ANALYSIS

1. Analysis of large-scale implementation of Hydroponics Farming

This part of the report is mainly research related to the factors that affect the
Hydroponic Farming in a large-scale implementation. Through the detailed discussion
with the all four farms, we have identified four factors and their sub factors that
highly influence the production and planning in a Hydroponic Plant. These factors
play a significant role for the entire Operation Management of the Farm. They are as
follows:

 WATER

In a Hydroponic Farming System, plants grow in a Water Solution and gets their
nutrients from the Solution itself so it becomes the most vital factor and a significant
amount of quantity is required. Along with quantity, the quality of water also becomes
an important part. The quality can be based on three main factors:
Hardness: Hard Water is not suitable as it often has minerals content like calcium and
magnesium carbonates which are harmful for plants.
pH: Water should be typically acidic in nature which means below 6 pH level.
Contents: It shouldn’t contain any damaging microorganisms or an unacceptable
chemical element.
Taking into account all these factors, Municipal Supply Water cannot be used in a
Hydroponic Farm directly. It needs to be tested for all the above factors and only after
certain modifications it can be used for the plants as a solution.
 AIR

Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide are required by plants for respiration and photosynthesis
for 24 hours a day. As Hydroponic Farms are set up in a closed environment, the
weather makes the need for enrichment of air with CO 2 and O2 which is done using
Ventilation and some air exchanges during the day.
CO2 and plant growth have a direct relationship with each other as 40%-50% of Plant
consists of Carbon which is obtained during Photosynthesis Process so other factors
like Air Humidity, Air Quality, Wind Speed etc. also play a vital as well in order to
deal with Oxygen & Carbon Dioxide levels in the facility and needs to maintained
with the use of Ventilation and some air exchanges.

 CLIMATE

Climatic condition of the place also influences the growth of plant. At a subzero
temperature and at high temperature plants can be frosted and scorched and hence
maintenance of temperature in the plant is mandatory. In between this frosting and
scorching of plants, pollination, fruit & seed formation along with plant growth is
dependent on Temperature and Wind Speed. Degree of humidity influences irrigation
process & transpiration process and can also cause fungal diseases in plants.
 NUTRIENTS

For Plants a total of 16 chemical nutrients are required and these can be divided into
macro & micro elements on the basis of quantities that the plants use. Some elements
like CO2, O2, H2, N2 are readily available but some like phosphorus and potassium are
needed to be supplied in the Water Solution to these plants. The concentration of these
solution with Water can also change pH level and need to be taken into account.

2. Forecasting of large-scale implementation of Hydroponics Farming

This part of project is in progress and will be submitted in the final report of Project.