Hydroponics is the growth of plants in other media which are not soil. This could be fluids that have minerals and essential plant nutrients. Agricultural benefits of hydroponics include the fact that it allows crop growth in small space, thereby achieving intensification of agriculture and better produce.

Hydroponics eliminates pests which normally exist in the soil as it uses alternative growth media. This situation reduces the need for pesticides and other agrochemicals which may be needed in pest control.

Land for agriculture remains a challenge in many countries due to increased population growth. As a result of this, hydroponics is becoming the most favoured option where applicable, as there is less pressure on land.

Soil erosion and land degradation are greatly prevented by the use of hydroponics. Although it is widely proven, the use of hydroponics is still gaining ground as many people are socialised to traditional agricultural practices which are labour intensive such as planting, weeding and harvesting. Deviating from the usual practices can be seen as taboo in some areas. This brings to the fore the issue related to technology transfer and the barriers of adoption.

Author

  • Tawanda Muzamwese

    Tawanda Collins Muzamwese is the Editor in Chief of the Green Business Gazette Magazine. He is is an international consultant in sustainable business development with massive experience in training, consulting and auditing. He has facilitated capacity development in more than 100 enterprises drawn from over 30 countries. He is the founder of the sustainability think-tank called Toxiconsol Consultancy t/a African Sustainability Consultants. He is the Editor in Chief of the Green Business Gazette Magazine. He is a consultant and business coach with over 13 years experience. Tawanda is a Management Systems Consultant working on promoting development and implementation of ISO Standards (ISO 14001:2015, ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 45001:2018) in both developed and developing countries. With his inspirational and pragmatic writing style he has written cutting edge books including: 1) How to grow a Side-hustle into a viable business - Overcome Salary Dependency 2) The Leading Consultant: How become an authority in your professional field 3) Step-by-Step Guide to implementing Safety, Health, Environment and Quality Management Systems 4) Stepping on Higher Perspectives: Greatness Tips Motivational Series 5) Sustainability Guidebook for Boards and CEOs: Leading from the front Tawanda writes about sustainability, motivation, safety, health, environment and quality management. His books are relevant to both developed and developing countries. With practical approaches and case studies, he provides incisive insights into entrepreneurship. His philosophy is based on the premise that every human being has potential to make a significant difference in their lifetime. He writes books on taking personal responsibility for progression in life. He motivates entrepreneurs to implement income generating projects and determine their own financial destiny. He also motivates companies to take up sustainability initiatives. A start-up coach, public speaker, environmentalist, safety, health and quality management expert, Muzamwese bridges the gap between theory and practice through building capacity and sharing practical case studies in his books.

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