By Scout Nelson
As the global population is expected to exceed 9.7 billion by 2050, traditional agriculture faces increasing strain. To meet rising food demands, innovative solutions like hydroponics are emerging as sustainable alternatives. The University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Hydroponics for Growing Populations program equips students to address these challenges.
In a greenhouse filled with vibrant produce, students design and manage hydroponic systems. These systems grow crops without soil, conserving up to 90% more water and reducing pesticide usage compared to traditional methods. “Hydroponics is a cornerstone for future agriculture, especially in urban areas with limited land,” says Stacy Adams, a professor in Agronomy & Horticulture.
The program focuses on practical skills, such as regulating nutrient delivery, monitoring water pH, and optimizing energy use. These activities prepare students for real-world challenges, fostering problem-solving and systems thinking.
An open house on November 21 allowed students to present their projects to the public, sparking curiosity about the technology. Visitors questioned the nutritional value of soil-less crops, to which students explained how nutrient-rich solutions provide plants with precise growth recipes, ensuring high-quality produce.
Hydroponics is more than an academic exercise; it’s a scalable solution. Urban centers like Singapore and New York use hydroponics in vertical farms to boost food self-sufficiency. In resource-scarce regions, solar-powered hydroponic systems enable food production in areas unsuitable for traditional farming.
Programs like this inspire a new generation of agriculturists to innovate beyond conventional farming. As the population grows, these efforts demonstrate that feeding the world sustainably is possible, offering hope for the future of global agriculture.
Photo Credit:pexels-patrick-jennings
Categories: Nebraska, Sustainable Agriculture