Harnessing Hydroponic Innovation for Water Management and Plant Growth Optimization: A Comparative Study with Soil-Based Cultivation Method
摘要
In response to mounting challenges posed by climate change, soil infertility, water scarcity, and agricultural pests and diseases, the adoption of innovative cultivation methods becomes imperative. Hydroponics emerges as a promising solution, offering a departure from traditional soil-based approaches by delivering essential nutrients directly to plant roots through nutrient-rich water solutions. This study explores the efficacy of hydroponic systems in addressing water management challenges while leveraging technology to enhance agricultural production. Through a comparative analysis between hydroponic and soil-based cultivation methods, key growth parameters including height, root length, fresh weight, root weight, and leaf number were evaluated for lettuce, basil, and spinach. Additionally, water consumption patterns were assessed to ascertain the water-saving potential of hydroponic farming. Results reveal significant improvements in plant growth and water efficiency in hydroponic systems compared to conventional soil cultivation, with water savings reaching up to 80%, highlighting its remarkable potential for effective water management.