THE HYDRO FARM:  AN ALTERNATIVE KIND OF FARMING

Hydroponics, though not really a new concept, is revolutionizing the growing industry.  Individuals and hobbyists are maintaining hydroponic gardens in their homes; people are setting up hydroponic grow rooms in their houses as an alternative to maintaining outdoor gardens; and now we are starting to see the hydrofarm emerge as an alternative to regular farming.

Besides “Hydrofarm” being a common brand name of hydroponic products, a hydrofarm is essentially a farm that grows its produce using hydroponics. Hydroponics is the growing of plants without the use of soil—replacing the soil with a different anchor for the roots, and directly supplying nutrients to the roots through a water-based solution.  Plants can grow strong and healthy, and yield more fruit in this way, because the elements required for plant productivity are carefully controlled to maximize the effect on the plants.

Where hydroponics has long been a fringe segment of agriculture (and still fights the stereotype of being used mainly to grow illegal plants), in recent years it has grown in popularity to the point that even nations such as Holland and Canada are starting to grow food this way on a larger scale.  Today, there are numerous hydrofarms across the country; some participate in local farmer’s markets or sell their produce to stores, and many sell their produce directly to the consumer by a variety of methods.  The hydrofarm has increased in popularity because people often consider the food to be safer, plus with the use of lighting and temperature controls, produce can be grown out of season.

Despite misconceptions that this is an artificial way to grow plants, there is nothing really artificial about it (no genetic or chemical manipulation); it is simply an alternative way of providing the natural elements a plant needs in order to grow, and because these elements are controlled, plants can be given the optimal amount of light, water and nutrients to yield good produce time after time.  In fact, one of the reasons people buy hydroponic produce is that they realize that it is a healthier, more natural alternative to the mass-producing agricultural methods commonly used today.

In time, the hydrofarm may become a primary food supply for third-world countries or places where it is not conducive to grow in the soil. In addition, hydroponics is being explored as a viable way to grow food in space, which may open up even more options for mankind.  The hydrofarm may seem like a novel or fringe concept for some—but in fact, it very well may be a critical part of agriculture for the future.