When humans first began farming, it was a touchstone in civilisation. Traditional farming methods have been the cornerstone of humanity's food systems for centuries, relying on land, labour, water, and other natural resources to support the ever-growing population. However, this system has become unsustainable due to climate change and global warming. The growing population and depleting resources have necessitated adopting new farming techniques to produce food.

Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) has emerged as a sustainable alternative over the past several years to address food security, greenhouse emissions, and large-scale environmental degradation. Soilless farming techniques like hydroponics are gaining popularity to ensure natural resources aren't exploited. With new technological tools, systems, and methods, the next generation has great potential.

Why hydroponics?

The current traditional agricultural system has a big task - increasing food production exponentially to meet the global food demands of an estimated 9 billion people by 2050. Furthermore, 70% of the projected population will live in urban areas with higher income levels. The current system won't meet these demands at the existing resource utilisation rates.

CEA offers the path forward by ensuring food cultivation happens through efficient resource utilisation. While indoor farming isn't a new concept, the more recent systems of hydroponic farming break down the process even further by removing unnecessary components. By eliminating the need for chemical fertilisers and pesticides, soilless farming techniques like hydroponics minimise the risk of pests, diseases, and weeds in the growth environment.

Crops grown indoors and hydroponically can be grown anywhere at any time of the year, regardless of prevailing weather conditions, land availability, and soil quality. In places like Sub-Saharan Africa, hydroponic farming can provide fresh, local food to areas that suffer from low soil quality, extreme heat, and droughts.

Technology and hydroponics

Hydroponics represents a pioneering agricultural methodology known for its resource efficiency and sustainability. Hydroponics stands at the forefront of transformational agricultural technologies with its promises of higher efficiency, better production, and sustainability. The 21st century has seen hydroponics integrate with advanced technologies like automation, the Internet of Things (IoT), and LED lighting. These have optimised growing conditions, reduced energy consumption, and made hydroponic farming more accessible.

The focus on sustainability has accelerated research into new renewable energy sources and eco-friendly practices. Hydroponic farming requires a higher level of technical expertise than traditional agriculture. Growers must understand the nuances of nutrient formulas, water quality, pH levels, etc. While it can be daunting for beginners, advanced hydroponic systems have integrated electronic and mechanical components.

Take automation, for example. Automated nutrient delivery systems can precisely control the timing and concentration of nutrient solutions provided to the crops. They're monitored using sensors that provide real-time data. Automated climate control systems can regulate temperature, humidity, and CO2 levels inside the growing environment. For more on hydroponics and technology innovations, here's some handy information.

The next generation

As the modern agricultural landscape evolves, next-generation hydroponic systems will lead the way in vertical and smart farming. New technologies like AI-driven nutrient management and automated vertical farms are transforming how and where food is grown. Today's hydroponic farms integrate sensors and vertical stacking. Here are some other innovations to look out for in the future:

• Modular and mobile hydroponic farms: Urban communities and businesses are looking for flexible and accessible sustainable farming solutions. Modular hydroponic farms could be the answer. They're pre-built, require minimal setup, and are AI-powered with cloud-based monitoring. These container-based farms can be deployed in cities, buildings, restaurants, etc, to bring fresh produce directly to consumers.

• The AI explosion: AI can analyse data from sensors and cameras to deliver actionable insights and automate tasks. For example, AI-driven plant phenotyping uses deep learning models to manage and optimise hydroponic systems. They use convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and object detection algorithms for tasks like growth stage identification and health assessment.

• Compact vertical towers: Vertical hydroponic towers are compact systems that enable a farmer, professional or amateur, to grow several plants in a small space. The design makes them suitable to grow lettuce, small vegetables, and herbs without owning a large piece of land.

Promising years ahead

As CEA technology advances, hydroponics technology will revolutionise the agricultural sector further. From smart growing conditions to hydroponic towers to the proliferation of AI, the future of hydroponics is bright, flexible, and more accessible than ever. At Smart Grow Farms, we're always on the lookout for what's next for sustainable farming and hydroponics.