Optimizing hydroponic systems for high-density urban agriculture

Abstract

This study explores the optimization of hydroponic systems for high-density urban agriculture in India, focusing on three major urban centers: Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. We evaluated three types of hydroponic systems-Nutrient Film Technique (NFT), Deep Water Culture (DWC), and Aeroponics-in terms of plant yield, water usage, and energy consumption. The results indicated that Aeroponics consistently produced the highest yields across all locations, followed by NFT and DWC. This research underscores the potential of hydroponic systems to address urban food security and sustainability challenges in India, while highlighting the need for integrating renewable energy solutions to mitigate high energy consumption.