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Hydroponics farming has become the ultimate solution due to increasing demand for sustainable and efficient farming. Hydroponics is a modern technique of planting crops without the use of soil, plants are grown in a nutrient solution of water. This farming technique has several advantages particularly in the aspect of production. Applying unique hydroponic methods and optimal hydroponic equipment, farmers can produce more, consume less, and earn more. So, in this blog, we will discuss the ways of increasing hydroponics productivity and some recommendations to achieve the highest results for your plants.

Understanding Hydroponics Crop Yield

Hydroponics crop yield on the other hand is defined as the efficiency of a hydroponic system to grow crops. Hydroponics is faster and healthier than the soil farming due to the conditions that the plants are exposed to. Hydroponics delivers the plant with the correct nutrients, water and light that is needed to grow the plant.

Namely, the awareness of the plant requirements and the correct use of hydroponic system can greatly help the efficiency of hydroponic agriculture. As a result, by regulating the factors like pH, water temperature and light, the farmers can increase the yield of crops.

Advanced Hydroponic Techniques to Boost Productivity

1.Vertical Farming:

Among all the complex hydroponic systems, the most efficient is the vertical one and the plants are arranged in tiers or hangers. This method requires little space and can thus be practiced in places of high population density and increase production with a small piece of land.

2.Aeroponics:

Aeroponics is a method in which the roots of the plants are hanging in the air with nutrient spray on them. This technique ensures that the oxygen in the soil around the root is circulated hence fast growth of the plants and therefore increasing crop production. It comes among those hydroponic systems that are deemed to be highly productive as far as yield is concerned.

3. Aquaponics:

Aquaculture is a farming of fish and plants at one and the same time, or a farming of fish and plants together. The wastes produced by fish are the foods for the plants and the plants provide water purification services to the fish. This is a win-win system – and this is as good and efficient model of productivity increase as one could imagine.

4. Nutrient Film Technique (NFT):

The NFT system includes the supply of nutrient solution through the root of the plants through a narrow channel. This is advantageous in a way that the plants are always watered and fed and the method is not very liberal with water making it one of the best ways on how to increase hydroponics yield.

Efficient Hydroponic Systems for Maximizing Crop Yield

In order to maximize yield in hydroponic farming, the type of hydroponic system to be used must be carefully chosen. Several systems are available, each offering unique advantages:

• Deep Water Culture (DWC): In this system, the root of the plant is immersed in water containing dissolved oxygen and nutrient solution. DWC is very efficient in crops that take a shorter time to mature such as lettuce and herbs which grow big and fast under DWC system.

• Wick System: This system is easy to use and inexpensive thus recommended for those who are new in the trading market. The mode of operation is that nutrient solution is drawn into the growing medium through a wick to water the plants. It is less productive than other systems but it can be used for some crops.

• Flood-and-Drain (Ebb and Flow): This system uses a pump to deliver nutrients to the growing bed and to drain them. It works well on most types of crops, stimulates root development and consequently is a sure bet in terms of high returns.

Hydroponics Farming Tips for Maximizing Productivity

• Optimize Lighting:

Plants need light to perform photosynthesis and grow, in a hydroponic system, you need to be sure that plants get the right amount of light. For the purpose of increasing the plant growth and hydroponic result, LED grow light which mimics natural light should be used.

• Monitor Water and Nutrient Levels:

Water quality is a very critical factor in hydroponics. You should also test for the pH and nutrient level of the water in order to know if plants are getting the right amount of the fertilizer. It is a well-documented fact that either lack or surplus of some nutrients affects the growth and productivity of the crop in question.

• Use Quality Growing Mediums:

Hydroponic systems do not require soil although using a good growing media like perlite, coconut coir or hydroton assists in anchorage of the roots and overall health of the plants. This leads to enhanced plant development and the rate of production.

• Control Temperature and Humidity:

Temperature and humidity are important determinants of the crop growing process. These elements of the environment are easier to control when growing plants through hydroponics because a farmer can create the best environment for the plants to grow.

• Regularly Clean the System:

Hydroponics need a clean environment if the crops are to grow well. In addition, make sure you remove the algae and debris that may interfere with the circulation of nutrients within the system periodically. Staying clean will help in reducing incidences of diseases hence improving crop quality.

Conclusion

Crop yield through hydroponics farming is something that needs to be planned, the right hydroponics farming system and the knowledge of what is needed by the plants. When you are growing hydroponically using the latest techniques, choosing the right hydroponic system, and following the hydroponics farming advice from the professionals, you will be in a position to harvest more with less. For new farmers in hydroponic farming or those who wish to improve their hydroponic system, the above practices will help your farm to grow with high yielding hydroponic farming.

Crop yield in hydroponics can therefore help farmers to feed the ever increasing population and at the same time practice environmentally friendly farming.