HYDROPONICS: ADVANTAGES AND CHALLENGES IN SOILLESS FARMING
Lokendra Khatri, Adhiraj Kunwar, Dipak Raj Bist
Abstract
Hydroponics, a soilless method of raising plants using mineral nutrient solutions, represents an important innovation in modern agriculture. This review covers the advantages and challenges associated with hydroponic farming, attempting to provide a full understanding of its potential as an alternative to traditional soil-based agriculture. The major benefits of hydroponics include effective resource management, particularly water and space; increased yields due to controlled settings; and lower pesticide use, leading to sustainable farming practices. However, the adoption of hydroponics is limited by expensive initial setup costs, technological difficulties, and large energy requirements. Effective nutrient management and disease control remain significant problems. This study explores current trends and breakthroughs, such as AI-driven hydroponics, remote cultivation, and the integration of IoT in vertical farming, highlighting the revolutionary potential of these technologies. By overcoming the existing challenges through research and development, hydroponics can play a key role in improving food production, especially in urban areas with limited arable land.