Vol. 7, Issue 11, Part C (2024)
Abstract
A number of individuals are interested in Dutch bucket hydroponics because of its ability to optimize the use of water and nutrients in controlled agricultural environments. Hydroponics is a flexible and adaptive growing technology. This study highlights how well-suited Dutch bucket systems are for larger, fruit-bearing plants like peppers, tomatoes, and cucumbers while examining the design, functionality, and potential of these systems in modern horticulture. The effectiveness of water and nutrients, disease control, and flexibility to different operating scales from modest residential setups to massive commercial farms are some of the main benefits. However, the system's dependency on electricity, higher initial expenses, and the necessity for precise nutrient monitoring offer obstacles. This study also examines how automation and technical developments boost system productivity, making it a popular choice for high-yield, sustainable crop production. The Dutch bucket system does, however, have several drawbacks, such as greater setup costs at first, reliance on energy for irrigation and pumping, and ongoing nutrient and water quality monitoring to avoid contamination or system failures. Furthermore, in recirculating systems, the possibility of disease transmission necessitates cautious monitoring. Notwithstanding these drawbacks, the Dutch bucket method offers substantial prospects for sustainable farming, especially in areas with restricted water supplies and in cities with constrained soil supply. This study positions Dutch bucket hydroponics as a key instrument for future urban farming and global food security by highlighting the increased interest in this method of increasing agricultural output, cutting resource use, and boosting crop quality.
