SOIL-LESS AGRICULTURE-HYDROPONICS

SOIL-LESS AGRICULTURE-HYDROPONICS

With the world population expanding at an unprecedented rate along with the strain on natural resources, farmers and scientists are turning to soil-less agriculture solutions to meet demand. In recent years there have been breakthrough technologies promising more productivity in agriculture while requiring less resources.  Optimistworld reports of Agricel’s launch of its film farming method designed to improve plant productivity by up to 50 % while requiring 90% less water and 80% less fertilizer.Film farming and other soil-less agriculture methods has its roots in hydroponics, a method of growing plants using only nutrient infused water and no soil. Plants’ roots are grown in mineral nutrient solutions or non-soil inert mediums like processed clay, husk, shavings, or bark.

Hydroponics makes it possible to cultivate edible plants and vegetables in areas where there is little or no arable land. Pesticide use is not necessary because of the controlled system and environment; likewise, nutrient levels can also be managed efficiently. Water used in hydroponics can be reused, helping to lower maintenance costs. Though hydroponics has its own disadvantages (no soil as buffer, pathogen attacks, and high energy costs) it continues to progress and is a recognized branch of agronomy.Other soil-less agriculture innovations have made headlines like diaper farming, stackable vertical farms, and film farming. They open up new possibilities and options other than reliance on traditional agriculture.

Belgian scientist Willem van Cotthem invented Terracottem, a soil conditioner infused with hydrogels and organic agents. Hydrogels are the same substance in diapers which absorb water hundreds of times their weight. The absorbent polymers in Terracottem provide moisture for growing plants for a longer period of time than traditional agriculture methods. Professor van Cotthem supervised construction of family gardens in Algeria for the Sahawari refugee camps. More than 2,000 pocket gardens were constructed to provide fresh, healthy food for the refugees.

Dr. Edward Hardwood founded Aerofarms in 2004, a company that utilizes aeroponic growing systems to cultivate plants with no soil, no sun, and little water. Aeroponics differ from hydroponics in that it sprays nutrients on plants’ roots suspended in the air, instead of immersing them in water. Aerofarms’ particular method allows for customizable vertical stacking suitable for buildings in urban areas. Vacant buildings with unused indoor space could be utilized to grow greens instead of staying unproductive. Aerofarms’ farms use cloth mediums, LED lighting, and nutrient sprays.

Another twist in soil-less agriculture methods involving use of hydrogels is film farming. Agricel, a company based in Dubai, launched a farming method using a hydromembrane consisting of water-soluble polymers and hydrogels as replacement for soil in growing plants. The system requires 90 per cent less water and 80 per cent less fertilizer than traditional farming methods. Film farming also offers the advantage of resistance against pathogen attacks, which other soil-less farming methods are susceptible to. No pesticide is required in film farming as the “film” or the hydromembrane cannot be penetrated by bacteria and viruses. According to Agricel, a film farm can be built in as little as 60 days.To feed seven billion people in the world, perhaps what we need is not more land or farms, but smarter more efficient ways of utilizing what we have.

Prof. John Kurakar