Comparation between soil based and hydroponics methods:
Abstract:
There are many different types of systems used to grow crops.Soil-based agriculture is resource-intensive, utilizing large amounts of land and water, it creates environmental issues such as soil degradation, deforestation, groundwater pollution, soil erosion. Hydroponics system is used to grow the plant with soilless culture.Crops grown hydroponics system were grown in a thermally insulated grow tent with an artificial lighting source, ventilation, environmental controls, and the Deep-Water Culture (DWC) method.Plants are grown in a nutrient-rich solution instead of dirt, allowing their roots to absorb all the water and nutrients they need. Here we compared soil with hydroponic systems.
Keywords: Soil, Hydroponics,soilless culture, Controlled atmosphere, Nutrient-rich Solution.
Introduction:
Soil growing is a more traditional method, where the plants are planted directly in fields or into a pot. Organic matter and minerals breaking down in the soil plays a vital role in nutrients being absorbed by the plant roots.In this naturally provides organic nutrients that come from soil.It requires daily, manual maintenance. Higher chance of disease and pest attack because of the soil ,the pests and diseases remain for years in the soil.
In hydroponics automated system with less daily maintenance,more efficient which can lead to faster and greater yields,more control over the exact nutrients you are feeding our plants and also less chance of pests or fungus (no need for pesticides).Very water-efficient, resulting in much less water use and waste.Finally, Hydroponics allows for continuous production throughout the year independent of external weather conditions.
Differences in yield favorable to hydroponics,when occurring,are due to efficient nutritional regulation gained by controlling water and plant nutrient element use as well as higher density planting.Since hydroponics does offer the ability to control the supply of water and the essential plant nutrient elements to plant roots ,a continuous optimum supply can in turn enhance plant performance.In general, hydroponic systems allow flexibility and intensification, providing high crop yield and high-quality products, even in areas with adverse growing conditions (Grillas et al., 2001).
Comparative Analysis of Yields:
Hydroponic Systems:
Higher Productivity: Research shows that hydroponic systems can produce up to 30-50% higher yields compared to traditional soil-based methods. This is due to the ability to optimize growing conditions and reduce factors that limit growth in soil.
Faster Growth: Plants grown hydroponically often experience faster growth rates, allowing for quicker harvests and more efficient use of space and resources.
Soil-Based Methods:
Variable Yields: Yield in soil-based systems can vary widely depending on soil health, weather conditions, and farming practices. While yields can be substantial, they are often less predictable compared to hydroponic systems.
Comparative Analysis of Quality:
Hydroponic Systems:
Consistency: Hydroponically grown crops often have more consistent quality due to controlled growing conditions. This includes uniform size, color, and taste.
Nutrient Content: Some studies suggest that hydroponic crops can have higher nutrient content, particularly when nutrient solutions are carefully managed to optimize plant health.
Soil-Based Methods:
Flavor and Texture: Many gardeners and consumers believe that soil-grown crops have superior flavor and texture. The natural soil environment can contribute to complex flavors and a rich texture.
Hydroponics methods:
Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) :
Nutrient film technique (NFT) hydroponic systems constantly flow water past the roots of the plants in the system. We are all seen plants on the edge of a river bank where the soil beneath has eroded, and the plant roots directly into the river, this is a very similar set-up.
Aeroponics :
Aeroponic systems are a subset of hydroponics wherein the plants are grown with their roots set up in the air. Misting systems below the plants then periodically spray a combination of water and nutrients directly onto the exposed roots.
Deep Water Culture (DWC) :
In deep water culture (DWC) systems, plants are grown suspended above a water reservoir with added nutrients. The plant’s roots are submerged in the water constantly. Using air pumps and air stones in the water to provide enough oxygen to the plants to prevent root rot.
Ebb and Flow (Flood and Drain) :
In an ebb-and-flow system, the plants’ roots set up above a tray or other container that is periodically flooded, then drained.
Drip Systems :
Hydroponic drip systems are based on drip irrigation systems used in water scarcity areas and also used to reduce water wastage. In this growing method, a pump feeds water and nutrients into small emitters that drip the solution directly onto plant roots.
Soil-Based methods:
Nutrient Content: Soil can provide a broad range of nutrients, but the nutrient content of soil-grown crops can be influenced by soil quality and management practices which can be done in the field.
Planting and Growing :
Once the soil has been prepared, it’s time to plant. Sowing can be done with many methods.Some measures can be taken:
Roughing can be taken in the field.
Create a long narrow trench called a furrow.
Place the seed into the furrow at evenly spaced intervals.
Close the soil over the seed.
Pest and disease control :
Crops grow in the field are susceptible to pests, weeds, and diseases. Most of the fields apply insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides across their fields to protect crops against these problems.
Fertilization :
Fertilization, or nutrient management, plays a crucial role of commercial farming. Farmers will test the soil throughout the growing season to determine which nutrients are lacking, then add these nutrients as fertilizers. The primary nutrient types typically managed include nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) commercial fertilizers.
Irrigation :
It can be done to maintain moisture level in the field.
Surface irrigation — basins, canals, or furrows are flooded to distribute water through the field.
Sprinkler irrigation — hoses, pipes, and pressurized sprinkler heads spray water across the field.
Drip irrigation — much like the hydroponic growing method, soaker hoses, and other methods constantly drip or trickle small amounts of water directly onto crops.
Harvesting and post-harvest handling :
Once the crops have reached full maturity, it’s time for the harvest. Some crops, such as most grains, are harvested by machine. This technique may lead to food waste but is far cheaper and safer than farm labor. Other crops are more delicate and must be harvested by hand. This post-harvest handling may include drying, dehulling, cleaning, sorting, and packaging, depending on the type of crop involved.
Conclusion:
Choosing between hydroponic and soil-based growing depends on a variety of factors, including space, resources, preference of the crop variety and marketing.