Aeroponics is simply growing in the air. We are confident that with time when innovative agriculture techniques are becoming popular, you must have come across the term aeroponics, which is also a part of a futuristic agriculture model - vertical farming.
But do you know, that the aeroponics techniques date back to 1957 when an apple tree was grown with roots suspended in air and the entire set-up being watered with the spray techniques?
Aeroponics is made with two words, aero and ponics. The former means air and the latter denotes labour work - so it means the work of air in growing crops, soil-free with very little and maximum utilization of water.
Very innovatively, the hydroponic solutions are mixed in air and water which is periodically sprayed - the major role is done by oxygen which is supplied to roots. More oxygen means better growth and higher nutritional value intact.
Aeroponics Systems were famous in the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) as well when scientists began looking for fresh-grown foodways in space that do not require soil. This has been reported in Living Green Farms' report.
5 major processes that are involved in Aeroponics are as follows.
Step 1: Aeroponics System - The initial process revolves around the selection of the accurate system that supports the plant, especially the roots that are to be suspended in the air, a spraying system to water the plants and a nutrient reservoir.
Importance of an aeroponics system
1. The system will hold the suspended plant roots in the air so that the result is obtained without fail.
2. The suspension of roots in the air requires little but frequent hydration, the misting bottles here work best.
3. The nutrient reservoirs automate the process eliminating the labor to additionally see all the processes.
Step 2: Hang the Plants - Aeroponics treats the plant growth via air so the plant's roots should be placed so that they get ample oxygen to survive.
Step 3: Monitoring the Condition - The plants should be monitored so that the pH and nutrient levels of the solution, as well as the frequency and duration of misting cycles, optimise plant growth.
Step 4: Proper Lighting - High-Pressure Sodium Lamp (HPS), High-intensity Discharge (HID) lights or LEDs work best here.
1. Proper spectrum record here needs to be taken care of such as Blue light (400-500 nm) promotes vegetative growth, while red light (600-700 nm) is essential for flowering and fruiting.
2. Proper mounting of the lights promotes the best growth.
3. Ensure proper lighting distribution.
4. Facilitate the growth of plants with sufficient ventilation set-up to eliminate extra build-up of heat.
5. Distribute the light timing. Most plants require 14-18 hours of light per day during the vegetative stage and 10-12 hours during the flowering stage.
Step 5: - Post-Set-up Maintenance - Like all agritech set-ups that are automated to some extent, aeroponics too requires maintenance. Common problems that can arise are;
1. On-time harvesting of the crops and eliminating the wastes generated, if any.
2. Soon after the harvest, the system to planted fresh.
3. Nozzle clogging, nutrient imbalances and root diseases are some of the most common issues.
4. System upgradation, if high automation set-up is there to avoid any hindrance.
Advantages of Aeroponics
Some of the evident advantages that you'll see in aeroponics are as follows;
1) Higher Yield - Unlike traditional farming, it is dependent on soil for extracting essential nutrients. Make sure that the roots are facilitated with nutrients which are directly mixed with mists in the air. The water is then carried to the roots without being wanted - giving maximum yields.
2) Better Oxygen Support - Plant roots that are suspended in the air using aeroponics techniques are facilitated with 99.9% fresh air. Also, 0.02% of the roots are in direct contact with a hydro-atomized nutrient solution that lets roots be. This minimal contact with water allows the roots to efficiently capture oxygen.
3) Water Efficient Technique - Aeroponics uses less water than hydroponics making it truly a water-efficient mode of farming.
4) Hygienic Form of Produce - Aquaponics eliminates the use of soil which is the major carrier of diseases, fungi, and pests which further removes the need to apply pesticides.
5) Season Independent - Aeroponics ensure that year-round production is being done by maintaining the optimum temperature and precise control.
So, we see that aeroponics is needed for urban development and to help the world obtain food that is rich in nutrients. If you have innovative technology and solutions in the field of vertical farming that you want to exhibit, participate at the 5th Global Vertical Farming Show 2025 Dubai - the region's largest and only exclusive vertical farming event hosting more than 5000+ targeted attendees from around the globe.
Here is the registration link for you. https://lnkd.in/d76Q9AYA
