Hydroponic Irrigation for Greenhouse

Hydroponic Farming: A Revolutionary Method in Agriculture

Hydroponic farming is an innovative and revolutionary method in agriculture that uses nutrient solutions instead of soil to meet the nutritional needs of plants.

This method of farming has attracted much attention from farmers and researchers due to its high efficiency, lower water consumption, and the ability to farm in limited spaces.

In this article, we explore the possibility of using hydroponic farming in greenhouses and answer the main question of whether this method can be utilized in greenhouses.

What is Hydroponics?

Hydroponic farming means growing plants in soilless environments. In this method, the plant roots are placed directly in nutrient solutions or soilless substrates and have access to all the necessary nutrients through these solutions.

This farming method can also be implemented in controlled environments such as greenhouses, and due to the ability to precisely control environmental conditions, it can significantly increase agricultural production. Although hydroponic farming appears to be a modern technology, its historical roots go back thousands of years.

This farming method, which means “growing in water,” has been used in various forms throughout history, and its techniques have gradually developed.

In recent years, extensive research has been conducted in the field of hydroponic farming. Scientists are working to improve the composition of nutrient solutions and increase the efficiency of hydroponic systems.

Additionally, the use of modern technologies such as smart sensors and automatic control systems has made it possible to more accurately control environmental conditions. Next, we compare hydroponic farming with traditional farming:

Differences Between Hydroponic and Traditional Farming

In traditional farming, plants use soil as the main source of nutrients. The soil acts as a medium that transfers nutrients to the plants.

In contrast, in hydroponic farming, plants are nourished by nutrient solutions that are directly supplied to their roots. This fundamental difference gives hydroponic farming many advantages over traditional farming.

1. Nutrient Source:

   1. Traditional Farming: Plants use soil as the main source of nutrients.
   2. Hydroponic Farming: Plants are nourished by nutrient solutions that are directly supplied to their roots.

2. Water Usage:

   • Traditional Farming: Water consumption is high due to evaporation and soil infiltration.
   • Hydroponic Farming: Water is used in a cyclical manner, minimizing waste.

3. Environmental Control:

   • Traditional Farming: Precise control of environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, and light is difficult.
   • Hydroponic Farming: Environmental conditions can be controlled more accurately.

4. Space Requirements:

   • Traditional Farming: Requires larger spaces with soil for planting.
   • Hydroponic Farming: Due to the lack of need for soil, plants can be grown in smaller spaces.

5. Risk of Diseases and Pests:

   • Traditional Farming: Higher risk of plant diseases and agricultural pests.
   • Hydroponic Farming: The risk of plant diseases and agricultural pests is reduced due to the absence of soil.

Types of Hydroponic Greenhouse Systems

NFT (Nutrient Film Technique) System

In this system, a thin film of nutrient solution continuously flows through a narrow channel, and the plant roots are directly in this film. This system allows plants to have continuous access to nutrients and also receive the necessary oxygen from the surrounding air.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Lower water and nutrient consumption	Requires strong pumps and precise control systems
Precise control of environmental conditions	Sensitive to power outages and technical issues
Suitable for plants with short growth cycles

DWC (Deep Water Culture) System

In this system, the plant roots are continuously submerged in a deep nutrient solution and receive the necessary oxygen through oxygenating pumps. This system allows plants to have continuous access to nutrients and oxygen.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Rapid plant growth	Sensitive to temperature and pH changes in the solution
Lower water and nutrient consumption	Requires continuous monitoring of environmental conditions
Simple to set up and maintain

Aeroponic System

In this system, the plant roots are continuously covered with a nutrient mist that contains nutrients. This mist is produced by special nozzles. This system allows plants to have continuous access to nutrients and oxygen.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Very low water and nutrient consumption	High initial cost
Very rapid plant growth	Requires advanced pumping and nozzle systems
Precise control of environmental conditions	Sensitive to technical issues and power outages

Drip System

In this system, the nutrient solution is dripped onto the plant roots through tubes and nozzles. This system can be implemented in an open or closed loop. In an open system, the nutrient solution that is given to the plants continuously returns to the growing medium, and in a closed system, the nutrient solution is continuously recycled.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Precise adjustment of solution flow	Requires continuous monitoring of the system and nozzles
Suitable for various plants	May require continuous maintenance due to nozzle clogging
Lower water and nutrient consumption

Ebb and Flow (Flood and Drain) System

In this system, the nutrient solution is periodically injected into the growing system and then completely drained. This process is repeated periodically. This system allows plants to have continuous access to nutrients and oxygen.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Precise adjustment of solution flow	Requires continuous monitoring of the system and nozzles
Suitable for various plants	May require continuous maintenance due to nozzle clogging
Lower water and nutrient consumption	Roots may clump together and become disorganized.

Growing Medium Conditions in Hydroponic Farming

Due to the lack of soil, hydroponic farming uses various substrates to support plant roots. These substrates must have specific characteristics to provide a suitable environment for plant growth.

۱. Ability to Absorb and Retain Water and Nutrients

The substrates used in hydroponic farming must be able to absorb and retain water and nutrients. This feature is very important because plants continuously need water and nutrients to grow and produce their crops.

Hydroponic Farming: A Revolutionary Method in Agriculture

Hydroponic farming is an innovative and revolutionary method in agriculture that uses nutrient solutions instead of soil to meet the nutritional needs of plants.

This method of farming has attracted much attention from farmers and researchers due to its high efficiency, lower water consumption, and the ability to farm in limited spaces.

In this article, we explore the possibility of using hydroponic farming in greenhouses and answer the main question of whether this method can be utilized in greenhouses.

What is Hydroponics?

Hydroponic farming means growing plants in soilless environments. In this method, the plant roots are placed directly in nutrient solutions or soilless substrates and have access to all the necessary nutrients through these solutions.

This farming method can also be implemented in controlled environments such as greenhouses, and due to the ability to precisely control environmental conditions, it can significantly increase agricultural production. Although hydroponic farming appears to be a modern technology, its historical roots go back thousands of years.

This farming method, which means “growing in water,” has been used in various forms throughout history, and its techniques have gradually developed.

In recent years, extensive research has been conducted in the field of hydroponic farming. Scientists are working to improve the composition of nutrient solutions and increase the efficiency of hydroponic systems.

Additionally, the use of modern technologies such as smart sensors and automatic control systems has made it possible to more accurately control environmental conditions. Next, we compare hydroponic farming with traditional farming:

Differences Between Hydroponic and Traditional Farming

In traditional farming, plants use soil as the main source of nutrients. The soil acts as a medium that transfers nutrients to the plants.

In contrast, in hydroponic farming, plants are nourished by nutrient solutions that are directly supplied to their roots. This fundamental difference gives hydroponic farming many advantages over traditional farming.

1. Nutrient Source:

   1. Traditional Farming: Plants use soil as the main source of nutrients.
   2. Hydroponic Farming: Plants are nourished by nutrient solutions that are directly supplied to their roots.

2. Water Usage:

   • Traditional Farming: Water consumption is high due to evaporation and soil infiltration.
   • Hydroponic Farming: Water is used in a cyclical manner, minimizing waste.

3. Environmental Control:

   • Traditional Farming: Precise control of environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, and light is difficult.
   • Hydroponic Farming: Environmental conditions can be controlled more accurately.

4. Space Requirements:

   • Traditional Farming: Requires larger spaces with soil for planting.
   • Hydroponic Farming: Due to the lack of need for soil, plants can be grown in smaller spaces.

5. Risk of Diseases and Pests:

   • Traditional Farming: Higher risk of plant diseases and agricultural pests.
   • Hydroponic Farming: The risk of plant diseases and agricultural pests is reduced due to the absence of soil.

Types of Hydroponic Greenhouse Systems

NFT (Nutrient Film Technique) System

In this system, a thin film of nutrient solution continuously flows through a narrow channel, and the plant roots are directly in this film. This system allows plants to have continuous access to nutrients and also receive the necessary oxygen from the surrounding air.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Lower water and nutrient consumption	Requires strong pumps and precise control systems
Precise control of environmental conditions	Sensitive to power outages and technical issues
Suitable for plants with short growth cycles

DWC (Deep Water Culture) System

In this system, the plant roots are continuously submerged in a deep nutrient solution and receive the necessary oxygen through oxygenating pumps. This system allows plants to have continuous access to nutrients and oxygen.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Rapid plant growth	Sensitive to temperature and pH changes in the solution
Lower water and nutrient consumption	Requires continuous monitoring of environmental conditions
Simple to set up and maintain

Aeroponic System

In this system, the plant roots are continuously covered with a nutrient mist that contains nutrients. This mist is produced by special nozzles. This system allows plants to have continuous access to nutrients and oxygen.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Very low water and nutrient consumption	High initial cost
Very rapid plant growth	Requires advanced pumping and nozzle systems
Precise control of environmental conditions	Sensitive to technical issues and power outages

Drip System

In this system, the nutrient solution is dripped onto the plant roots through tubes and nozzles. This system can be implemented in an open or closed loop. In an open system, the nutrient solution that is given to the plants continuously returns to the growing medium, and in a closed system, the nutrient solution is continuously recycled.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Precise adjustment of solution flow	Requires continuous monitoring of the system and nozzles
Suitable for various plants	May require continuous maintenance due to nozzle clogging
Lower water and nutrient consumption

Ebb and Flow (Flood and Drain) System

In this system, the nutrient solution is periodically injected into the growing system and then completely drained. This process is repeated periodically. This system allows plants to have continuous access to nutrients and oxygen.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Precise adjustment of solution flow	Requires continuous monitoring of the system and nozzles
Suitable for various plants	May require continuous maintenance due to nozzle clogging
Lower water and nutrient consumption	Roots may clump together and become disorganized.

Growing Medium Conditions in Hydroponic Farming

Due to the lack of soil, hydroponic farming uses various substrates to support plant roots. These substrates must have specific characteristics to provide a suitable environment for plant growth.

۱. Ability to Absorb and Retain Water and Nutrients

Substrates used in hydroponic farming must be able to absorb and retain water and nutrients. This feature is very important because plants continuously need water and nutrients to grow and produce their crops.

Substrates with high water and nutrient absorption capabilities can help plants access these resources and prevent root drying.

۲. Rapid Water Drainage

Another important feature of substrates used in hydroponic farming is the ability to drain water rapidly. This feature helps prevent excessive water circulation and creates conditions of hypoxia for the roots.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Hydroponic Substrates

Rockwool (Rock Wool)

Rockwool is derived from volcanic rocks and has a porous structure that can absorb and retain water and nutrients.

Advantages:

• High Water and Nutrient Absorption: Rockwool can absorb and retain water and nutrients, helping plants access these resources.
• Lightweight and Portable: This substrate is lightweight and can be easily moved within hydroponic systems.
• Sterilized and Clean: Rockwool is usually sterilized and clean, preventing the growth of bacteria and fungi.

Disadvantages:

• Degradation: It may degrade over time and need replacement.
• Compaction: It may compact under certain conditions, which can harm the roots.
• High pH: Rockwool may have a high pH, requiring adjustment of the nutrient solution’s pH.

Stone Wool (Stone Wool)

Stone wool is derived from volcanic rocks and has a porous structure that can absorb and retain water and nutrients.

Advantages:

• High Water and Nutrient Absorption: Stone wool can absorb and retain water and nutrients, helping plants access these resources.
• Lightweight and Portable: This substrate is lightweight and can be easily moved within hydroponic systems.
• Sterilized and Clean: Stone wool is usually sterilized and clean, preventing the growth of bacteria and fungi.

Disadvantages:

• Degradation: It may degrade over time and need replacement.
• Compaction: It may compact under certain conditions, which can harm the roots.
• High pH: Stone wool may have a high pH, requiring adjustment of the nutrient solution’s pH.

Perlite

Perlite is a lightweight mineral derived from volcanic rocks. This substrate has a porous structure that can absorb and retain water and nutrients.

Advantages:

• Lightweight and Portable: Perlite is lightweight and can be easily moved within hydroponic systems.
• Rapid Water Drainage: This substrate can drain water rapidly, preventing excessive water circulation and hypoxic conditions for the roots.
• Sterilized and Clean: Perlite is usually sterilized and clean, preventing the growth of bacteria and fungi.

Disadvantages:

• Degradation: It may degrade over time and need replacement.
• Compaction: It may compact under certain conditions, which can harm the roots.

Glass Wool

Glass wool is derived from glass and has a porous structure that can absorb and retain water and nutrients.

Advantages:

• High Water and Nutrient Absorption: Glass wool can absorb and retain water and nutrients, helping plants access these resources.
• Lightweight and Portable: This substrate is lightweight and can be easily moved within hydroponic systems.
• Sterilized and Clean: Glass wool is usually sterilized and clean, preventing the growth of bacteria and fungi.

Disadvantages:

• Degradation: It may degrade over time and need replacement.
• Compaction: It may compact under certain conditions, which can harm the roots.
• High pH: Glass wool may have a high pH, requiring adjustment of the nutrient solution’s pH.

Crops Suitable for Hydroponic Greenhouses

Due to the specific conditions of hydroponic systems, a wide variety of crops can be grown in hydroponic greenhouses. These include:

۱. Leafy Greens

Leafy greens are highly productive and nutritious crops in hydroponic greenhouses. This group includes:

• Lettuce: Lettuce is a popular crop in hydroponic systems due to its rapid growth and lower water and nutrient requirements.
• Spinach: Spinach is also suitable for hydroponic cultivation due to its rapid growth and minimal space requirements.

۲. Vegetables

Vegetables can also be easily grown in hydroponic greenhouses. This group includes:

• Tomatoes: Tomatoes are a popular crop in hydroponic systems due to their minimal space requirements and rapid growth.
• Cucumbers: Cucumbers are also suitable for hydroponic cultivation due to their rapid growth and lower water and nutrient requirements.

۳. Fruits

Some fruits can also be grown in hydroponic greenhouses. This group includes:

• Bananas: Bananas can be grown in hydroponic systems and are highly productive due to their lower water and nutrient requirements.
• Pineapples: Pineapples can also be grown in hydroponic greenhouses due to their rapid growth and minimal space requirements.

۴. Flowers and Medicinal Plants

Some flowers and medicinal plants can also be grown in hydroponic greenhouses. This group includes:

• Basil: Basil is a medicinal plant that can be grown in hydroponic systems and is highly productive due to its lower water and nutrient requirements.
• Ornamental Flowers: Some ornamental flowers can be grown in hydroponic greenhouses due to their minimal space requirements and rapid growth.

۵. Mushrooms

Mushrooms are also suitable for hydroponic cultivation. They are highly productive due to their minimal space and rapid growth requirements and can be easily grown in hydroponic systems.

Costs of Building a Hydroponic Greenhouse

۱. Construction Costs

• Greenhouse Structure:
  • Iron and Steel: Costs associated with purchasing and installing iron and steel for the greenhouse structure.
  • Polycarbonate and Glass: Costs associated with purchasing and installing polycarbonate and glass for the greenhouse cover.
  • Other Building Materials: Costs associated with purchasing and installing other building materials such as cement, bricks, etc.
• Land Preparation:
  • Excavation and Leveling: Costs associated with excavating and leveling the land for the greenhouse structure.
  • Ground Equipment: Costs associated with purchasing and renting ground equipment such as bulldozers, loaders, etc.

۲. Hydroponic System Costs

• Hydroponic Equipment:
  • Water Tanks: Costs associated with purchasing and installing water tanks for storing and managing nutrient solutions.
  • Pumps and Pipes: Costs associated with purchasing and installing pumps and pipes for distributing nutrient solutions.
  • Diffusers and Other Equipment: Costs associated with purchasing and installing diffusers and other equipment needed for irrigation and plant feeding systems.

۳. Electricity and Water Costs

• Electrical System Installation:
  • Cables and Sockets: Costs associated with purchasing and installing cables and sockets for distributing electricity to greenhouse equipment.
  • Electrical Panels: Costs associated with purchasing and installing electrical panels for managing and controlling electricity distribution.
• • • Pumps and Filters: Costs associated with purchasing and installing pumps and filters for distributing water to the hydroponic system.
    • Pipes and Fittings: Costs associated with purchasing and installing pipes and fittings for distributing water to the hydroponic system.Irrigation System Installation:

۴. Control and Management Costs

• Environmental Control Systems:
  • Coolers and Heaters: Costs associated with purchasing and installing coolers and heaters for controlling the greenhouse temperature.
  • Heat Lamps: Costs associated with purchasing and installing heat lamps to provide the necessary light and warmth for plants.
• pH and EC Control Systems:
  • pH and EC Sensors: Costs associated with purchasing and installing pH and EC sensors for monitoring the nutrient solution.
  • Control Equipment: Costs associated with purchasing and installing equipment for adjusting the pH and EC of the nutrient solution.

۵. Maintenance and Operational Costs

• Equipment Maintenance:
  • Repairs and Maintenance: Costs associated with maintaining and repairing hydroponic equipment and systems.
  • Replacement Parts: Costs associated with replacing worn-out and broken parts of hydroponic equipment and systems.
• Operational Costs:
  • Electricity and Water: Costs associated with the consumption of electricity and water for greenhouse operations.
  • Nutrients: Costs associated with purchasing and consuming nutrients for plant feeding.
  • Other Consumables: Costs associated with purchasing and consuming other consumables such as seeds, fertilizers, etc.

Conclusion

Hydroponic greenhouses, as an advanced and innovative method in agriculture, offer numerous advantages such as reduced water consumption, increased productivity, and higher quality crop production.

However, this system requires high initial investment, technical knowledge, and continuous maintenance. Given the existing challenges, creating and managing a hydroponic greenhouse requires precise planning and proper resource management. Nonetheless, investing in this field can lead to increased production and higher quality agricultural products, and it is also highly beneficial from an environmental perspective.