The word Hydroponic is derived from 2 Greek towers, where Hydro refers to water and Ponics refers to labor.
Hydroponics is the technique of growing plants using a water-based nutrient solution rather than soil and can include an aggregate substrate, or growing media, such as vermiculite, coconut coir, or perlite.
This innovative approach to agriculture offers several advantages over traditional soil-based farming, including greater control over growing conditions, efficient use of resources, and the ability to grow crops in non-arable areas. In hydroponic farming, we create CEA which means controlled environment agriculture where we provide protection from the outdoor elements and maintain optimal growing conditions which are favorable for the development of the crops.
In SOKOVO nature farms, we utilize polycarbonate sheets which are translucent sheets as a covering of the farm instead of concrete walls. The reason behind this is to be able to utilize sunlight during the day and minimize the usage of electricity.
The farm incorporates supplemental lighting, a cooling and dehumidification system, and an automation system that collaboratively operates to establish an optimal environment for crop growth. This integrated setup ensures that crops can thrive without susceptibility to pests or external diseases.
The process of growing plants from seeding to harvesting in our hydroponic farm involves several key stages. Here’s an overview of our hydroponic farming:
We begin the process by carefully choosing premium NON-GMO seeds. The seeding phase takes place in our meticulously sanitized nursery, ensuring optimal conditions for seed germination. The seeds are placed in media, such as rockwool cubes, and allowed to germinate for 2-3 days. Following this initial phase, they are transitioned to a light phase, where they remain for 10-12 days. This critical stage, known as the Nursery stage, facilitates the transformation of seeds into saplings.
After a successful initial stage of 15 days, the robust saplings are transferred to the Grow Area. This phase is dedicated to creating an optimal environment where the saplings can flourish into healthy, flavorful, and nutritious plants suitable for consumption. At SOKOVO Nature Farms, we employ two distinct growing techniques: Circular Towers and A Frames. Our approach involves carefully balancing sunlight exposure, and nutritional requirements, and maintaining stringent sanitation measures to ensure a pest-free and high-quality yield. We do not use any pesticides.
The hydroponic system provides the plants with essential nutrients dissolved in water. The nutrient solution is carefully monitored using an automation system and adjusted to maintain optimal pH and nutrient levels for plant growth.
Hydroponic farms require careful control of environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and light. Growers often use supplemental LED lighting, ventilation systems, and climate control to create ideal growing conditions.
As the plants grow, they require regular monitoring and care. This may include pruning, trellising, and ensuring proper aeration of the nutrient solution to promote healthy root growth.
Once the plants have reached maturity, they are ready for harvesting. The timing of harvesting varies depending on the specific crop and its intended use. Harvesting can be done by cutting the plants, picking the crops, or removing individual leaves, depending on the type of crop.
After harvesting, the crops may undergo post-harvest processing where they are being double washed in our packaging area, dried and packed in our recyclable PET boxes, and stored in the climate-controlled area until they are dispatched in chiller vans.
Throughout the entire process, hydroponic farmers must closely monitor the health of the plants, the condition of the nutrient solution, and the overall performance of the system to ensure successful growth and a bountiful harvest.