Technology

Hydroponic Agriculture UrbanPonics utilizes hydroponic technology to grow healthy, fresh produce year round, right in the communities that need it. With hydroponic agriculture, plants are grown in controlled environments (e.g., greenhouses) without soil using a solution of water and mineral nutrients. The crops are fed at regular intervals with a solution carrying a carefully balanced composition of nutrients. Plants may be grown with their roots in the mineral nutrient solution alone, or in a stabilizing inert medium such as rockwool, perlite, or sand.

Growing produce hydroponically allows for greater control of variables including root temperatures, light, water, nutrients, and climate, resulting in dramatically increased yields compared to conventional agricultural. Studies have shown crop yields to be 6 to 30 times greater per acre than those realized through traditional growing methods. Even crops often grown in conventional greenhouses, such as tomatoes, see a dramatic increase in yield when grown hydroponically.

While the concept of hydroponic agriculture dates back to Roman times, widespread adaptation of the practice has been hampered by technological difficulties and high energy costs to regulate growing environments. Recently, we have seen significant advances in technologies used to heat, cool, and light hydroponic greenhouse systems. At the same time, record-high fuel costs are making long-distance transportation of out-of-season produce increasingly expensive. These factors make this the ideal time for the expansion of hydroponic agriculture as a sustainable, profitable alternative.