Hydroponic cultivation

Babylon, Rome, and the Aztec civilization have something in common: the early use of hydroponics. However, this word comes from the Greek words "hydro" (water) and "ponos" (labor). This cultivation technique is based on the principle that soil is not essential for a plant to grow. All the necessary nutrients can be introduced into the water, and the roots will be able to absorb them. This principle is applicable to any plant, although some, due to their characteristics, are more suitable than others. Furthermore, if it is combined with a controlled greenhouse environment, a much higher yield is obtained than can be achieved with traditional methods.

Although, as we've mentioned, ancient civilizations experimented with hydroponic farming, it wasn't until the 19th century that mineral solutions containing all the necessary nutrients for successful plant growth were developed and created. However, it's true that Emperor Tiberius achieved very good results when he introduced hydroponic cucumber cultivation to Rome.

The advantages of hydroponic cultivation are numerous. For starters, the fact that it doesn't require soil means the only essential requirement for the greenhouse is a good irrigation system. Furthermore, these crops grow and mature up to 60% faster. This has led to its frequent use for commercial purposes, although in recent times it has also become popular among small farmers and hobbyists.

By supplying all nutrients through water, hydroponics offers complete control over plant development. Also known as "soilless cultivation," hydroponics is especially recommended for vegetables like tomatoes and lettuce, or for growing flowers. Climate and space are not limitations for greenhouse hydroponics, as plant growth can occur vertically, and a well-designed greenhouse protects plants from even extreme temperatures.