Abstract
Global growth is predicted to reach about 10 billion people in 2050 and 66% of this population will be concentrated in urban areas. As the world population, the need for food and feed for livestock is also increasing [1]. However, due to climate change, urbanization, and water scarcity, it is becoming difficult to improve the conditions of agricultural production for better yields. Therefore, traditional farming seems unable to maximize the quality and amount of produced crops [2]. Hydroponic is a great alternative for feed scarcity, it involves producing green fodder without soil in a closed environment and harvested after a short period 6-10days. This technology is gaining importance as it can guarantee a continuous and high yield of green forage around the year for livestock feeding. Seed in hydroponic cultivation can be the most important input and compared to the conventional system can present more than 80% of the total cost [3]. Livestock farmers can proceed with small- or large-scale hydroponic production systems using low-cost or high-tech devices for sustainable and profitable livestock production. In this study, we aim to explain six types of hydroponic systems based on plant nutrient supply technology: Wicking system, deep water culture DWC, drip system, aeroponics; ebb and flow system and nutrient film technique (NFT). In addition, we will review the advantages and disadvantages of hydroponic fodder production system and its hi-tech or low-cost applications.
Publisher
Izmir International Guest Student Association