What are hydroponic crops?
They are crops that are carried out in water, do not use the land to cultivate, it is only necessary to deposit in the water all the nutrients that a plant needs to grow, in this way the roots consume everything they need in the water, making use unnecessary from the earth.
In some crops, the land is replaced by coconut fiber, expanded clay, zeolite or rock wool. It is a technique that has achieved sustainable, ecological and efficient results.
Advantages of Hydroponic Crops
- Significantly reduces water consumption for risks.
• Even irrigation on the entire surface of the roots.
• Prevents soil predation.
• Crops less prone to weather problems such as floods, droughts, etc.
• Reduces contaminationby chemicals in the soil.
• Improves production quality.
Types of Hydroponic Crops
NFT: the plants are sown on a surface with a small inclination, where the plants receive water and nutrients continuously.
NGS: it is a channel that has waterproof bags that allows the passage of water with nutrients.
Aeroponics: It is a root system with a high humidity environment, crops receive water and nutrients by fogging or spraying.
Floating Root: fastened by perforated sheets, the crops float on the water thus receiving all the nutrients.
Substrates
Organic Substrate: ideal for short-term productions, the most common are coconut fiber, peat and rice husk.
Inorganic Substrate: due to its durability it is the most recommended for long-term productions. The most commonly used are rock wool, perlite and vermiculite.
What can be grown in hydroponic crops
- Vegetables and small fruits such as lettuce, strawberry, cucumber, garlic, onion, tomato, chard, chili, pepper, carrot, cranberries, raspberries, eggplants, artichokes, broccoli, melon, squash, among others.
- Ornamental plants such as roses, orchids, dahlias, sunflowers, among others.
- Fruit trees such as apple, lemon, peach, banana, avocado, plum, fig, tangerine, orange, among others.
- Aromatic plants suchas ginger, lavender, basil, coriander, chamomile, dill, thyme, rosemary, parsley, oregano, among others.
