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Hydroponics: Advantages And Challenges in Soilless Farming

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 Big Data in Agriculture (BDA) 6(2) (2024) 81-88

Big Data in Agriculture (BDA)

DOI: http://doi.org/10.26480/bda.02.2024.81.88
ISSN: 2682-7786 (Online)
CODEN: BDAIDR

RESEARCH ARTICLE
HYDROPONICS: ADVANTAGES AND CHALLENGES IN SOILLESS FARMING
Lokendra Khatri*, Adhiraj Kunwar, Dipak Raj Bist

Gokuleshwor Agriculture and Animal Science College, Tribhuvan University, Baitadi, Nepal
*Corresponding Author Email: lokendrakhatri712@gmail.com

This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License CC BY 4.0, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and
reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

ARTICLE DETAILS ABSTRACT

Article History: 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
Received 01 Mayl 2024 hydroponic farming, attempting to provide a full understanding of its potential as an alternative to traditional
Revised 04 June 2024
soil-based agriculture. The major benefits of hydroponics include effective resource management,
Accepted 08 July 2024
Available online 12 July 2024 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.
KEYWORDS
Hydroponics, Soilless Farming, Nutrient Management, Sustainable Agriculture and Disease Control in
Hydroponics

1. INTRODUCTION review, we want to highlight the potential of hydroponics as a viable

substitute for traditional agriculture. Also, we want to identify the areas
Hydroponics is the use of mineral nutrient solutions in an aqueous solvent that require further research and development.
to grow plants without soil. It is a significant innovation in modern
agriculture (Roy, 2022). Hydroponic systems use various inert media to 2. HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT
support plant roots, including peat moss, charcoal, gravel, rock wool,
perlite, coco peat, and coconut coir (George and George, 2016). The term 'hydroponics' originates from the Greek word’s ‘hydro’ meaning
Hydroponic systems are designed to provide plants with the right amount water and ‘ponos’ meaning labor. The word was coined in 1929 by Dr.
of water, nutrients, and oxygen for optimal growth. They are used in both Gericke, a California scientist, and marked the transformation of
commercial and private settings to cultivate various plant life, including laboratory methodology into a commercially viable method for plant
vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers. The origins of hydroponics can be cultivation. During World War II, the U.S. Army used hydroponic culture to
traced back to ancient civilisations, although it has progressed greatly with grow food for soldiers stationed on barren Pacific islands. Large-scale
developments in technology and agricultural methods. Modern hydroponic farms had been established in America, Europe, Africa, and
hydroponic systems were developed in the mid-20th century (Rajaseger Asia by 1950 (Shrestha and Dunn, 2010). In the present situation, soilless
et al., 2023). Today, hydroponics is applied in numerous ways, ranging farming can be successfully implemented and considered as an alternate
from small-scale home gardens to huge commercial operations. This choice for growing nutritious food plants, healthy edible vegetables, or
evolution has been driven by the desire to increase agricultural efficiency, crops (Sharma et al., 2019).
improve resource utilisation, and reduce the environmental impact of
farming operations.
3. TYPES OF HYDROPONIC SYSTEMS
There are various types of hydroponic systems, each having its own
Hydroponics has many advantages, but in order to reach its full potential,
particular set of advantages and disadvantages (Nguyen et al., 2016). Some
a number of challenges must be addressed. High initial setup costs,
of the most common types of hydroponic systems are tabulated (Table 2).
technical complexities, and significant energy requirements are some of
the primary obstacles. Additionally, effective nutrient management and 4. CURRENT TRENDS
disease control are critical to maintaining healthy crop production in
hydroponic systems (Kürklü et al., 2018). This soilless farming technology In recent years, there have been significant innovations and trends in
has the potential to address most of the limitations of traditional soil- hydroponics. These advancements have been motivated by the growing
based agriculture (Varun Kumar and Verma, 2024). The ability to grow demand for sustainable and efficient methods of food production.
plants in controlled environments has offered new prospects for boosting
food production, especially in urban areas where there is limited arable 4.1 Domotics for Indoor Cultivation-Control Tools
land available (Sharma et al., 2023).
Establishing a hydroponic farming facility requires careful consideration
The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive examination of of the location, size, plant species, and necessary tools. Specialised gadgets
hydroponics, focusing on its advantages and challenges. This paper aims like lights, aspirators, humidifiers, fans, and heat producers are needed for
to offer insights into hydroponic farming's efficiency, sustainability, and optimal plant growth. Control devices like thermo-hygrometers, heating
practical implications by analyzing current literature. Through this systems, and hygrostats are used for improved production. However,

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Cite The Article: Lokendra Khatri, Adhiraj Kunwar, Dipak Raj Bist (2024). Hydroponics: Advantages
And Challenges in Soilless Farming, Big Data in Agriculture, 6(2): 81-88.
 Big Data in Agriculture (BDA) 6(2) (2024) 81-88

advanced software-based controls are inadequate for maintaining stable sensor information and regulate lights, aspirators, and humidifiers
environmental conditions. Advanced software-based controls can handle through in-built applications (Rajaseger et al., 2023).

Table 1: Types of Hydroponic systems and specific plants.

Hydroponic
Characteristics Reference
System
The Wick system is a low-cost hydroponic method that absorbs nutrients via capillary action
(Ferrarezi and Testezlaf,
through roots and inert material. It's useful for teaching hydroponics culture in areas with
Wick System 2014; Thangaiah et al.,
limited power access and educational institutions. However, it's not suitable for sustainable
2022; Elkazzaz, 2017)
crop production, especially for small farmers.
Deep Water The Deep-Water Culture technique in hydroponics involves suspending plant roots in nutrient-
(Sharma et al., 2019; Singh
Culture rich water, using an air stone for air supply. Plants are grown in net pots, with oxygen,
et al., 2019)
(DWC) nutrients, pH, and salinity monitored to prevent mold and algae formation.
The nutrient film technique (NFT) exposes plant roots to nutrient-rich water through
(Somerville and Townsend,
Nutrient Film horizontal pipes. It's more complicated and expensive than media bed culture but offers low
2014; Wongkiew et al.,
Technique (NFT) evaporation rate. Channel slope, length, and flow rate must be calculated for optimal water
2017)
flow, oxygen, and nutrients.
The drip hydroponic system involves placing a water tank below the growing tray, where
Drip Irrigation
tubes carry water to plants, thereby conserving runoff water and ensuring optimal water (Dubey and Nain, 2020)
System
distribution.
Aeroponics is a hydroponic system that uses misting to deliver nutrient-rich water to plants'
roots, allowing them to absorb oxygen and nutrients. It's efficient but requires high
(Santosh and Gaikwad,
Aeroponics maintenance to prevent stagnant water and overcrowding. It's not recommended for
2023)
beginners and can be automated for easier management.

Aquaponics is a hydroponic technique that mimics a natural ecosystem by using nutrient-rich

waste from fish manure, algae, and fish feed in fishponds. Plants act as biofilters, purifying
Aquaponics (Bhargava, 2022)
wastewater, which is recycled and released into fishponds, combining plant farming with fish
farming.
The method involves submerging plants in a nutritional solution in a repetitive manner, and
Ebb and Flow
then draining the solution back into a reservoir. The repeated repetition of this cycle enables (Rajaseger et al., 2023)
(Flood and Drain)
the supply of nutrients and oxygen to the roots.

Figure 1: Different types of hydroponic systems. Adapted from (Sousa et al., 2024)
4.2 AI-Driven Hydroponics 4.3 Remote cultivation
Researchers in 2018 utilised an artificial intelligence system to study land A remote monitoring system consists of two components: remote
and water conservation in hydroponic cultivation of Tomato F1 hybrid telemetry units (RTUs) and master stations. RTUs collect data, while
Suhyana seed, aiming to optimise plant growth, minimise water usage, and master stations analyse and execute commands. Each device oversees
promote sustainable land use practices (Dbritto and Hamdare, 2018). A specific agricultural land elements and sends notifications to the central
prototype indoor IoT-based hydroponic control system, linked to Arduino system if any deviation from predetermined parameters occurs (Siregar et
and Raspberry Pi 4, automatically adjusts nutrient and pH levels in a study al., 2017).
system (Vincentdo and Surantha, 2023). Sun Park developed an integrated
system using IoT-Edge-AI-Cloud to track environmental data in 4.4 Aeroponics Technology
strawberry hydroponics, identifying optimal harvest times. The system Aeroponics is an indoor horticulture technique that uses nutrient-rich
collects, organises, and visualises data, using a deep learning algorithm to mist to suspend plant roots, promoting faster growth and higher yields. It
classify strawberry maturity. The system can be scaled and flexible and is modern, relevant, and innovative, particularly useful for reforestation in
was tested for 4 months using Smart Berry Farm images (Park and Kim, humid climates as it can cultivate large quantities of plants and tree
2021). seedlings (Sharma et al., 2019).

Cite The Article: Lokendra Khatri, Adhiraj Kunwar, Dipak Raj Bist (2024). Hydroponics: Advantages
And Challenges in Soilless Farming, Big Data in Agriculture, 6(2): 81-88.
 Big Data in Agriculture (BDA) 6(2) (2024) 81-88

4.5 Aquaponics • Space Efficiency: Another benefit of hydroponic systems is their

Aquaponics involves cultivating plants and animals close together, efficient use of available space. This is especially important in cities
converting fish waste into plant-friendly nitrates and nitrites. Bacteria where there is a shortage of land for conventional farming.
convert ammonia into nitrates, making aquaponics a primary food source. Hydroponic systems can be layered vertically in vertical farming,
Plants filter water, making it safe for fish and saving money and biological allowing the growth of several layers of crops in the same space.
resources (Love et al., 2015; Love et al., 2015). Compared to horizontal soil-based farming, this vertical integration
maximizes the use of available space, allowing for more food per
4.6 Integration of Iot in Vertical Farming square meter. Also, hydroponics can reduce the need for long-distance
transportation and its accompanying environmental impact by
Vertical farming, a popular trend in hydroponics, involves stacking bringing fresh produce closer to urban customers through the use of
multiple plant layers vertically to increase crop yield per square foot. This rooftops, balconies, and other underutilised urban locations
technology reduces water usage and space, but it necessitates a scientific (Schnitzler, 2012).
approach that considers factors such as lighting, crop nutrition, growing
systems, energy efficiency, construction, and site selection (Gericke, 5.2 Higher Yields
2015). Vertical farming is a hydroponics trend that stacks multiple plant
layers vertically, saving space, reducing water usage, and increasing crop Hydroponic farming is often associated with significantly higher yields
yield per square foot. This technology, which requires protected compared to traditional soil-based agriculture. This advantage stems from
horticulture systems and multiple growth surfaces, is challenging and several key factors that optimise plant growth and maximise productivity.
expensive. To achieve its benefits, it requires a scientific approach that 5.2.1 Faster Growth
considers factors such as lighting, crop nutrition, growing systems, energy
efficiency, construction, and site selection (Chin and Audah, 2017). One of the primary reasons hydroponic systems can achieve higher yields.
Recently, a smartphone app developed in Android Studio allows users to In a hydroponic setup, plants receive a balanced and readily available
monitor plant development in hydroponic vertical farming systems using supply of nutrients directly from their roots. This direct nutrient delivery
Internet of Things technology. Sensors monitor environmental and dietary system ensures that plants can absorb essential minerals more efficiently
factors, and data is sent via the Thing-Speak cloud platform, using the than they would in soil. Hydroponic plants can grow up to 50% faster than
Tashi Home Pin fresh system and Arduino and Raspberry Pi as control those grown in soil, as the roots do not need to expend energy searching
centres (Kaur et al., 2022). for nutrients (Resh, 2022). In addition to nutrient availability, the
controlled environment of hydroponic systems plays a crucial role in
4.7 Data Acquisition for Cultivation speeding up plant growth. To provide ideal growing conditions, variables
The effectiveness of yield can be influenced by internal and external including light, temperature, humidity, and CO2 levels can be carefully
factors, including conventional manual monitoring methods. Reliable controlled. Artificial lighting systems such as LEDs, for instance, can give
information gathering and dissemination are crucial for maintaining the plants the precise spectrum of light required for photosynthesis,
authenticity of the agricultural system (Rajaseger et al., 2023). Innovative increasing the rate of development (Van Iersel and Gianino, 2017).
agriculture combines automated technologies with big data to optimise 5.2.2 Controlled Environment
crop production, eliminating human intervention and labour while
machines perform processing work (Pivoto et al., 2018). Globalisation's Hydroponics allows for precise control over the growing environment,
technological advancements, including IoT and cloud computing, are which is a significant advantage in producing higher yields. In traditional
expected to revolutionise agriculture by increasing automation and farming, crops are exposed to varying weather conditions, pests, and soil
machine learning, thereby boosting production (Wolfert et al., 2017). quality issues, all of which can adversely affect growth and yield. In
Many large firms and companies are expecting that the vast amount of contrast, hydroponic systems create a stable and controlled environment
data, measured in peta and zeta bytes, presents a significant opportunity where variables can be adjusted to meet the specific needs of the plants.
to generate revenue in multiple ways (Parise, 2016). The Internet of For instance, hydroponic growers can maintain consistent temperature
Things (IoT) is a network of interconnected devices, including objects, and humidity levels, which are critical for optimal plant development. By
tools, and vehicles, that exchange data through RFID and sensors, avoiding extreme weather conditions and seasonal changes, plants can
enhancing production by combining natural environments with grow continuously and more predictably. This consistency leads to
computing and online resources (Pitakphongmetha et al., 2016; Al Kurdi multiple cropping cycles within a year, further boosting overall
et al., 2020). In 2017, a study validated the impact of the Internet of Things productivity (Touliatos et al., 2016a).
on a smart hydroponic farming ecosystem. The researchers used sensors
5.2.3 Higher Plant Density
and relays to monitor and regulate variables for 27 days. An Arduino
2560-based information recorder collected data from five sensors on six Another factor contributing to higher yields in hydroponic systems is the
variables, displaying system efficiency instantly (Al Kurdi et al., 2020). ability to grow plants at a higher density. Traditional soil farming requires
Scientist developed a prototype using sensors and actuators to validate significant spacing between plants to ensure they receive adequate
aquaponics, using smartphone apps for quick system management and nutrients and light. However, hydroponic systems, especially vertical
cloud-based storage for regression data assessment (Kyaw and Ng, 2017). farming setups, allow for a more compact arrangement of plants. This
space efficiency is due to the direct nutrient supply and controlled
5. ADVANTAGES OF HYDROPONICS environment, which mitigate the need for extensive spacing. Vertical
5.1 Efficient Use of Resources farming, a form of hydroponics, exemplifies this advantage by utilising
vertical space to grow crops in layers. This method can dramatically
The main advantage of hydroponic systems is the efficient use of increase the amount of produce grown per square foot, making it
resources, particularly space and water. There has been a growing particularly beneficial in urban areas where land is limited (Despommier,
presence of innovative technologies in our daily lives. These technologies 2011).
include smart home technology (also known as domotics), IoT automated
growing techniques, and AI-based systems. Interestingly, these 5.2.4 Consistent Quality and Yield
technologies have found practical applications in indoor hydroponic Hydroponics not only increases yield, but also improves produce quality
productions (Kumar Selvaperumal et al., 2020; Javaid et al., 2022). Thanks and consistency. Plants often grow healthier and more uniformly in size
to the abundance of knowledge available on the internet, more and more and quality because the growing environment is regulated and adjusted.
people are beginning to explore different growth strategies for a variety of Commercial farmers, who have to constantly fulfil customer expectations
reasons. As a result, both hydroponic and indoor farming methods are and market standards, would benefit from this uniformity. Research was
becoming increasingly popular among farmers (Hermawan et al., 2022). conducted in 2018 that suggests crops grown through hydroponics, like
lettuce and tomatoes, have better quality in terms of flavour, texture, and
• Water Efficiency: Water conservation is a key benefit of hydroponic nutritional value than their soil-grown counterparts (Silva et al., 2018).
systems, which are suitable for water-scarce areas. Water The capacity to regularly produce high-quality crops can boost farmers'
consumption in traditional agriculture can be very high, with profitability and improve market pricing.
evaporation, runoff, and soil absorption responsible for a large
amount of irrigation water loss. On the other hand, hydroponics 5.3 Pesticide Use is Reduced
significantly reduces water waste by using a closed-loop system that
recycles water. Hydroponic systems can use up to 90% less water than 5.3.1 Disease Control
traditional agriculture. This efficiency is achieved through One of the significant advantages of hydroponic farming is the reduced
recirculating systems that reuse water, ensuring minimal wastage need for pesticides. Traditional soil-based agriculture crops are
(Naresh et al., 2024). susceptible to a variety of soil-borne diseases and pests. By employing

Cite The Article: Lokendra Khatri, Adhiraj Kunwar, Dipak Raj Bist (2024). Hydroponics: Advantages
And Challenges in Soilless Farming, Big Data in Agriculture, 6(2): 81-88.
 Big Data in Agriculture (BDA) 6(2) (2024) 81-88

sterile growth media and controlled settings, hydroponics reduces these considerable degree of technical expertise for successful implementation
hazards and the possibility of infections and pest infestations. For and maintenance. This expertise is multidisciplinary and includes data
example, researcher in 2014 found that root disease prevalence was lower analysis, system engineering, plant biology, and nutrition management.
in plants grown hydroponically than in plants grown in soil (Jones, 2014).
• Knowledge Requirements: To be able to operate a hydroponic system
5.3.2 Integrated Pest Management (IPM) successfully, an in-depth knowledge of plant physiology and fertiliser
uptake systems is required. Hydroponics, compared with traditional
When it comes to managing pests, hydroponic systems frequently use
soil-based agriculture, uses precise fertiliser solutions to supply
Integrated Pest Management techniques that incorporate biological
plants with essential minerals. For this reason, farmers must be aware
controls such as beneficial insects and microorganisms (Roberts et al.,
of the precise nutrient needs of various crops, as well as the warning
2020). This method promotes a more sustainable and healthier growing
signals of nutrient toxicity or deficiencies. The significance of
environment by using fewer chemical pesticides.
understanding macro- and micronutrient ratios in hydroponic
5.4 Environmental Benefits solutions. Common issues that are harmful to plant health and yield,
including chlorosis, root rot, and inhibited development, can be
• Sustainability: Hydroponics has a significant advantage in terms of avoided with proper management of these nutrients (Bugbee, 2004).
sustainability. When compared to traditional agriculture, hydroponic
systems can significantly reduce water consumption by recycling • Monitoring Systems: Hydroponics relies heavily on advanced
nutrients and water. Hydroponic systems can use up to 90% less monitoring systems that use automated controls and sensors to
water than traditional soil-based agriculture (Grewal et al., 2011). maintain optimal growing conditions. These systems monitor
temperature, humidity, electrical conductivity (EC), pH, and other
• Reduced Land Degradation: Traditional farming practices can cause factors. To make timely adjustments, growers need to be skilled at
soil compaction, erosion, and degradation over time. Because interpreting data from these devices. For instance, maintaining the pH
hydroponics does not require soil, these problems are avoided. Also, within the optimal range—typically, 5.5 to 6.5 for most crops—is
hydroponics reduces the impact on fertile agricultural fields, allowing essential for the availability and uptake of nutrients. Hydroponic
them to recover and retain their output because it may be installed in farming is more complex since these characteristics need to be
urban areas and on non-arable land (Barbosa et al., 2015). continuously monitored and adjusted. Even though automated
• Lower Carbon Footprint: Hydroponic farming can also contribute to a methods can help with some of these difficulties, debugging and
lower carbon footprint. Studies have shown that hydroponically performance optimisation still require an adequate understanding of
grown produce can be cultivated closer to urban centres, reducing the the basic ideas behind them (Velazquez-Gonzalez et al., 2022).
need for transportation and the associated greenhouse gas emissions. 6.3 Nutrient Management
Researchers found that urban rooftop farming, including hydroponics,
significantly reduces the carbon footprint of food production and Since plants in hydroponic systems only require nutrient solutions to
distribution by shortening the supply chain and optimising resource develop, efficient nutrient management is essential to the system's
use (Sanyé-Mengual et al., 2015). success. In hydroponic systems, plants are grown in a soilless medium and
receive their nutrients from a carefully formulated solution. This solution
6. CHALLENGES OF HYDROPONICS must contain all essential macro- and micronutrients in precise
concentrations to support plant growth. The primary nutrients required
6.1 Initial Costs
include nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), often referred to
Although hydroponic farming systems have many benefits, they also have as NPK, along with secondary nutrients like calcium (Ca), magnesium
high initial costs. When evaluating the viability of hydroponic systems, (Mg), and sulphur (S), and trace elements such as iron (Fe), manganese
these expenses are critical to consider because they may be a barrier to (Mn), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), and boron (B)
entry for many prospective farmers. (Fathidarehnijeh et al., 2023).

• Setup Costs: The initial investment in setting up a hydroponic system 6.4 Energy Consumption
can be substantial. This includes the cost of materials used to build the
growing system, such as grow trays, reservoirs, pumps, and support The sustainability and viability of hydroponic farming systems depend
structures. Additionally, there are costs associated with purchasing or significantly on the amount of energy used. Hydroponic systems often
constructing a controlled environment, such as greenhouses or indoor need significant energy inputs, especially for artificial lighting, climate
grow rooms equipped with climate control systems. According to a control, and the running of pumps and other machinery, even if they have
study by Barbosa et al., (2015), the cost of setting up a basic several advantages like increased yields and water efficiency. Artificial
hydroponic system can range from $8 to $12 per square foot for small- lighting is one of the major energy-intensive features of hydroponic
scale operations, while commercial systems can be significantly more systems. Many hydroponic farms use high-intensity discharge (HID)
expensive due to the need for more advanced equipment and larger lamps, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), or fluorescent lights to supply the
facilities. essential spectrum and intensity of light for ideal plant growth, especially
those located indoors or in urban areas with limited natural light. These
• Technology Costs: For hydroponic systems to continue providing ideal lighting systems have the potential to use large amounts of electricity,
growing conditions, technology is a major factor. This includes which increases operating costs and has an adverse effect on the
automated fertilizer delivery systems, pH and EC (electrical environment. Studies show that the energy used for artificial lighting in
conductivity) monitoring systems, as well as lighting, humidity, and hydroponic systems can account for as much as 60% of overall energy use
temperature environmental controls. This technology might have a (Benke & Tomkins, 2017).
significant initial cost, and because of its complexity, it sometimes
requires extra investments in employing or training skilled workers Climate control significantly impacts the energy footprint of hydroponic
to handle and maintain the equipment. A medium-sized commercial farms. Ensuring the ideal temperatures, humidity levels, and ventilation in
company may have to pay more than $100,000 for a full hydroponic the growing environment is critical for plant well-being and efficiency.
system with integrated technologies (Touliatos et al., 2016b). This Typically, this entails the utilisation of heating, ventilation, and air
includes the cost of sensors, control systems, and backup systems to conditioning (HVAC) systems, which can consume a significant amount of
ensure continuous operation. energy. The energy requirements for temperature control in hydroponics
can vary considerably based on the geographical area and the specific
• Ongoing Maintenance and Upgrades: Hydroponic systems need crops being cultivated. However, they continue to constitute a major
regular maintenance and updates after they are first set up in order to proportion of the total energy consumption in hydroponics (Pomoni et al.,
continue being effective and productive. Regular maintenance and 2023). Pumps for fertilizer solution circulation and aeration also
replacement are required for pumps, filters, and other parts. contribute to energy consumption. While these systems are often less
Furthermore, in order to maintain efficiency and maximize output, energy-intensive compared to lighting and climate control, they are
hydroponic technological developments may require updates to nonetheless crucial for ensuring the health and growth of plants in
current systems. According to a study, yearly maintenance expenses hydroponic installations.
can make up 5–10% of the initial setup cost (Resh, 2022b). This covers
the cost of general maintenance, software updates, and the 6.5 Pest and Disease Management
replacement of broken parts. Hydroponic systems can reduce the risk of soil-borne diseases and pests,
6.2 Technical Expertise but they remain vulnerable to other issues such as bacterial infections,
fungal infestations, and airborne pests. Water-borne diseases can easily
Hydroponics, while offering numerous advantages, also requires a spread across crops in a hydroponic system due to the shared nutrients

Cite The Article: Lokendra Khatri, Adhiraj Kunwar, Dipak Raj Bist (2024). Hydroponics: Advantages
And Challenges in Soilless Farming, Big Data in Agriculture, 6(2): 81-88.
 Big Data in Agriculture (BDA) 6(2) (2024) 81-88

among all plants (Ikeda et al., 2002). Under soilless conditions, the concerning efficiency, sustainability, and economic viability. Hydroponics
presence of new and fragile foliage leads to an abundance of sucking pests exhibits considerable efficiency advantages, notably in water usage and
such as whiteflies, aphids, and thrips, among multiple insect pests space utilisation, as proven by recent studies (Aishwarya and Vidhya,
(Ravindranath and Bala, 2020; Ravindranath et al., 2019). To reduce the 2023). However, traditional soil-based farming maintains historical and
risk of pest and disease outbreaks, it is essential to follow strict hygiene cultural relevance and often grapples with limits in resource allocation
procedures, regularly conduct system maintenance, and cultivate plant and land availability (Mir et al., 2022).
varieties that are resistant to pests. Biological controls are a form of
integrated pest management (IPM) method that can effectively address Concerning sustainability, hydroponic systems offer considerable
issues without heavily relying on chemical interventions. potential for decreasing environmental impacts, notably in terms of soil
conservation and pesticide use reduction (Romeo et al., 2018). However,
6.6 Economic Viability arguments exist over the long-term ecological consequences and
consumption of energy associated with maintaining controlled
Hydroponic farming offers both potential benefits and significant financial hydroponic systems (Xydis et al., 2017).
challenges. The significant initial capital investment necessary for
establishing hydroponic systems, including expenses for equipment, In evaluating economic feasibility, hydroponics frequently implies
infrastructure, and technology, could represent a significant challenge for considerable initial expenditures; however, it offers competitive returns
several farmers, especially those who are small-scale and resource- through greater yields and less dependence on external inputs (Thapa et
constrained. Additional financial stress is caused by operating expenses, al., 2021). However, traditional agricultural operations typically
which include energy bills for lighting, heating, and cooling, as well as the experience difficulty adjusting to market demands and reducing risks
requirement for specialised nutrient solutions and frequent maintenance linked to climate variability and soil degradation (Singh and G.S. Singh,
(Resh, 2022c). Higher crop yields and quicker growing cycles, however, 2017). Overall, while hydroponics provides a viable path for solving
are two other possible economic advantages of hydroponics, which can current agricultural challenges, the combination and integration of both
result in more revenue streams. Because hydroponics produces year- systems may provide a more comprehensive approach to sustainable food
round, income may be stabilised by reducing the impact of seasonal production in the future.
changes and climate uncertainties (Jensen and Malter, 1995).
7.2 Case Studies
Furthermore, although the market's acceptance of hydroponic produce is
increasing, it still faces competition from traditional farming methods. Hydroponics adoption in diverse environments has demonstrated both
Consumers usually consider hydroponic items to be premium because of promising emergent and apparent challenges. A case study focused on
their greater quality and pesticide-free nature, which might justify higher open hydroponic systems for tomato crops in Barcelona demonstrated
market prices. However, the task of attaining extensive market reach and significant achievements in fertiliser and water control. The integrated
establishing consumer confidence continues to be an enormous challenge rooftop greenhouse (i-RTG) setup at the Universitat Autònoma de
(Califano et al., 2024). As the technology improves and becomes more Barcelona highlighted how novel hydroponic systems may recycle water,
available, economies of scale could reduce costs and enhance the economic electricity, and CO2, therefore boosting resource efficiency and lowering
feasibility of hydroponic farming, making it a viable alternative to environmental consequences. The study indicated that while 51% of
conventional agriculture, especially in urban settings where land nutrients were lost through leachates, modifications in nutrient delivery
availability is limited (Shrouf, 2017). or establishing closed hydroponic systems might greatly enhance nutrient
usage efficiency without harming plant growth (Sanjuan-Delmás et al.,
6.7 Limited Crop Variety 2020).

Certain crops may be more adapted to hydroponic growing than others. On the other hand, limitations with hydroponic systems were obvious in
While many leafy greens, herbs, and certain fruiting plants grow in the study analysing several hydroponic setups for lettuce development.
hydroponic systems, the approach may not be ideal for all types of crops. The Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) method was demonstrated to be 6–
Root crops with vast root systems, like carrots or potatoes, may have 10% more efficient in improving lettuce output compared to other
difficulty in particular hydroponic settings (Kumar et al., 2024). systems, although difficulties such as nutrient volatilization and retention
in substrates like perlite and rockwool were significant challenges. These
7. DISCUSSION findings underline the necessity for accurate nutrient management and
ongoing innovation to prevent nutrient losses and boost system efficiency
7.1 Comparative Analysis of Hydroponics with Traditional Soil- (Frasetya et al., 2021).
Based Farming
By reviewing these case studies, we get significant insights into both the
In comparing hydroponics with traditional soil-based farming, it becomes advantages and challenges of hydroponic farming, influencing future
obvious that each system contains specific advantages and challenges advancements and uses in diversified agricultural contexts.

Table 2: Comparing Hydroponics and Traditional Soil Farming (Reddy et al., 2023)
Aspect Hydroponics Traditional Soil Farming
Water usage Significantly less, up to 90% less water More, as water can be lost to soil and evaporation
Space usage Less space required, suitable for vertical farming Requires large tracts of land
Location Can be done anywhere, even in urban settings Mainly rural locations
Year-round farming possible in controlled
Climate control Dependent on seasonal changes, weather conditions
environments
Soil quality Not dependent on soil quality Highly dependent on soil quality and fertility
Reduced need for pesticides due to controlled
Pesticide usage Often requires more pesticides
environments
Growth speed Faster growth rates due to controlled nutrition Growth rates depend on various environmental factors
Yield High yields due to optimized growing conditions Yield can vary greatly depending on various factors
Lower initial costs but might require more long-term investment in
Startup costs Higher initial costs for setup and technology
soil and pest management
Sustainability Sustainable; less water and land use Can be less sustainable due to water, soil, and pesticide usage
Skill required Requires specific knowledge and training Traditional farming knowledge often sufficient
7.3 Future Prospects methods.
Hydroponic farming, a method that uses water to provide nutrients, is a. Climate Change Resilience
expected to significantly impact sustainable agriculture. The market is
projected to grow by 26% annually, reaching 10,500 metric tonnes by Climate change poses significant challenges to conventional farming, with
2023 (Neev Fund, 2023). This rapid growth demonstrates the potential of extreme weather events, water scarcity, and temperature fluctuations
hydroponic systems to address challenges faced by traditional farming threatening crop production. Hydroponic systems provide a controlled

Cite The Article: Lokendra Khatri, Adhiraj Kunwar, Dipak Raj Bist (2024). Hydroponics: Advantages
And Challenges in Soilless Farming, Big Data in Agriculture, 6(2): 81-88.
 Big Data in Agriculture (BDA) 6(2) (2024) 81-88

environment that can mitigate the impact of these challenges, ensuring theoretical framework for e-learning technology acceptance.
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8. CONCLUSION https://doi.org/10.22161/ijeab.54.2

Elkazzaz, A., 2017. Soilless Agriculture a New and Advanced Method for
Hydroponic farming offers significant advantages over traditional soil-
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based agriculture, such as reduced water usage, efficient space utilisation,
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controlled conditions. However, challenges like high initial setup costs, Fathidarehnijeh, E., Nadeem, M., Cheema, M., Thomas, R., Krishnapillai, M.,
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DATA AVAILABILITY
Frasetya, B., Harisman, K., and Ramdaniah, N. A. H., 2021. The effect of
Data available on request from the authors. hydroponics systems on the growth of lettuce. IOP Conference
Series: Materials Science and Engineering, 1098 (4), 042115.
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST https://doi.org/10.1088/1757-899X/1098/4/042115

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