Perspective Chapter: An Overview of Hydroponic Cultivation for Sustainable Food Production

Global food security is increasingly challenged by unpredictable climatic conditions and population growth. Currently, most farmers rely on soil-based cultivation methods for food production. The limitations of this approach mainly include high dependence on the seasonal changes and chemical additives. These limitations suggest that traditional cultivation methods may not be sufficient to supply the world’s food needs in the future. As a result, alternative, sustainable food production methods are needed. Hydroponic technology has emerged as a promising alternative, allowing for improved food production at both local and commercial scales. This review article, therefore, explores the potential of hydroponic systems to support plant growth and further looks at the performance of various crops in hydroponic systems. The key findings from the literature point out that while lettuce is still a common food crop produced hydroponically, herbs, certain fruits and medicinal plants are also gaining popularity. The review also exposed a gap in the research regarding the impact of hydroponic systems on health-promoting compounds and secondary metabolites on plant species. In addition, the review provides evidence that hydroponic cultivation accelerates plant growth as compared to soil-based cultivation methods. Finally, the review highlights the role of technology in optimizing hydroponic practices.