Hydroponics - A Solution for Sustainable Urban Agriculture: A Comparative Study on Plant Growth and Resource Consumption

Abstract

Urban agriculture faces increasing pressure to become more sustainable due to limited space, declining soil fertility, and high water consumption in traditional farming. Hydroponic systems present a promising alternative by enabling efficient plant growth without soil, using minimal water and space. This study investigates the comparative growth performance of basil (Ocimum basilicum) cultivated in a hydroponic system versus a conventional soil-based environment. The experiment was conducted over a six-week period under controlled conditions using a small plastic greenhouse to maintain consistent light, temperature, and humidity. Key variables monitored included plant height, leaf number, and total water consumption. The results showed that the hydroponically grown basil exhibited faster growth, required significantly less water, and demonstrated healthier leaf structures with fewer visible defects. These findings support the potential of hydroponic agriculture as a viable and sustainable solution for urban food production, offering environmental advantages such as reduced water usage, no need for arable land, and the absence of chemical fertilizers or pesticides. This research highlights the practicality of hydroponics for urban settings and educational environments, encouraging further exploration into its scalability and integration into modern agricultural practices.