By 2050, the global population will reach around 9.8 billion people, creating a need to increase food production by 70%. The increase cannot be achieved following the current linear growth of the world’s agricultural output [1].  Using traditional farming methods is costly as more land and water consumption is allocated for crop production. Ecosystem destruction, deforestation, and unbalanced CO2 rates are already issues due to agricultural land increase. An answer to supporting the growing population while preventing harm to the environment lies in hydroponics. 

Hydroponics is a plant-growing technique using a nutrient-infused water solution instead of soil. Rather than plants absorbing nutrients from the ground, they absorb nutrients from the liquid solution. Hydroponics can include a growing media to supply support to roots and water that traditionally comes from soil [2]. 

Hydroponics provides many benefits. Plant yields are larger due to the densely spaced system and control of the elements enhancing plant growth (pH and nutrient level). Hydroponics require up to ten times less water than traditional field crops as the water is captured and reused rather than drained into the environment [3]. The reused water must be constantly monitored and cleaned for pathogens and bacteria. Indoor systems allow for locally grown plants year-round. Hydroponics is typically smaller than any agricultural field, creating three to ten times more crops in a smaller area [1]. Plants are exposed to greater amounts of light and air, allowing for an accelerated photosynthesis process and faster growth times [3].

Hydroponics is a relatively new plant growth practice for the public. Most active hydroponic growers are commercial or private businesses housing complex control systems with limited accessibility. This project’s goal is to bring hydroponics to a smaller, more educational-based audience. In creating a modifiable open-source system, hydroponics will become more accessible to individuals interested in alternative farming methods.

The proposed solution is an automated Nutrient Film Technique device. Lettuce is the best plant to grow due to its ability to survive in a large range of environmental conditions. The system is enclosed in a greenhouse tent and consists of pumping nutrient-rich water from a reservoir through three channels holding lettuce seedlings. The water drains out of the other end of the channel and into the initial reservoir, where the needed nutrients are replenished so the water can be reused. The main components of the system can be separated into the reservoir, the tent, and the electronics. 

[1] Boylan, C. (2020, November 9). THE FUTURE OF FARMING: HYDROPONICS. Retrieved from Princeton Student Climate Initiative: https://psci.princeton.edu/tips/2020/11/9/the-future-of-farming-hydroponics

[2] U.S. Department Of Agriculture. (2023). Hydroponics. Retrieved from National Agricultural Library: https://www.nal.usda.gov/farms-and-agricultural-production-systems/hydroponics

[3] National Park Service. (2021, August 11). Hydroponics: A Better Way to Grow Food. Retrieved from National Park Service: https://www.nps.gov/articles/hydroponics.htm#:~:text=Enhanced%20plant%20yields%3A%20Hydroponic%20plants,the%20same%20number%20of%20plants.