HYDROPONICS PER DROP MORE CROP FOR FOOD SAFETY: A Review of Technological Progress and Challenges

Hydroponics, a method of growing plants without soil, has emerged as a key innovation in modern agriculture, offering significant improvements in crop yields, resource efficiency, and sustainability. This review article explores recent advancements in hydroponic systems, comparing their performance to traditional soil-based agriculture, with a focus on yield improvements, water usage, and energy efficiency. Studies reveal that hydroponics can yield up to 30% more crops, particularly in high-demand varieties such as leafy greens and tomatoes, due to optimized nutrient delivery and controlled growing environments. Furthermore, the integration of renewable energy sources, such as solar power, has been shown to reduce energy consumption by up to 40%, making hydroponic systems more sustainable. This article also examines the role of automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies in enhancing the precision of nutrient management and environmental monitoring, resulting in greater efficiency and reduced labor costs. These innovations are driving the growth of hydroponic farming, presenting it as a solution to food security challenges and the environmental impact of conventional agriculture. This review is aimed at agricultural researchers, industry professionals, and policymakers, offering insights into how hydroponics can be leveraged to address the growing demands of sustainable food production in an increasingly resource-constrained world.