition to lettuce, in hydroponics it is possible to cultivate other species of vegetables, fruits and other cultivars, such as parsley, chives, watercress, tomatoes, peppers, flowers and even ornamental plants.
Learn about the main advantages of the hydroponic system
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Greater productivity: shorter cultivation cycle, with increased productivity, which can vary between 30% and 50%, compared to traditional cultivation;
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Higher plant quality: efficient use of nutrients and less waste;
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Year-round cultivation: no interference from weather conditions;
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Efficient use of water: up to 90% reduction in consumption;
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Less use of pesticides, such as herbicides and pesticides;
- Improved work ergonomics: with the benches at the appropriate height, it makes handling the system and plants much easier;
- Reduced labor;
- Higher quality products: healthier foods;
