Introduction to Hydroponics Farming

1. Hydroponics Farming :
Revolutionizing Agriculture
Prepared by – Tejas Patil ( C-49 )
Guided by – Mr. A.H.Raheja sir
Date – 21 /05 /23

2. What is Hydroponics Farming ?
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• It is technique for growing plants without soil. Utilizing this
technology, the roots absorb balanced nutrient dissolved in water
that meets all the plant developmental requirements.
• “Cultivation of plants in water”.
• Many aggregates and media support plant growth .
• Also called as “ the cultivation of plants without using soil.”

3. • Hydroponic Culture: In hydroponic culture, the plants, vegetables,
and flowers are planted in the substratum and provided with oxygen
and nutrient-rich aqueous solution. The key benefit of following
hydroponic culture is it produces good quality crops in less time.
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4. Hydroponic Systems
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• Stand your plants in a plastic
trough and let a nutrient
solution trickle past their roots
(with the help of gravity and a
pump).

5. Types of Hydroponic System
1. Wick System
2. Water Culture
3. Ebb & flow (Drain and flow)
4. Drip system Recovery/ Non-recovery
5. N.F.T.(Nutrient film Technique)
6. Aeroponic system
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9. MATERIALS USED IN HYDROPONICS
1. Coco Coir : Has an excellent air to
water ratio with great water
retention .
2. Rockwool : A fibrous material made
from melted rock ,Not
Biodegradable ,Hazardous to health
,Must be pH balanced ,Excellent
water retention
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10. 3. Expanded clay Pellets : Most popular media ,
Drain quickly & ph neutral , Reusable , Used in
ebb & flow, water culture , 50/50 mix of clay and
coco creates a breathable medium , Heavy .
4. Potting soil (Perlite) :Perlite + Coco Coir +
Vermiculite , Synthetic materials ,are puffed/
heated to produce light and porous material
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11. Nutrient Solutions
• In Hydroponics, nutrient control is easy
• A nitrogen-rich Grow Formula
• A phosphorous and potassium-rich Bloom Formula
• Plants require 17 essential elements to grow and reproduce
• The first three are Hydrogen, oxygen and carbon
• Other 14 are: Macro-Elements: Nitrogen, Phosphorous, Potassium,
Calcium, Magnesium, Sulfur
Microelements: Iron, Manganese, Copper, Zinc, Boron ,
Chlorine, Molybdenum, Nickel
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12. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
• pH Control
5.8 and 6.4, or slightly acidic
• Electrical Conductivity (EC)
1.2-3.5 Mho
• Horticultural Lighting
Metal Halide (MH), High Pressure Sodium (HPS) lamps.
• Temperature and Environmental Control
68- 78 degrees F.
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13. What can we grow ?
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Although almost any crop can be grown
hydroponically, the most common are leaf
lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers,
strawberries, watercress, celery and some
herbs. One key factor in system design for a
particular crop is how it is supported in the
nutrient solution.

14. Case Study
Area : 5000 ft²
Total one time cost (Setup ) : 18,87,200 to 20,00,000
Total cost per cycle : 80,000
Total Production : 3200 kg
Profit Margin : 6,90,000/cycle (considering Avg selling cost)
Water Required – small plants - ½ gallon Frequency of changing
medium plants - 1 ½ gallon substrate – Every Month
large plants - 2 ½ gallon
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15. Ex – Gabbar Farms , Ahemdabad
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16. Advantages
• Higher yields achieved in a smaller space.
• Nutrients precisely controlled.
• Grow, bloom and boost formulas used at the appropriate growth
stage.
• Indoor gardens grown using full-spectrum horticultural lighting.
• Soil-borne pests and diseases are eliminated.
• Weeds are eliminated.
• Plants are healthier and reach maturity faster.
• Automation is possible
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17. DISADVANTAGES
• Cost of initial investment
• Production is management, capital and labor intensive.
• A high level of expertise is required.
• Daily attention is necessary.
• Specially formulated, soluble nutrients must always be used.
• Some water born diseases can spread rapidly in recirculation system.
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18. Future Potential / Conclusion
Since the agriculture sector in developing countries is getting affected
by climate changes. The depleting water sources might result in food
insecurity. Poor irrigation practices are often responsible for wasting
water. Soil is getting polluted due to anthropogenic activities as well as
extreme weather events. Soil erosion is making the soil less
susceptible to growing crops. In this scenario, hydroponic farming is a
favorable option. It doesn’t require soil and much quantity of water
like that of conventional agriculture.
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19. References
• https://www.envpk.com/hydroponics-the-future-of-agriculture/
• https://ag.umass.edu/greenhouse-floriculture/fact-sheets/hydroponic-systems
• https://gabbarfarms.com/pages/about
• https://www.conserve-energy-future.com/advantages-disadvantages-
hydroponics.php
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20. Thank You