Hydroponic farming is often portrayed as the biggest development in modern agriculture. It is quite vital, allowing many new farmers to enter the market in ways not previously possible.
However, as is the case with most things, it’s not without its downsides. As a potential investor in farming, it’s important to be aware of the unique issues posed by hydroponic practises. It’s a fascinating and perfectly profitable method, but it’s important to be prepared.
Up-Front Costs
The systems required to begin hydroponic farming are rather expensive. This can drive away many small farmers. Farmers tend to invest in their land as well, but there are easier, more affordable methods to lease land as opposed to acquiring the infrastructure for hydroponic farming.
Supervision
Hydroponic systems require a fair bit of supervision, far more than compared to traditional farming procedures. This means more employees and more labour. High costs can result, as salaries are associated with additional insurance and tax expenses.
Mistakes Are More Consequential
On traditional farms, soil can often mitigate mistakes made in your farming approach. The soil will soak in excess fertiliser, pesticides, and nutrients. With a hydroponic farm, however, there is no soil to save you. Mistakes you make can have a direct, damaging effect on your crops.
Power Outages
Power outages rarely effect traditional farms. You can continue operations even in the face of power issues or weather emergencies. On hydroponic farms, however, you rely heavily on power supply to operate your system of pipes.
This means that work will have to stop altogether in the event of a power failure, unless you wish to take on additional expenses by having a generator on standby. Sometimes, these costs can be too much for a new business to handle.
Water
Traditional farmers still rely on water to hydrate their crops, but in hydroponic farming, you must pay closer attention to your plants and the nutrients they receive. Hydroponic farming requires cleaner water: a challenge in areas of the south where drought has become quite an issue. Farmers must consider water to be a limited resource: one they should protect.
Disease
Many diseases can attack plant life, and most are transmitted through water. The effects can spread quickly, damaging your yields. Naturally, the risk of water-borne disease is heightened in hydroponic farming. Hydroponic farmers are often forced to invest more into insurance policies that can protect them in the case of such an event.
Conclusion
Hydroponic farming is an innovative procedure, highly praised for its benefits. Still, its risks are worth noting. New farmers particularly should familiarise themselves with the process.