
Benefits Of Hydroponic Farming

Hydroponic farming has become very popular around the world and here in Trinidad and Tobago home gardeners and commercial farmers are beginning to see its potential benefits when compared to traditional farming techniques.
These benefits include:
1. Increased Efficiency
Hydroponic systems can be designed to be highly efficient, making the most use of available space, water and nutrients.
2. Decreased water usage
Hydroponics uses up to 90% less water than traditional farming methods.

3. Reduced need for pesticides and herbicides
Because hydroponic plants are grown in a controlled environment, they are less likely to be affected by pests and diseases. This reduces the need for pesticides and herbicides.
4. Faster growth rates
Hydroponic plants often grow faster than plants grown in soil, due to the ideal growing conditions that can be created.

5. Greater yield per square metre
By increasing efficiency and growth rates, hydroponic systems can produce more food per square metre than traditional farming methods.
6. year-round production
Hydroponic systems can be used to produce food all year round, regardless of the weather conditions outside.
7. Increased food safety
The controlled environment of a hydroponic system means that there is less chance of contamination from soil-borne pathogens.

8. More nutritious food
Some studies have shown that hydroponically grown plants can have higher levels of certain nutrients than plants grown in soil.
9. Lower carbon footprint
Hydroponic systems have a lower carbon footprint than traditional farming methods, due to the reduced need for transportation and the fact that they can be powered by renewable energy sources.