Hydroponics:The future of farming on Earth and Mars
Hydroponics System
The lack of lands, water and healthy food caused millions of hunger in the world
In the traditional ways of growing plants, the soil is one major way that plants get the nutrients they need to grow, along with the sun & water. But after the expansion of using chemical materials in agricultural, the soil based agriculture is facing various challenges such as urbanization, natural disasters, climate change, indiscriminate use of chemicals and pesticides which is depleting the land fertility.
The world has big challenges for agriculture sectors in the future because food production is predicted to increase by 70% according to the FAO in 2050. Human beings have to achieve this despite the lack of lands, the increasing demand for fresh water (agriculture consumes up 70% of freshwater on earth) and the expecting climate change which can lead to the alteration in temperature, lights as well as the plants and animals’ life cycle.
Solving these challenges is possible by Merging industry 4.0 advanced technologies with science for producing new agriculture techniques, that lead to a green world. And it is simply what is called the fourth generation of agriculture [Agriculture 4.0] that focus on its goals to save millions of people from hunger with minimizing quantities of water, soil, energy, overcoming very limited spaces, producing healthy food in a safe and friendly environment.
Hydroponics system - “Grow More for less”
What is Hydroponic system?
Hydroponic system is a water-based solution that’s rich in nutrients and oxygen delivered directly to the plants through the roots without factoring in the soil. The soil can be clay pebbles, stone wool, coco coir, or vermiculite to support the roots with an artificial lighting if needed. Hydroponics is one of the best ways to grow fresh vegetables in smaller spaces such as indoors.
Technology role in control and connectivity: Applying IoT and AI for better result
Installing sensors in the hydroponic system for recording the changes of temperature, Water PH and connectivity, light, humidity, …etc. and transmit these records to a web server by using wireless interfaces such as WiFi, GPRS, LAPWAN. Presenting the data in a useful information and insights through dashboard [Data Management] on with ability to be controlled remotely and taking an action based on the case through a mobile app or web platform.
In an advanced step, make use of the pool of output data and analyzing it by using Artificial intelligence technology. A system that is fed by the output data of sensors, actuators, cameras, …etc and analyzing data through Machine learning or deep learning algorithms will augment the human efforts to better results of achieving system goals and may reach to the autonomous level. [Read also: Five Main Technologies create the future of Agriculture]
Hydroponics System Component
- Planting unit: Building the environment of planting by using different techniques such as NFT [Nutrient film technique], DWC [Deep Water Culture] or Gravel Beds.
- Power Unit: Solar Panels, inverters.
- Pumping unit: Air Pump, water pump or by using Venturi Oxygenation Systems.
- Frame/platform: The space or the area where building the system or the greenhouse.
- Backup: Storage for components and chemical materials.
- Technology Layer [Brain]: Actuators, Sensors, control unit, IoT – Internet of Things – system.
Do you think that Hydroponics is a Useful Technique?
Before deciding if its useful or not, let’s ask if that technique produce health food for people in a safe and friendly environment? Will it solve the problem of hunger? Save the water and overcoming the limited spaces?
YES! Hydroponics system is overcoming all these challenges by reducing 90% of water compared with traditional farming “planting in soil”. It is a space saver and a suitable solution for urban farming, Individuals are able to sustain their food throw building hydroponics system unit in few meters area can be a room or apartment. It produces a safe & healthy food with no wood, fewer pets and diseases and with double yield compared with traditional ways.
I am agree that hydroponic has downsides like any thing in life such as High initial cost, risk of “water electricity” and the need of well educated labor. But it can be kept under control by good planning and experience.
Do you think that Hydroponics is a Useful Technique?
Hydroponics agriculture offers great opportunities for governments to take leading position in agriculture and reduce dependency on imports or exports. It will be a great shift toward an innovation and knowledge based economy even it has not the good soil for planting.
The market for Hydroponics is expected to expand dramatically in the coming years. It is valued at USD 23.94 billion (2018) and is forecast to account for a CAGR of 6.8% from 2019 – 2024 (source). USA, Canada, Netherlands, and Australia are listed as the world’s largest producers for green houses (Source)
Hydroponics is playing a major part in human being’s cope to the future survival on the earth and NASA has considered the hydroponic growing method for feeding and nourishment to astronauts on the space station and on Mars.
Sources: greenandvibrant.com – purehydroponics.com – cooking-hacks
Image Sources: offgridgorilla.com – newmars.com
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