Deep Water Culture
How hydroponic growing can be beneficial for urban agriculture?
Hydroponics and urban agriculture have been a novelty in the world of cultivation.
Until a few years ago, agricultural production was understood only at the peasant level and confined to rural contexts, with the need for large spaces, important equipment and a large use of water.
But what were the needs and ways of life of the last century no longer match the food and space needs of a constantly increasing population.
As we see more and more often, water and energy crises, not to mention pandemics and wars, can put food supplies and fresh fruit and vegetables in particular in difficulty.
The globalized world is starting to show us the other side of the coin, and new localized systems of economy and production could become increasingly necessary in the coming years.
Even cities have transformed over time, many of the industrial areas that are the legacy of an outdated economy have over time been abandoned and left in disuse, all spaces that today could be reconverted to new uses, in particular in the production of vegetables and fresh vegetables ready for local consumption.
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What is Urban Agriculture?
How can enough plants grow to feed large populations in a limited space?
Urban agriculture arises from a double need, that of locating the production of vegetables and greens intended for consumption at km 0 in smaller areas and contexts, at the same time that of converting unused urban spaces into a new form of citizen.
All this is accompanied by the need to be able to create a green space also in residential contexts, where concrete is king, which can bring the people who live in those places back into contact with nature and therefore to a new way of live them.
Hydroponic cultivation techniques can integrate perfectly with urban cultivation, especially where it is necessary to optimize the space and resources available.
Vegetable gardens can be created in contexts such as:
- terraces and balconies
- exploit the surface of the walls to set up vertical cultivation systems
- courtyards and condominium areas
- abandoned public places
Urban agriculture can provide fresh produce for communities and is a sustainable solution to the growing food crisis. The only factor that we can consider against growing in the city is the poor quality of the air which can affect the quality and growth of plants. In the same it is the growth of the plants themselves that improves the quality of the air that we too breathe.
What is Hydroponic Growing?
Hydroponic cultivation allows plants to grow without the use of soil, with the roots growing inside an inert substrate or even completely bare.
The plants are fed by a nutrient solution that contains all the elements necessary for growth and development, this is then dispersed but constantly reused, minimizing water consumption.
In addition, the absence of land decreases the risk of infestations and attacks by parasites and consequently decreases the need to use pesticides and substances harmful to humans and the environment.
There are several hydroponic cultivation techniques that can be used, each with its own peculiarities, advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to know their characteristics well to understand the one that best suits your needs.
If you want more information you can read our complete guides:
Do you want to start growing in hydroponics?
On Growrillahydroponics you will find all the products for hydroponic and indoor cultivation. We create hydroponic cultivation systems for all needs, for information contact us at info@growrillahydroponics.com.
