Production of quality and abundant crops has become better with the introduction and adoption of hydroponic systems.
Hydroponic growing presents a better and more resistant soil-like substance that retains water and drains easily to avoid erosion and leaching of nutrients.
What are Hydroponic Systems?
Hydroponic systems are methods that enhance more nutrient supply to plants in a soilless growing medium. Plants are not planted on the earth’s soil directly, but rather on a soil type called Coco Peat for hydroponic farming in Kenya.
Plants can be grown in trays, pots or Multi-storey gardens filled with a suitable growing medium.
Hydroponic systems are built inside protected structures such as greenhouses.
Types of Hydroponic Growth Medium
- coco peat
- peat moss
- coco coir
Why Hydroponic farming in Kenya?
- Hydroponic systems offer better water retention and drainage to the root zones of plants. The overall nutrient content and exchange rate is higher than in soil.
- Hydroponic systems are water-saving and nutrient-saving.
- The nature and structure of Coco Peat explain how it can allow faster growth and favorable production.
- Water does not excessively dampen hydroponic growth medium because it has good drainage capacity.
- Higher nutrient holding capacity of hydroponic media.
- It requires less water to enhance the growth and survival of plants.
- Hydroponic systems are friendly to the environment.
How Hydroponic Systems Benefit the Environment
They have lower carbon and harmful gas emissions to the environment. Using hydroponic growing mediums lowers the rate of soil erosion on plant and field slopes.
There is a significant reduction in fertilizer and chemical pollution in rivers and water catchments with hydroponic systems.
Watering Hydroponic Plants
Supplying plants to crops grown under hydroponic medium requires an irrigation method that supplies water in slow and steady form.
Drip Irrigation is the suitable method to use, it does not result in erosion or excessive water supply to your crops.
As mentioned above, excessive water supply leads to leaching of nutrients and may result in stunt growth.
Drip irrigation balances water supply to crops in a hydroponic medium while maintaining the warmth of the growing medium.
Drip Irrigation requires access and setup of complete drip irrigation kit. A drip kit consists of;
- Drip emitters
- Drip Connectors
- HDPE or PVC mainline pipes
- Water Filters
- Fertilizer Injector
- Ball Valves
- End Caps
- Drip Valves
- Saddle Clamps
How to Use Hydroponic Systems in Kenya
With limited farms for open field agriculture, greenhouse and hydroponic farming are the solutions for poor production.
Hydroponic growing mediums are suitable for in-house and greenhouse farming.
You can use coco peat in potted plants and horticultural growing, mix it with soil and use it for seed propagation in beds or seedling trays.
Hydroponic farming betters the soil properties, with its light weight and loose structure allows for faster germination.
Suitable Crops for Hydroponic Media
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Vegetables such as tomatoes, kales, and spinach
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Tree and fruits seedlings
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Vegetable seedlings
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Flowers and in other house potted plants
Cost of Hydroponic Systems in Kenya
We have hydroponic systems / Treated Coco Peat in Kenya at KES 750 per block weighing 5 kg at Aqua Hub Kenya.
Where to Get Hydroponic Systems in Kenya
Aqua Hub Kenya