Polymer Use in Soilless Farming Systems with A Comparative Study on Hydroponics and Aquaponics

Open Access

Year : 2025 | Volume : 13 | Special Issue 01 | Page : 868 874
    By

    Aishwarya Digvijay Mohite,

  • G.R. Pathade,

  1. Assistant Professor, Department of Allied Sciences, Krishna Institute of Allied Sciences, Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth ,Karad, Maharshtra, India
  2. Professor, Department of Allied Sciences, Krishna Institute of Allied Sciences, Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth ,Karad, Maharshtra, India

Abstract

Hydroponics and aquaponics are innovative, sustainable agricultural methods that achieve high productivity with minimal land and water usage in controlled environments. Hydroponics, a technique that involves growing plants in nutrient-rich water solutions, utilizes various polymer-based components. Aquaponics, a symbiotic system combining aquaculture and hydroponics, also relies on polymer-based materials. These soilless techniques are crucial for producing vegetables, fruits, and other crops without relying on soil, allowing adaptability across various locations. This study compares two key methods in soilless farming: hydroponics and aquaponics, analysing their advantages and limitations relative to traditional soil-based farming. Key factors examined include technological advancements, environmental impacts, yield efficiency, costs, and specific applications of each technique. Soilless farming offers numerous benefits but is heavily dependent on specialized materials, particularly polymers, which play an essential role. This paper highlights the use of polymer films and membranes in hydroponic systems for nutrient delivery and water management, such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE) in Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) channels. Furthermore, it discusses the use of polymer-based grow media (e.g., rockwool, expanded polystyrene [EPS]) and their effects on plant growth. In aquaponics, applications include HDPE tanks for fish and polypropylene (PP) biofilters for bacteria. The study emphasizes the importance of biodegradable and surface-modified polymers for sustainable farming practices and explores the potential of novel polymeric materials to enhance efficiency and sustainability in soilless systems.

Keywords: Hydroponics, aquaponics, polymers, polymer films, polymer-based grow media, soil less farming.

[This article belongs to Special Issue under section in Journal of Polymer and Composites (jopc)]

How to cite this article:
Aishwarya Digvijay Mohite, G.R. Pathade. Polymer Use in Soilless Farming Systems with A Comparative Study on Hydroponics and Aquaponics. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2024; 13(01):868-874.
How to cite this URL:
Aishwarya Digvijay Mohite, G.R. Pathade. Polymer Use in Soilless Farming Systems with A Comparative Study on Hydroponics and Aquaponics. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2024; 13(01):868-874. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2024/view=188889


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Special Issue Open Access Review Article
Volume 13
Special Issue 01
Received 02/04/2024
Accepted 29/10/2024
Published 12/12/2024
402

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