Snap hydroponics: development and potential for urban vegetable production
2005
Santos, P.J.A. | Ocampo, E.T.M., Philippines Univ. Los Baños, College, Laguna (Philippines). Inst. of Plant Breeding
Yearly losses in vegetable production are attributed to less-than-ideal weather conditions, soil-borne diseases and high incidence of pests. Among the alternative agricultural systems, hydroponics appears to be a popular and acceptable solution for production under conditions of space restrictions or unavailability of soil. However, most hydroponics systems that are available in the country are input-intensive, requiring a large amount of capital. In response, Simple Nutrient Addition Program (SNAP) hydroponics was conceived and designed to meet the need for a low-cost system suited for household-level and small-scale commercial vegetable production. The system employs passive aeration(no electricity required) of the nutrient solution and the ability of the vegetable crops to adopt to waterlogged conditions. Vegetables such as lettuce, sweet pepper, cucumber and celery have been successfully grown using SNAP hydroponics. The bases and methodology for setting up SNAP hydroponics are presented together with the results of production trials of selected crops. As an example, growth of SNAP-grown lettuce is more rapid and harvest is earlier than soil-grown plants. Cost and return analysis for leaf-lettuce production indicates that profits can be realized as early as the first year using the system, with returns on investment averaging 57%. The system is ideal for restricted spaces typical in urban areas, provided that there is sunlight, air movement and a rain shelter. The potentials for widespread household adoption and small-scale commercial application of SNAP hydroponics are high.
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