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Down the Garden Path: How hydroponics, a soil-less grow system, really works · Kendall County News - Shaw Local

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  Speaker 1: Down the Garden Path, How Hydroponics, a Soilless Grow System,
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  Speaker 1: Really Works. Written by Katrina Burmeister, University of Illinois, Extensio.
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  Speaker 1: This article is being read by an automated voice brought
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  Speaker 1: to you by Everlit. Hydroponics is the technique of growing
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  Speaker 1: plants using a water-based nutrient solution rather than soil. Hydroponic
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  Speaker 1: systems are typically closed-loop systems that use less water than
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  Speaker 1: growing plants in soil. These production systems are used by
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  Speaker 1: small farmers, home growers, as well as commercial enterprises. Benefits.
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  Speaker 1: The benefits of hydroponic systems include year-round growing, the ability
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  Speaker 1: to maximize space through vertical growing, faster growing cycles, some
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  Speaker 1: estimates as much as 40% faster, and a reduction in
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  Speaker 1: water usage. Some estimates 90% less than traditional soil-based farming.
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  Speaker 1: Integrating hydroponics into farming and agriculture is can contribute to
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  Speaker 1: a more environmentally friendly approach by reducing soil dependency and
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  Speaker 1: soil erosion, putting growing systems within urban areas where the
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  Speaker 1: population is located, thus reducing food transportation and improving local
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  Speaker 1: access to fresh food. It also uses less water, therefore
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  Speaker 1: enabling food production in areas more prone and susceptible to drought.
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  Speaker 1: The disadvantages include a high startup cost for the equipment,
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  Speaker 1: frequent monitoring of water for nutrients and pH, as well
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  Speaker 1: as a reliance on electricity. Hydroponic equipment includes a reservoir
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  Speaker 1: to hold the water, pump to circulate the water, nutrient
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  Speaker 1: solution that includes macro and micronutrients, grow lights, growing media
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  Speaker 1: such as vermiculite, coconut core, clay pebbles, rock wool, or perlite,
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  Speaker 1: as well as pH and EC meterized to measure levels.
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  Speaker 1: Hydroponic systems can be purchased or created do-it-yourself. Herbs, leafy greens, strawberries, tomatoes,
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  Speaker 1: and peppers grow best in hydroponic systems. For fruiting plants,
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  Speaker 1: you'll need to hand pollinate them with a small paintbrush.
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  Speaker 1: Maintaining a hydroponic system is straightforward. Monitor nutrient levels routinely
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  Speaker 1: and check water levels. Every two to three weeks, dump
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  Speaker 1: the used water and add fresh water and nutrients. It
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  Speaker 1: is recommended to start with non-treated additive-free water, such as
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  Speaker 1: from a reverse osmosis system or rainwater, and pH levels
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  Speaker 1: need to be monitored so that they are within range
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  Speaker 1: and the plants can take up nutrients appropriately. Monitor for
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  Speaker 1: pests and algae and clean the equipment after use. Conclusion,
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  Speaker 1: hydroponics is becoming a more significant piece of the global
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  Speaker 1: food supply by improving efficiency, sustainability, and overall productivity. By
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  Speaker 1: eliminating many of the constraints associated with traditional soil-based farming,
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  Speaker 1: it provides a practical solution to pressing challenges such as
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  Speaker 1: food security, environmental conservation, and the rising demand for nutritious,
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  Speaker 1: high-quality produce that can be locally grown. Hydroponic soilless growing
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  Speaker 1: is a great method to try at home for year-round
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  Speaker 1: fresh produce. For more information, check out the following resources.
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  Speaker 1: Katrina Burmeister is a certified Master Gardener volunteer with University
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  Speaker 1: of Illinois Extension, served in DuPage, Kane, and Kendall Counties.