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PUBLISHED DATE: - 20-06-2024
DOI: -
https://doi.org/10.37547/tajmei/Volume06Issue06-03
PAGE NO.: - 23-29
ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF USING AN
INDUSTRIAL HYDROPONIC MULTI-TIER
SYSTEM
Ibragimov Eduard
Expert in crop and livestock production, Deputy General Director of the Akma-Taraz peasant
farm, Republic of Kazakhstan, Taraz, Kazakhstan
INTRODUCTION
Hydroponics, a method of growing plants without
soil using mineral nutrient solutions, has
attracted attention due to its potential to
revolutionize agricultural productivity. In
multilevel systems, hydroponics becomes even
more efficient, maximizing space utilization and
increasing crop yields (Figure 1) [1]. These
systems have proven to be particularly
advantageous in urban environments where
space is limited and demand for fresh produce is
high [2]. The use of solar energy in hydroponics
has also become a key element, aligning with
sustainable energy initiatives and reducing
operating costs [3].
RESEARCH ARTICLE
Open Access
Abstract
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Figure 1 - Multilevel hydroponics systems
The relevance of hydroponics in modern
agriculture must be considered. As the world's
population continues to grow to 8.108 billion in
May 2024, food security is becoming a pressing
issue. Land availability, water scarcity, and
environmental degradation often challenge
traditional farming methods. Hydroponic systems
offer a solution to these problems by using less
water and land and minimizing environmental
impact [2]. Economic benefits are associated with
increased crop yields, reduced labor costs, and the
ability to grow crops year-round, regardless of
external weather conditions [4].
Multilevel hydroponic systems have proven to be
a viable approach to meet the growing needs of
urban populations. These systems make efficient
use of vertical space, allowing different crops to
be grown in compact areas. This design is
particularly advantageous in urban areas where
space is limited and traditional agriculture is not
feasible [1]. The economic benefits of such
systems are evident in their ability to produce
high-quality
produce
locally,
reducing
transportation costs and minimizing food waste
[5].
In addition, the integration of solar energy into
hydroponic systems increases their economic
viability. Solar-powered hydroponics reduces
dependence on conventional energy sources,
lowers operating costs, and contributes to
sustainable development goals [3]. This approach
is in line with global renewable energy trends,
making
hydroponics
a
forward-thinking
investment.
THEORETICAL PART
Hydroponics is an innovative method of farming
and offers an alternative to traditional soil-based
farming. Nutrient-rich aqueous solutions are used
to grow plants, providing a sustainable and
efficient approach to food production. This
concept has expanded significantly in industrial
applications, especially in multi-level systems that
maximize space and productivity.
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The basic idea behind hydroponics is to eliminate
the need for soil by delivering nutrients directly to
plant roots through aqueous solutions. This
system can be implemented in a variety of setups
such as nutrient film technology, deep-water
culture, aeroponics, etc. (Figure 2). Each method
has unique advantages, but they all have the
benefit of precise control of the plant's
environment, resulting in optimized growth and
yield [6].
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Figure 2 – Types of hydroponic systems [6]
(a) Deep Water Culture. (b) Drip System. (c) Aeroponics. (d) Nutrient Film Technique
(NFT). (e) Ebb and flow. (f) Aquaponics
Industrial hydroponic systems typically operate
in controlled environments such as greenhouses
or
indoor
facilities.
These
controlled
environments offer several advantages. For
example, hydroponic systems can use up to 90%
less water than traditional agriculture because
the water is recycled and reused [7]. In addition,
because there is no need for soil, hydroponics
eliminates soil-borne disease and pest problems,
reducing the need for pesticides. This
environmentally friendly approach is in line with
the goals of sustainable agriculture, helping to
address problems such as water scarcity and
pollution [2].
Hydroponic systems have demonstrated their
usefulness in various industries, especially in
urban agriculture. With increasing urbanization,
there is a growing demand for locally produced
food, and hydroponics offers a viable solution.
Multi-tier hydroponic systems are particularly
effective in urban environments where space is
limited. These systems allow vertical farming,
maximize space efficiency, and allow year-round
crop production [1]. The ability to control the
growing environment leads to higher yields and
consistent crop quality, which is important to
meet the needs of urban consumers [5].
The benefits of hydroponics extend beyond urban
agriculture. In rural areas where traditional
agriculture may face problems such as water
shortage or poor soil quality, hydroponics offers
an alternative. Precise control over the supply of
water and nutrients ensures that crops receive
optimal growing conditions. In addition,
hydroponic systems can be adapted to different
crops, allowing farmers to diversify their
production and respond to market needs [4].
The integration of renewable energy sources such
as solar energy further enhances the
sustainability of hydroponic systems. Solar-
powered hydroponics is an emerging trend that
aligns with green energy initiatives and reduces
operating costs (Figure 3) [3]. This link between
hydroponics and renewable energy supports the
goal of sustainable and resilient food production
systems.
Figure 3 - Schematic diagram of a solar-powered hydroponic pump [3]
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Hydroponic technology continues to evolve,
including advances in artificial intelligence and
machine learning to optimize growing methods.
Artificial intelligence (AI) can improve the
accuracy of nutrient balancing, disease prediction,
and environmental control, leading to increased
efficiency
and
productivity
[6].
These
technological innovations promise to further
improve the economic and environmental
benefits of hydroponics, positioning it as a key
player in future agricultural practices.
Thus,
industrial
hydroponics,
especially
multilevel systems, offers many advantages in
terms of sustainability, efficiency, and urban
integration. The implementation of hydroponics
in various environments, coupled with
technological advances, positions it as a
promising solution to today's agricultural
challenges.
ECONOMIC EFFICIENCY AND ADVANTAGES
Hydroponic systems have attracted attention for
their potential economic efficiency and benefits in
modern agriculture. These systems offer a unique
combination of sustainability and profitability,
especially when integrated with renewable
energy sources. The economic benefits of
hydroponics can be seen in a variety of contexts,
including urban agriculture, renewable energy
integration, and aquaponics.
Hydroponic systems allow precise control of
nutrient delivery, resulting in high yields with
minimal resource utilization. This efficiency has
been demonstrated at an industrial scale, where
hydroponics outperforms conventional farming
methods regarding water and nutrient utilization
[7]. In a divided multi-loop aquaponics system,
where fish and plants are grown separately but
synergistically, hydroponics has achieved higher
productivity than traditional methods. The
integrated approach of this system reduces waste
and
maximizes
resource
utilization,
demonstrating significant economic efficiency.
One of the key factors affecting the economic
performance of hydroponic systems is energy
consumption. Utilizing solar energy has emerged
as a viable solution to reduce operating costs and
increase economic returns. In a pilot study
conducted
in
Indonesia,
solar-powered
hydroponics proved to be economically viable as
it provides 24/7 operation of water pumps and
reduces dependence on conventional energy
sources [3]. This approach is in line with the green
economy program and offers a sustainable
alternative to conventional energy sources.
Also, hydroponics has proven to be economically
viable in urban agriculture where space is limited
and demand for fresh produce is high. An
investment plan for a hydroponic tomato
greenhouse in Western Greece showed positive
economic viability: net present value (NPV) and
internal rate of return (IRR) indicate profitability
over five years [4]. The study examined different
economic scenarios and found that hydroponics
remains economically viable under different
market conditions, emphasizing its sustainability
as an investment.
Aquaponics, a system that combines hydroponics
with aquaculture, provides additional economic
benefits by integrating fish and plant production.
Benefit-cost analysis showed that the aquaponic
system is economically feasible and shows a
positive net present value [8]. This system utilizes
the symbiotic relationship between fish and
plants: fish waste provides nutrients for plant
growth and plants filter water for fish. Dual
production provides economic benefits by
diversifying income streams and improving
resource utilization efficiency.
In summary, hydroponic systems offer significant
economic efficiencies and benefits in a variety of
settings. From urban agriculture to integrated
aquaponic
systems,
hydroponics
has
demonstrated its potential as a sustainable and
profitable agricultural practice.
ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS
Industrial hydroponics, as a modern agricultural
practice,
offers significant
environmental
benefits, contributing significantly to sustainable
development.
Hydroponic
systems
are
environmentally friendly by addressing several
key issues such as waste management, nutrient
recycling, and resource conservation. Integrating
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hydroponics with other systems such as
aquaponics
increases
its
environmental
sustainability. For example, a study on urban
agriculture found that alternatives to nutrient
recovery in hydroponic systems had a positive
impact on the environment, especially when using
techniques such as direct leachate recycling
(DLR) and membrane filtration (MF). These
approaches have helped to restore key nutrients
such as phosphorus, magnesium, and calcium,
helping to reduce eutrophication and improve
nutrient efficiency [2].
Hydroponic systems are also beneficial for water
management. A study was conducted in Saudi
Arabia comparing the water use efficiency and
economic
viability
of
hydroponic
and
conventional growing systems for green fodder
production.
The
hydroponic
system
demonstrated significantly higher water use
efficiency, addressing water scarcity problems in
the country. A study showed that although
conventional cultivation provides lower costs, the
hydroponic system excels in water conservation,
making it a valuable option for arid regions [9].
The environmental benefits of hydroponics are
further emphasized by its contribution to
reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Hydroponic
systems minimize the need for land and often
require less energy, which contributes to lower
carbon dioxide emissions compared to
conventional agriculture. In addition, the
controlled environment of hydroponic systems
reduces the use of pesticides and herbicides,
minimizing the release of chemicals into the
environment [2].
Hydroponics also supports biodiversity by
allowing a wide variety of crops to be grown in
different
environments.
This
flexibility
contributes to ecological sustainability, especially
in urban settings where biodiversity is often at
risk due to habitat loss [9].
Thus, we note that the environmental benefits of
industrial hydroponics are clear. The systems
promote sustainable development through
efficient resource utilization, nutrient recycling,
and environmental protection. Hydroponics
offers significant benefits for water management
and environmental health, making it a key
component of sustainable agriculture.
EXAMPLES OF SUCCESSFUL APPLICATIONS
Vertical vegetable cultivation has emerged as a
promising solution to meet the needs of urban
populations and ensure food security while
reducing production costs. One prominent
example of this success is the development of
tomato varieties adapted for multi-tier
hydroponic plants. This approach is in line with
the growing trend of urbanization, which requires
efficient food production in limited spaces [1].
The Federal Scientific Center for Vegetable
Production in Russia developed the first tomato
varieties 'Natasha' and 'Timosha' specifically for
vertical vegetable production. The process
involved the creation of a model of a new tomato
form suitable for tiered hydroponic structures.
The study utilized a collection of 692 tomato
accessions and focused on the development of
varieties as part of the processing chain. The
economic performance of these varieties on tiered
narrow-stem hydroponics showed significant
advantages over conventional cultivation
methods [1].
These successes emphasize the potential of tiered
hydroponic systems in urban agriculture. The use
of hydroponic systems with narrow racks allows
for efficient space utilization and stable
production. In addition, this method provides
economic benefits by optimizing resource
utilization and increasing crop yields.
CONCLUSION
In exploring the topic of industrial hydroponic
tiered systems, the evidence presented in this
paper illustrates the multifaceted benefits of
these systems. From economic efficiency to
environmental sustainability to the successful
application of multilevel systems in urban
agriculture, it is evident that hydroponics is
having a transformative impact on modern
farming practices. The integration of solar energy
and advances in technology such as artificial
intelligence further enhances the value of these
systems.
Reflecting on this theme, it is worth emphasizing
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the potential of hydroponics as a sustainable
solution for food production, especially in urban
environments where space is limited. The ability
to grow crops vertically not only maximizes space
but also enables year-round production,
addressing food security concerns. Moreover, the
integration of renewable energy sources brings
hydroponics in line with global sustainability
goals, making it a promising direction for future
agricultural development.
Examples of successful hydroponic installations
demonstrate the feasibility of this approach and
highlight its potential to revolutionize agriculture.
With a growing world population and increasing
demand for sustainable food production,
hydroponics offers a viable solution that
combines economic viability with environmental
protection. In the future, agriculture is likely to
see an increased reliance on such innovative
systems, contributing to a more resilient and
sustainable global food supply chain.
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