Perlite in Hydroponics
Hydroponics is a method of growing plants without soil. The plant roots are either in water or in an inert medium such as perlite and they are supplied with mineral nutrient solutions.
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The use of hydroponics has been traced back to the Babylonians who used it in the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, as well as to the Aztecs in 500 BC.
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On a world wide scale, the use of hydroponics for the cultivation of plants and vegetables is increasing. The global need for high quality produce is growing. Discriminating consumers demand good tasting products with nice aroma and flavor, good color and uniformity of shape. A grower must be able to deliver high quality healthy products while ensuring high productivity. Hydroponic cultivation can satisfy all these requirements.
A significant advantage of hydroponics is that the water and the mineral nutrient solution used for the plants get recycled instead of only being used once. That advantage reduces the cost of the mineral nutrient solution for the grower and it also protects the environment by significantly reducing the amount of chemical fertilizers seeping into the ground.
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Recycling the water and mineral nutrient solution, using natural sunlight and modern technology combined with organic growing methods, growers engaged in hydroponic crops can increase their harvest having rapid growth of plants in a controlled clean environment. Fresh farm produce of excellent quality that are rich in vitamins and minerals can be produced throughout the year without pesticides and chemical fertilizers. They are guaranteed, fully tested and safe for consumers.
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Hydroponics is the technology of choice for developing countries for food production in confined spaces or in areas with poor soil conditions (deserts, rocky mountains, etc.) and in areas of scarce water resources.