Lately, hydroponics farming is receiving a lot of media attention due to the limited space that such farming requires. However, many beginners might be wondering if this form of agriculture is profitable and worth the investment. With careful planning and selection of materials, you can make your small hydroponics project highly productive to generate more profits and pay all the accruing expenses. For instance, when you grow herbs and greens in a hydroponics system, you are likely to reap huge profits if the project adheres to some fundamental aspects. Here are some smart tips to cut costs on your small-scale hydroponics project.
Lighting
Light availability is directly associated with the amount of crop yield and the health of the harvest. If the lighting is not properly managed, you might end up incurring huge energy costs, which translates into low profitability for the hydroponics project. Remember that since most hydroponics setups are designed indoors, you should provide light for a minimum period of 18 hours. It is recommended that you opt for light-emitting diode (LED) technology, which reduces utility costs because of the low wattage. Sometimes, you need to strike a balance between energy expenses and high crop yield since compromising on one aspect has a direct bearing on your bottom line.
Natural Substrate
Hydroponics use natural substrate as a substitute for soil. The growing medium should enable the free flow of air while allowing moisture retention. Furthermore, the natural substrate should be able to harbor useful micro-organisms. As such, choose an organic medium that will offer plant stability and boost root growth. Examples of natural substrates include coconut shavings, peat moss, and wood. Kindly, consult a hydroponics expert to find the best growing media suitable for the type of herb or green you intend to grow.
Temperature Control
When temperatures rise above the required limit, plant growth can be inhibited. Conversely, when temperatures go below a given threshold, some plants can shrivel and die prematurely. For example, cool temperatures help in root formation. Therefore, temperature regulation is a requirement in a hydroponics system. For an indoor system, fans alone are ill-equipped to regulate the temperature since you need a system to pump in cold air from outside. Water chillers are ideal for cooling the reservoir that contains the substrate and water. Another way of managing temperature is by installing an exhaust blower that is hooked to a thermostat for automated control.
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