Food security is becoming a bigger problem as the world population keeps expanding. Even more alarming is that climate change compromises the little arable land available despite the steady population growth. In the next hundred years, producing food to feed the planet on land might not be sustainable. Fortunately, it is possible to invest in processes like hydroponics and eliminate the need for soil for food production. Hydroponics does not involve using soil; you can grow much food within a small space. Here are some guidelines to help you get the right hydroponic supplies.
Analysing the Market Before Crop Selection
You can grow a wide range of crops using the hydroponics method. However, not all of them might be marketable in your primary market. Therefore, your starting point should always be analysing the market to understand its demands. For example, if a specific fruit or vegetable does not have demand or value in the areas close to your home, there is no need to grow it speculatively, believing you will get a market.
Assessing Climatic and Crop Resilience Factors
Once you are certain that your choice of crops will have a spot in the markets close to you, the next step is assessing their biological profile. They should be adaptable to changes in the environment. While hydroponics is a system that controls most of the conditions surrounding a crop and its growth, it is still important to check whether your selected crops are resistant to diseases that affect their roots, leaves, and other development aspects.
Accessing High-Quality Water
You should also invest in supplies that will help you create the perfect conditions to grow the crops. For example, high-quality water has a regulated pH and provides a nourishing environment for your crops. The supplier will provide you with a list of salts to add to your water to make it the ideal farming medium. These include zinc, boron, magnesium, sodium and chloride.
Getting the Best Growing Medium
The most common growing media for hydroponics is perlite, stone wool and rock wool. They occur naturally, which means they are both cheap and abundant. Ask the supplier for the most appropriate medium for your locality and invest in it.
These are simple guidelines to help you get the best outcome when starting a hydroponic farm. Get the right supplies from a trusted and reliable service provider and maximise the chances of a positive outcome.
For more info about hydroponic supplies, contact a local company.
