Revolutionizing Tomato Cultivation through Panchgavya Enriched NFT Hydroponics
Abhimanyu Kumar
School of Agricultural Sciences, G D Goenka University, Sohna-122103, Gurugram, Haryana, India.
Perli Himavarsha
School of Agricultural Sciences, G D Goenka University, Sohna-122103, Gurugram, Haryana, India.
Gummadala Kasirao *
School of Agricultural Sciences, G D Goenka University, Sohna-122103, Gurugram, Haryana, India.
Abhishek
School of Agricultural Sciences, G D Goenka University, Sohna-122103, Gurugram, Haryana, India.
Punit Tanwar
School of Agricultural Sciences, G D Goenka University, Sohna-122103, Gurugram, Haryana, India.
Yash Verma
School of Agricultural Sciences, G D Goenka University, Sohna-122103, Gurugram, Haryana, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Due to various man-made factors, including industrialization and urbanization, soil-based agriculture is currently experiencing difficulties. Additionally, unforeseen natural disasters, climate change, and the uncontrolled use of chemicals in agriculture reduce soil fertility and quality. Because of this, scientists have created a new alternative method of cultivation known as hydroponics or soilless cultivation. One such type of soilless growing is known as "hydroponics," and it uses less water than a typical system. Because it produces high-quality food and manages resources very effectively, hydroponic farming is currently gaining appeal on a global scale. Various hydroponic systems, including wick, ebb and flow, drip, deep water culture, and Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) systems, are discussed in this article. In general, hydroponically grown produce has superior nutritional value, flavor, and yield quality than naturally grown produce on the soil [1]. This method of farming is economical, free of diseases, environmentally benign, and gaining appeal both in developed and developing nations worldwide. Crops can be grown in a variety of hydroponic systems. Commercially, the Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) has been applied around the world for the cultivation of leafy and other exotic vegetables. In hydroponic systems, which use a variety of non-soil growing media, mineral fertilizer solutions are used to feed the plants in water. When compared to traditional farming techniques, hydroponics technology offers a wide range of advantages whilst having few drawbacks.
Keywords: Soilless farming, nutrient film technique, hydroponic farming, panchgavya, tomato