Study of Hydroponic Systems and their Variations

Abstract

Hydroponics is a method of agriculture using mineral nutrient solutions, in water, without the use of soil. Soil-based plants can be grown either with their roots in the mineral nutrient solution or in perlite or gravel, which is an inert medium. There are various advantages to using hydroponics over traditional crop-growing methods. The advantages include expedited plant growth, control of nutritional values, easy correction of deficiencies; growing environment can be controlled-including pests, diseases and fungi. There are a few basic types of hydroponic systems that can be used according to requirement-Ebb and Flow culture, Deep Water culture, Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) and Aeroponics. In this project we have attempted to grow Spinacia oleracea (spinach), using Kratky's non-circulating hydroponics. This method was chosen based on the ease of handling and the use of minimalistic equipment, to arrive at the result. The course of action will be to primarily establish a control system, using Hoagland's media (inorganic media). Parameters like temperature, pH and EC (electrical conductivity) will be monitored. Comparisons will then be made between plants grown in the control system to a) plants grown in a system whose nutrient solution is made with tap water and parameters have not been monitored; b) plants grown in vermiliquid (organic media). Parameters to be checked are number of days required for full growth of plant, plant height, leaf area, colour of leaves and the presence of dense roots. Protein estimation of each of the products will also be done and the results compared with traditionally grown spinach.