Hydroponics is a branch of agricultural science that focuses on growing plants without soil, using a nutrient-rich water solution. Hydroponics is increasingly being used in urban environments and areas with limited water resources or unsuitable soil. These major aims to improve crop productivity and increase efficiency in the use of resources, which contributes to achieving sustainable agriculture.

Fields of study in hydroponics:
Hydroponic systems:

• Open and Closed Systems: Study of different hydroponic systems, including open systems that reuse water and closed systems that rely on closed water cycles.
• Design and Construction: Design and construction of various hydroponic systems such as floating systems, tiltable systems, and standpipe systems.

Aquatic botany:

• Plant nutrition: the study of the nutritional needs of plants and how to provide the necessary nutrients through aqueous solutions.
• Plant Physiology: Understanding how environmental conditions such as light and temperature affect the growth and development of plants in aquatic systems.

Water and Nutrient Management:

• Nutrient solution analysis: Analysis and concentration of nutrients in the water solution to ensure that the plant’s needs are met.
• Smart irrigation systems: Developing irrigation systems that accurately monitor and adjust water and nutrient levels.

Environmental control techniques:

• Lighting: Using artificial lighting technologies such as LED to stimulate plant growth in indoor environments.
• Climate Control: Manage temperature, humidity and ventilation to ensure an optimal growing environment for plants.

Biotechnology:

• Improving productivity: using biotechnology to improve crop productivity and increase their resistance to diseases.
• Plant tissue culture: The application of tissue culture techniques to improve production and reproduction of plants.

Pest and disease management:

• Biological control: The use of living organisms to control pests in sustainable and environmentally friendly ways.
• Disease Management: Developing strategies to monitor and control diseases affecting plants in aquatic systems.

Required skills:

• Extensive scientific knowledge: in the fields of biology, chemistry, and agricultural engineering.
• Analytical and research skills: Ability to analyze data and conduct research to improve aquatic systems.
• Technical capabilities: to use modern tools and techniques in hydroponics management.
• Design skills: to design and build hydroponic systems effectively.
• Project Management Skills: To plan, implement and manage hydroponics projects effectively.

Work fields:

• Commercial Farms: Managing plant growing operations using hydroponic systems.
• Agricultural companies: Develop and implement hydroponic solutions and technologies to increase productivity.
• Government Agencies: Work with agriculture agencies to develop policies and programs supporting hydroponics.
• Scientific research: Working in universities and research centers to conduct advanced studies on hydroponic farming techniques.
• Non-governmental organizations: Participation in sustainable agricultural development programs.
• Education: Teaching hydroponics techniques in schools and universities.

The importance of hydroponics:

• Increased productivity: It contributes to the production of large quantities of crops in small areas.
• Efficient use of resources: Reduces water and fertilizer consumption compared to traditional agriculture.
• Achieving sustainability: Supports sustainable agriculture by reducing environmental impact.
• Possibility of cultivation in non-traditional environments: allows the cultivation of plants in urban and desert areas.

Hydroponics Applications:

• Urban agriculture: establishing hydroponic farms in cities to provide fresh food to the population.
• Growing leafy vegetables: producing leafy vegetables such as lettuce and spinach in large quantities and of high quality.
• Vertical farming: Using vertical hydroponic systems to increase crop productivity in limited spaces.
• Research and development: developing new varieties of plants that are more efficient in using resources.

Hydroponics is one of the vital fields that combine technological innovations with agriculture to achieve significant improvements in productivity and sustainability, making it a field with great impact in improving the quality of life and enhancing food security.