Hydroponics is an innovative plant production system in which crops are cultivated in a nutrient, often with the support of inert substrates such as expanded clay, perlite, coconut fiber or rockwool. This method is typically implemented in controlled environments, including greenhouses or high tunnels, where key growth parameters (pH, electrical conductivity, nutrient concentration, temperature, light intensity, oxygen availability and air circulation) can be precisely regulated. Although hydroponic systems require higher initial investments, these costs are gradually offset through increased productivity and more efficient resource use. As a green innovation, hydroponics reduces dependence on climatic variability, limits exposure to pests and pathogens and supports year-round production with reduced water consumption and environmental impact. As part of this research, a case study was conducted to evaluate hydroponic cultivation under simplified, home-scale conditions. The goal was to identify the most critical control points in the system, including the sensitivity of pH and electrical conductivity adjustments, nutrient balance, temperature fluctuations and light availability. Several combinations of environmental and nutrient conditions were tested to determine which setups yield the most stable plant growth and highest biomass production. The results highlight the importance of continuous monitoring, particularly during early developmental stages, and demonstrate that even small deviations in nutrient concentration or environmental parameters can significantly affect plant performance. Findings from the case study provide practical insights into the limitations, risks and optimal management strategies for small-scale hydroponic systems, contributing to a broader understanding of hydroponics as a sustainable and accessible agricultural approach.
Nikolić et al. (Thu,) studied this question.
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