Hydroponics is a method of growing crops in water rather than on soil. In this technique, plant growth and productivity are controlled by the type and amount of nutrients added to the water.
Although history proposes of it being applied to differing degrees in parts of the world since time long past occasions, hydroponics farming is a genuinely new practice in Kenya.
For the farmers who have been doing hydroponics farming, highly credit the technique from its ability to increase their animal fodder and thus increased dairy production, especially during this dry season.
The technique also enables the farmers to achieve expected yields for vegetables and not only growing fodder. It is good to note that the farmers undertaking the practice never complain about changing seasons, adverse weather conditions or climate change, which have all given rise to severe food insecurity in Africa.
If fully embraced, the issue of food security would be addressed as the technology offers a valid alternative to growing crops, presenting agricultural opportunities even in places where the soil is scarce or is not agriculturally productive like Eastern and Northern parts of Kenya.
Most vegetables and a number of fruits will thrive in this system the likes of tomatoes, leafy greens such as chard, spinach and cabbage, barley, lettuce, basil, chives, raspberries, and strawberries among other types of crops on a reservoir of nutrients in the water. Through hydroponics technology, a farmer can eliminate the use of soil and still record higher crop yields.
There is a great hope that hydroponics becomes a commonplace in Kenya as it is practiced for centuries across the world and is frequently used in Australia and the United States.
This method of gardening provides an ideal nutrient balance for plants, producing nutritious, abundant crops.
Furthermore, hydroponics reduces or eliminates pests, reduces time spent gardening, and makes it easier to grow plants in arid regions among other advantages.
There are downsides to Hydroponics, just like any other things in life. But you can overcome most of them with just some planning and experiences.
Meanwhile considering the pros it can offer, Hydroponics is worth doing. It is always a part of modern agriculture. Compared with the soil-counterparts, Hydroponics is a highly effective growing method.
