Page 192 - AJWEP-v22i3

Vasylkovska, et al.

cultivation of moisture-demanding vegetable crops has The wick system is one of the most affordable
become particularly challenging. Similar problems hydroponic methods, requiring no specialized
2,3
are also inherent in southern Europe, where climate equipment. In this system, the wick or cord passes
change negatively impacts agricultural productivity. In through the bottom of the pot and is immersed in a
response, vertical farming offers a promising solution nutrient solution, which gradually delivers nutrients to
to overcome the problem of land shortage. In risky the plant roots. In the DWC system, plants are supported
4-6
farming zones, vegetable crops are primarily cultivated on floating materials, such as foam or specialized nets,
using various irrigation methods. Techniques such with their roots completely immersed in the nutrient
7,8
as drip irrigation, injection irrigation, and hydroponics solution. Oxygen is supplied to the roots using an air
elements are the main components of the technological pump. The periodic flooding method involves the use of
process of growing these crops. a tidal system where the nutrient solution is delivered at
Hydroponics represents a breakthrough in set intervals controlled by a timer. When the supply stops,
agricultural production, enabling plants to grow in the solution drains back into the tank through special
nutrient-rich water solutions instead of soil. This holes by gravity. This cycle is repeated several times a
method offers several advantages, including higher day. In the NFT system, plants are positioned in a tank
yields, improved water efficiency, and adaptability to with an irrigation channel through which a thin layer of
poor soil conditions. Various hydroponic systems – such nutrient solution flows. This solution washes the roots as
as the nutrient film technique (NFT), deep water culture it moves down the channel and then returns to the tank.
(DWC), aeroponics, and vertical farming – facilitate The nutrient solution can be supplied either continuously
plant growth by supplying nutrients and oxygen or in cycles, with cyclical supply offering improved root
directly to the roots. In addition, hydroponic systems aeration. In the aeroponics system, plants grow in an
17
6,9
offer advantages over traditional farming, particularly open, airy environment where their roots are continuously
due to their suitability for urban environments. 10,11 enveloped in a mist of nutrient solution. This system
When integrated with smart technologies, hydroponic provides high oxygen availability to the roots, enhancing
farming supports sustainable agricultural development nutrient absorption and accelerating plant growth. 18
by combining low maintenance costs with high yields. The advantages and disadvantages of each
This results in significant economic benefits, making hydroponic system are presented in Table 1.
it an attractive option for suburban farms and urban As shown in Table 1, the choice of hydroponic
settings. 12,13 Moreover, installing photovoltaic panels system depends on the plant type. Therefore, selecting
on greenhouse rooftops can reduce the intensity of an appropriate system requires a clear understanding
solar radiation reaching the plants, creating a shading of the equipment needed for the soilless cultivation of
effect that is beneficial for heat-sensitive crops such specific crops.
as tomatoes, peppers, and onions. This approach not Regardless, a hydroponic NFT system is considered
only minimizes heat stress but also improves the the most suitable option for growing plants in limited
overall energy efficiency of the system. Furthermore, spaces. One of its major advantages is the efficient
14
in greenhouse cultivation, light-emitting diode (LED) use of water, as the nutrient solution is continuously
lighting can be used to support efficient photosynthesis. recirculated. Furthermore, the constant flow helps
Optimized LED light spectra can enhance the prevent the accumulation of salts on plant roots,
accumulation of antioxidants, phenolic compounds, and supporting healthier growth. In addition, the NFT system
total sugars in plants such as lettuce, cabbage, cucumber, is a vertical hydroponic technique that maximizes space
and spinach. 15 utilization and conserves water. It offers a promising
There are various types of hydroponic systems, each solution for sustainable agricultural development,
characterized by specific features depending on crop particularly in regions facing climate challenges and
type, space availability, equipment complexity, and located in risky farming zones. 19
overall economic cost. 15,16 The main types of hydroponic This study aims to identify the optimal technological
systems include (Table 1): components for cultivating plants in a portable, compact,
(i) Candlewick (wick) and easy-to-maintain hydroponic NFT system. The goal
(ii) DWC is to achieve high-quality products and plant yields
(iii) Periodic flooding through the integration of phytomatrix with radiating
(iv) NFT elements and the application of a nutrient solution
(v) Aeroponics. enriched with biological products.

Volume 22 Issue 3 (2025) 186 doi: 10.36922/AJWEP025170132