By Chioma Obinagwam
In the quest for sustainable agriculture, Dr. Samson Ogbole has emerged as a trailblazer in Nigeria with his innovative approach to crop cultivation—aeroponics.
Confiance News gathered that this soilless farming technique, which allows plants to grow in the air, is revolutionizing the way we think about farming in regions with challenging soil conditions.
What is aeroponics?
Aeroponics is a fascinating method of growing plants without soil. Aeroponics is a smart, sustainable farming technique that maximizes plant growth and minimizes resource usage. It’s particularly useful in areas where arable land is scarce or soil quality is poor. However, it does require careful monitoring and control of nutrient levels and system parameters to ensure plant health and productivity.
Here’s how it works:
Plant Support: Seeds are initially “planted” in pieces of foam that fit into small pots. These pots allow the plants to receive light on one side and nutrient mist on the other.
Root Suspension: The roots of the plants hang in the air inside a closed or semi-closed environment. This allows the roots to have more exposure to oxygen.
Nutrient Delivery: A high-pressure pump creates a fine mist of nutrient-rich solution, which is sprayed directly onto the dangling roots. The mist provides all the necessary nutrients the plants need to grow.
Efficient Growth: The constant access to nutrients and oxygen promotes faster growth and higher yields compared to traditional soil-based methods.
Water Conservation: Aeroponic systems are highly water-efficient, using up to 95% less water than soil farming because the water and nutrients are recycled within the system.
Space Optimization: Since the roots don’t need to spread out in soil, aeroponics can be set up vertically, saving a significant amount of space. This makes it ideal for urban farming and indoor cultivation.
Pesticide-Free: Growing crops in a controlled aeroponic environment minimizes the need for pesticides, resulting in cleaner produce.
Although aeroponics appears to be desirable, it also has its downside which includes:
High Initial Setup Cost: The technology for aeroponics can be expensive to install, posing a barrier to entry for small-scale farmers.
Technical Complexity: Maintaining an aeroponic system requires technical knowledge and constant monitoring.
Vulnerability to Power Outages: Aeroponic systems rely on electricity to mist the roots with nutrients, making them susceptible to power failures.
Dr. Ogbole’s Soilless Farm Lab is a testament to the potential of aeroponics. By adopting this method, he is not only contributing to food security in Nigeria but also inspiring a new generation of farmers to embrace technology for agricultural development. His work demonstrates that with innovation, agriculture can be sustainable, efficient, and adaptable to the challenges of the 21st century.
