Choosing the best hydroponics system requires careful consideration of several factors. 

• First, consider the types of plants you want to grow and their specific requirements. DWC and NFT systems are best for growing leafy greens, herbs or plants with small heights, while Dutch buckets are best for growing vining crops. 
• Consider your budget for setting up and maintaining a hydroponics system. 
• Assess your skill level and available time for system management, opting for a system that matches your experience and commitment. 
• Finally, think about your long-term goals and select a system that allows scalability and flexibility.

• Manure - Farmers in India use cow dung and cow urine to fertilize their farms, and it works wonder. Vermicast is the waste generated by worms. Japanese farmers have been using Shimoge (fertilizer from the bottom of a person or human waste) to fertilizing their lands. In summary, the waste generated by all living beings (including plants) is rich in various minerals and nutrients that the plants need. Liquid nutrients can be extracted from these and used in Hydroponics; for example, Aquaponics uses fish excreta as a source of nutrition for plants. 
• Humic and Fulvic Acid - Humic acid and fulvic acid are naturally occurring compounds that improve root efficiency and promote the absorption of nutrients. 
• Seaweed - Seaweed is another rich source of nutrients. It increases the elongation of root cells, and in turn, root mass as well, leading to more significant and faster plant growth. Though seaweed occurs naturally in nature, its use is not allowed in Organic production in India. The same goes for fish excreta and human waste as well.
• Microbial derivatives - Microbial sources can be used to pre-process the organic nutrients before incorporation into Hydroponics.

The next step before setting up a hydroponic unit would be to carry out a cost-benefit analysis of the project. It is wise to be well versed and aware of the range of expenses that will take place while setting up the farm and for its maintenance, once it is set. In an ideal condition, it would benefit to set-up the farm near an already available marketplace where you can sell your produce at a satisfactory rate. While selling the produce, one should choose a pricing strategy based on the value of the product. Your pricing should match the quality of the product so that you can manage to get a margin of profit and achieve a high level of customer satisfaction as well. 

It is vital to understand that there are many factors that are intrinsic to each locale. It is essential to study the local conditions before setting up the polyhouse structure. Blind copying may not work. Polyhouses helps to maintain climatic factors like temperature, humidity, etc. as well as protect the crop from harsh wind, rain, etc. Polyhouse also helps in reducing insects and pests that affect the yield. At the time of the set-up, it would be beneficial to consider the following:

• The area should be well-drained. Waterlogging can harm the plants, especially in areas of heavy rainfall and flood.
• The polyhouse should be far from industrial units so that the plants do not get polluted.
• The design, dimensions, and orientation of the polyhouse should be thought through.
• The material used in making a polyhouse must be of good quality to withstand the effects of changing environment.
• The inner structure is also important - proper watering system, the spacing in the house, allowing sufficient light and air, maintaining humidity, etc. are just a few of many things that you should consider in your design.

Although hydroponics is not a labor-intensive system; human involvement will still be needed to keep checks on crop growth. Providing adequate nutritional requirements, on time pruning, harvesting, making the system ready for the next cycle, etc. all require labor. Adequate training of the workforce on hydroponic techniques is crucial. 

Do get started. Enjoy the experience. 

Happy Growing!    

Sunlight should not enter the root zone. The natural habitat of roots is under the ground in zero light conditions. If the root system is exposed to sunlight, it may result in algae and fungi growth. The roots will turn brown, and the plant may not grow to its optimum potential. 

Plant's roots can absorb nutrition only in an optimal pH range. This range varies slightly for different plant families. For optimal growth of a plant, maintain the pH and EC of the growing medium within its optimal range. This will ensure that plants can absorb and accept the nutrition being provided,  which in turn will help the plants to grow.

Seeds are a very high source of nutrition to these creatures, Especially ants. Ants thrive on seeds. Make sure to protect the seeds from ants. At the time of germination, keep the seeds in an area away from where pests and rodents can attack them. 

It is a good idea to cover the seeds until they germinate. Most seeds germinate under the ground. While germinating seeds, one should try to replicate their natural environment. Seeds should be sown, preferably in a dark, warm place to facilitate germination. Seeds have enough sources of nutrition and "life." They do not need to be provided with extra nutrition at the germination phase. All they need is warmth and moisture.

Ensure that roots get enough room to grow. Always know (if possible) the extent of root size and provide sufficient room for the roots to grow by choosing a container or vessel of appropriate size. If roots do not receive enough space to spread and grow, this will impact the growth of the plant as well. 

Plant spacing is important to allow plants to spread out and grow fully. If growing in an NFT channel, plan the spacing of the plants such that its leaves have enough room for growth and expansion. A higher number of plants spaced little apart may give lower yields than a lesser number of plants appropriately spaced. 

Foliar feeding helps increase yield during the bloom phase. A direct foliar spray of nutrients to the plants is beneficial. A foliar spray will aide the nutrition intake for the plant through the leaves. However, you should not use this method as a substitute method of providing nutrition to the plants by eliminating the nutrition channel to the roots. 

Happy Growing!