What is Soilless
(Hydroponic) Agriculture?
Developments in the world have presented different
approaches for the agricultural sector. In addition to technological
developments, the inability to meet the demands of the increasing population
has led the agricultural sector to develop and find alternative methods. In
agriculture; factors such as the division of lands, soil quality, and weather
conditions can disrupt production. One of the approaches that have emerged to
solve such problems is hydroponic agriculture.
Soilless agriculture is the method in which plants are grown
by determining the nutrients and water that plants need and providing these
needs in an environment other than soil. (1) In this method, the minerals,
nutrients, water amount and other elements required for the development of
plants are calculated. Plans are created in accordance with these calculations
and applications are made for production. Thus, the uncertainties experienced
in traditional agriculture are greatly reduced. Plants do not spend energy to
find nutrients, instead they reach what they need directly. Plants grow in a
solution prepared with the necessary elements. Different plant species can be
grown in the same area.
Hydroponic agriculture is suitable for both individual and
mass production. Systems can be set up and studies can be carried out in a
large greenhouse. At the same time, you can spend time on soilless farming
activities at home, in your own garden or in a room. Knowing the plant and the
resources it needs, creating the appropriate environment is enough for plant
cultivation in soilless farming. Since there are no variables such as soil and
light, good results are obtained without major deviations even in individual
production. In this way, you will contribute individually to sustainability,
which is one of the biggest trends and requirements in the changing world.
