by RFF
Hydroponics as an urban agricultural model allows plants to grow without soil, which allows for growing in locations where space is limited. This makes it an ideal solution for city environments as instead of soil, plants in hydroponic systems are grown in a nutrient-rich water solution that delivers all the essential minerals they need to thrive. This approach has been gaining attention as an effective way to produce 
fresh, healthy food in urban areas while minimizing resource use and environmental impact.
In a hydroponic system, plants are usually supported by an inert medium like gravel; perlite, an amorphous volcanic glass; or even coconut coir, extracted from the outer husk of coconut, which aims to support the plants in place but do not provide it with nutrients. The water solution circulates around the plant’s roots where it can directly deliver nutrients. This process allows plants to grow faster and use less water compared to traditional soil-based agriculture. In fact, hydroponic systems can use up to 10 times less water [1], than traditional farming methods, because the water is recirculated and reused within the system.
An additional significant core advantage of utilising hydroponics in urban agriculture is that it enables food production in spaces like rooftops, basements, and even vertical walls. Thus hydroponics, allows fresh produce to be grown within urban environments and reduces the need for long transportation routes. This in turn helps negate and excess carbon emissions. Additionally, by deploying hydroponics within controlled and contained environments, year-round cultivation can be realised by adjusting the conditions regardless of seasonal conditions, i.e. weather, light, etc.
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Hydroponics proves effective in minimising the use of pesticides, as plants in these systems are less prone to soil-borne diseases[2]. This leads to healthier produce and a reduced environmental footprint, aligning well with the goals of sustainable urban development[3]. Hydroponics appears to offer a promising solution in urban agriculture, as it utilises innovative techniques to grow food in limited spaces, it uses resources efficiently, and it contributes to a greener, healthier urban environment.
[1] https://www.nps.gov/articles/hydroponics.htm
[2] https://pure.aber.ac.uk/ws/portalfiles/portal/30769801/technical_article_hydroponics_final.pdf
[3] https://sdgs.un.org/partnerships/eu-framework-sustainable-use-pesticides
