Getting Started

At UrbanAgro, we understand the challenges and opportunities that come with pursuing a career in the high-tech farming industry. That’s why we are dedicated to being a facilitator for our clients, offering a range of services and resources to support their success. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your operation to the next level, we are here to help.

Our team of expert agronomists and technicians is dedicated to helping farmers achieve their full potential and build a brighter, more sustainable future for all. We offer comprehensive support and training services, as well as access to the latest technology and equipment, to ensure that farmers have the knowledge and resources they need to thrive.

In addition to providing support to individual farmers, we are also in discussions with major equipment and fertilizer brands specializing in the high-tech farming industry, and are exploring partnerships with organizations like the Smallholder Agribusiness Partnership Program (SAPP), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the Mahaweli Development Program. These partnerships will help us reach all farmers in Sri Lanka, with the goal of increasing the contribution of agriculture to the country’s GDP from 7.4% in 2018 to a higher level.

If you’re a farmer looking to take your operation to the next level, we encourage you to learn more about our products and services and see how we can help. Together, we can build a brighter future for the high-tech farming industry in Sri Lanka.

Hydroponics

Hydroponics is a method of growing plants using nutrient-rich water rather than soil. It is a soil-less method of cultivation that has gained popularity in recent years due to its many benefits, including the ability to grow high-quality crops in a controlled environment and the ability to produce crops year-round, regardless of weather conditions.

Hydroponics systems use a variety of techniques to deliver water and nutrients to plants. These techniques include nutrient film technique (NFT), deep water culture (DWC), and aeroponics, among others. In a hydroponic system, plants are grown in a container filled with an inert growing medium, such as perlite or coconut coir, which helps anchor the plants and provides some support, but does not provide nutrients. Instead, plants receive their nutrients from a nutrient-rich water solution that is delivered to the roots via a system of pipes, pumps, and reservoirs.

Hydroponics systems can be set up in a variety of environments, including greenhouses, indoor farming operations, and even on rooftops in urban areas. They are often used to grow high-value crops, such as lettuce, herbs, tomatoes, and peppers, but can be used to grow a wide range of other crops as well.

Hydroponics systems offer many benefits over traditional soil-based agriculture, including the ability to produce higher yields in a smaller space, the ability to grow crops year-round, and the ability to produce crops with fewer pests and diseases. However, they also require a higher level of management and maintenance, as the water and nutrient solution must be carefully monitored and adjusted to ensure optimal plant growth.

Types of Hydroponics Systems

There are several different types of hydroponic systems that can be used for growing plants, each with its own unique set of benefits and drawbacks. Here are six of the most common types of hydroponic systems:

1. Nutrient film technique (NFT): In an NFT system, a thin film of nutrient-rich water is circulated over the roots of the plants, providing them with the nutrients they need to grow. NFT systems are relatively simple and inexpensive to set up, but can be difficult to maintain due to the precise balance of nutrients and water required for optimal plant growth.
2. Deep water culture (DWC): In a DWC system, plants are suspended in a nutrient-rich water solution with their roots submerged in the water. Oxygen is supplied to the roots via an air pump or air stones. DWC systems are relatively easy to set up and maintain, and can produce high yields, but can be expensive to operate due to the constant need for oxygen.
3. Aeroponics: In an aeroponic system, plants are suspended in air and the roots are misted with a nutrient-rich water solution. Aeroponic systems are relatively easy to set up and can produce high yields, but require careful monitoring and maintenance to ensure that the plants receive the right amount of nutrients and oxygen.
4. Drip irrigation: In a drip irrigation system, a nutrient-rich water solution is delivered to the plants via a system of tubes and drippers. Drip irrigation systems are relatively simple and inexpensive to set up and can produce high yields, but require careful monitoring to ensure that the plants receive the right amount of nutrients and water.
5. Wick system: In a wick system, a nutrient-rich water solution is absorbed into a wick and delivered to the plants via capillary action. Wick systems are simple and inexpensive to set up, but are not suitable for all types of plants and can produce lower yields compared to other hydroponic systems.
6. Ebb and flow (flood and drain): In an ebb and flow system, plants are grown in a container that is periodically flooded with a nutrient-rich water solution and then drained. Ebb and flow systems are relatively simple and inexpensive to set up and can produce good yields, but require careful monitoring to ensure that the plants receive the right amount of nutrients and water.

Each of these hydroponic systems has its own unique set of benefits and drawbacks, and the best system for you will depend on your specific needs and goals. It’s important to carefully research and consider the different options before choosing a hydroponic system.

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Start off with one of our GROW KITS!

A hydroponics grow tent kit is a convenient way to get started with hydroponics gardening. It includes all the equipment and supplies you need to set up a hydroponic growing system in a small, enclosed space, such as a grow tent. Here are some steps you can follow to get started with a hydroponics grow tent kit:

1. Assemble the grow tent: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to assemble the grow tent and set it up in a suitable location. Make sure the tent is sturdy and well-ventilated, and consider adding additional ventilation or cooling if necessary.
2. Choose your hydroponic system: Most hydroponics grow tent kits include a specific type of hydroponic system, such as a nutrient film technique (NFT) or deep water culture (DWC) system. Familiarize yourself with the system and how it works, and make sure you have all the necessary components and supplies.
3. Prepare the water and nutrients: Hydroponics systems rely on a nutrient-rich water solution to provide plants with the nutrients they need to grow. You can purchase premixed nutrient solutions or mix your own using a combination of water, nutrients, and pH adjusters. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for preparing the water and nutrients.
4. Choose the right plants for your system: Not all plants are suitable for hydroponics, so it’s important to choose plants that are well-suited to the system you are using. Some popular hydroponic crops include lettuce, herbs, tomatoes, and peppers.
5. Set up the hydroponic system: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to set up the hydroponic system according to the specific type of system you are using. This will involve assembling the components of the system,such as the grow beds, reservoirs, and pumps, and connecting them to the water and nutrient supply. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and double-check all connections to ensure that the system is set up correctly.
   6. Plant your seeds or seedlings: Once the hydroponic system is set up and the water and nutrients are prepared, it’s time to plant your seeds or seedlings. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for planting and care, and make sure to keep the plants well-watered and fertilized according to the specific needs of the plants you are growing.
   7. Monitor and maintain your system: Hydroponic systems require regular monitoring and maintenance to ensure that plants are receiving the right amount of nutrients and water. This may involve adjusting the pH of the water, monitoring the nutrient levels, and checking for signs of pests or diseases. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for monitoring and maintaining the system, and be prepared to make adjustments as needed to ensure optimal plant growth.

   It can be helpful to seek the guidance of an experienced hydroponic grower or join a local hydroponics group to get more tips and resources on getting started with hydroponics. With the right equipment, knowledge, and care, you can successfully grow a wide range of plants using a hydroponics grow tent kit.