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Article Series: Hydroponic Gardening
Hydroponic Gardening
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The
History of Hydroponics
Hydroponics means working water and comes
from the Greek words “hydro” and “ponos,” meaning water and
labor. Many different civilizations have utilized hydroponic
growing techniques throughout history so they are not a new
method of growing plants. Giant strides have been made over
the years in this innovative area of agriculture. Throughout
the last century, scientists and horticulturists have experimented
with different methods of hydroponics. One of the potential
applications of hydroponics that helped continue research was
for growing produce in non-arable areas of the world. Hydroponics
was also integrated into the space program as hydroponics easily
fit into their sustainability plans. The research for their
plans is ongoing.
By the 1970’s, scientists and analysts wee not the only people
interest in hydroponics. Traditional farmers and eager hobbyists
began to be attracted to the virtues of hydroponic growing.
Some of the positive aspects of hydroponics include the ability
to produce higher yields than soil-based agriculture and they
allow food to be grown and consumed in areas of the world that
cannot support crops in the soil. Hydroponics also eliminates
the need for massive pesticide use, which makes the air, water,
soil, and food much cleaner. Commercial growers are changing
to hydroponics like never before as the ideals surrounding
the growing techniques touch on subjects that interest most
people, including world hunger and making the world cleaner.
Everyday
people have begun to purchase their own hydroponic systems to grow great tasting and fresh food for their family
and friends. Educators have also begun to realize the amazing
applications that hydroponics can have in the classroom. Many
gardeners have made their dreams come true by making their
living in their backyard greenhouse and selling their produce
to local restaurants and markets.
The potential of hydroponic culture is incredible,
but commercial hydroponics in the United States was held
back until hydroponic
systems that were economical to build and relatively easy to
operate became available in the marketplace. With the advent
of high tech plastics and simpler system design, this came
about in the late 1970s. The energy saving poly greenhouse
covers, the PVC pipe used in the feed systems, and the nutrient
injector pumps & reservoir tanks were all made of types
of plastic not available prior to the 1970s.
As both small and large hydroponic farms were established
in the late 1970s, it was proven that hydroponic culture could
produce premium produce and be a profitable venture. As hydroponics
attracted more growers, complete plant nutrient formulas, and
hydroponic greenhouse systems were being marketed. Environmental
control systems were being developed to help growers provide
the ideal plant environment in addition to the ideal plant
diet.
Commercial crop growers are turning to soil less cultivation
more and more. The speed of growth combined with the control
over the growing environment means higher quality crops. The
worry over soil born diseases and pests are greatly reduced,
plus weeding is a thing of the past. For commercial growers,
rapid harvest and higher yields are great reasons to grow hydroponically.
The techniques used by commercial growers are now available
to the home gardener. Hydroponics may be used in underdeveloped
countries for food production in limited space. It is even
feasible to grow hydroponically in areas of poor soil conditions,
such as deserts. The desert sand serves as a good growing media
and seawater can be used to mix nutrient solution once the
salts have been removed. The popularity of hydroponics has
increased dramatically over a very short period of time. Experimentation
and research in the area of indoor and outdoor hydroponic growing
is an ongoing process.
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: 2008
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