What is your vision of the produce grown for concession food service operations? Do you see acres of open fields, rows of tilled soil, and seedlings sprouting from the mounds of soil? Although most of the world’s fruits and vegetables are grown this way, others can be grown without soil or even without large amounts of land!
In hydroponics, plants are exposed to light for photosynthesis, and the roots are exposed to air for air to be captured by the roots and used for growth. Mixing nutrients into water includes:
- Phosphorus
- Nitrogen
- Calcium
A growing medium may be used in hydroponic systems for root support and water absorption by the root structure. The fertilizers can be taken from growshop. Coconut coir is a fibrous, shredded product made from coconut husk that is commonly used as a growing medium. Aeroponics is a form of hydroponics that requires only light, water, and nutrients, without the use of a growing medium.
Benefits of Hydroponics?
Enhancement of plant yields: Hydroponic plants produce more fruits and vegetables because they are more densely spaced together than would be required to grow the same number of plants on land. Moreover, in a hydroponic system many of the elements that can enhance plant growth – such as the pH level of the water, the nutrient content of the water, the amount and type of light, etc. – are easier to control.
Less water: Hydroponic systems use considerably less water compared to traditional methods of watering field crops. That is because the water in hydroponic systems is captured and reused, rather than just drained off into the environment.
Locally grown: Plants can grow anywhere indoors as long as they have access to water.
Less space: Different designs of hydroponic systems are available, such as vertical stacking systems.
Types of Hydroponic Systems?
Hydroponic systems come in a variety of types.
Wick
Roots of plants grow through a medium, while water filled with nutrients is drawn up to them from a reservoir by means of a “wick” or absorbent material. In a growing medium, air (oxygen) can reach the roots.
Air-Gap
Part of the plant’s roots hang in water that contains nutrients, while the rest is exposed to oxygen (air).
Raft
A floating surface with roots that hang in nutrient-laden water is a great place for plants to grow. Pumps similar to those used in aquariums provide oxygen to the water, which is absorbed by the roots.
Top Feeder
A medium allows roots to grow. During a growth cycle, air (oxygen) reaches the roots of plants. It consists of pumping nutrients-filled water to the top of the medium, allowing it to percolate down to the root zone, and then draining it back to a reservoir.
Nutrient Film Technique (NFT)
Floating plants are placed in a trough that is slightly tilted to allow roots to reach the surface. There is an air (oxygen) gap between the roots of the plant. An upper (higher) end of the trough pumps water filled with nutrients into the bottom of the roots. A water reservoir is formed by the flow of water (down) the rest of the root systems.
Conclusion
Vertical hydroponic systems are ideal for small spaces: They do not consume much space and can be used indoors or outdoors. Consider partnering with local farmers or other small businesses that have hydroponic systems, if onsite hydroponic systems are not feasible for your concession operation. There may be farmers who are flexible enough to grow the specific product you need for your concession operation.
