Best Practices for Using Hydrogels in Vertical and Urban Farming

Hydrogels are valuable for urban and vertical farmers looking to make the most of limited resources. At AEH Innovative Hydrogel, we’ve seen firsthand how these water-retaining gels provide an intelligent solution for addressing key challenges in controlled farming environments.

Hydrogels can play a valuable role in helping plants thrive, conserving water, and making farming more sustainable. Here’s how to make the most of them in your setup.

Water Conservation Made Simple

One of the greatest advantages of hydrogels is their ability to absorb and slowly release water to plant roots. Imagine the benefits of having a water source embedded right at the root level. Hydrogels soak up water and hold it in, making it available to plants as they need it. This cuts down on frequent watering needs, keeping roots steadily supplied with moisture, even when water access is limited—a big advantage for urban farmers in compact areas.

Choosing the Right Hydrogel for Your Setup

Not all hydrogels are alike, and selecting the right type can make a difference in results. There are natural options like alginate hydrogels derived from seaweed, which are compostable and safe for plants. Then, there are synthetic varieties, which may have different absorption rates and environmental impacts. For a sustainable choice, consider compostable, biodegradable hydrogels that won’t add waste.

Hydrogels also come in various forms—powder, granules, or sheets. Choose the form of hydrogel that best suits your setup. Powders and granules mix well into soil, providing balanced moisture. In vertical farm structures, sheets or plugs hold their position effectively and are simple to replace when necessary.

Placement for Maximum Benefit

Hydrogels are versatile, but placement matters. When using them in vertical farms or urban setups, there are a few effective methods to try:

• Top-Layer Application: When growing seedlings, add a hydrogel layer to ensure they get adequate moisture from the beginning.
• Mixing with Substrate: If you’re growing with a soil alternative or a loose medium, mixing hydrogels directly into it ensures even water distribution and maintains moisture longer.
• Direct Root Placement: For plants with deep roots, placing hydrogel near the root zone maximises water retention where needed most.

Nutrient Delivery That Stays Put

Hydrogels can do more than hold water—they can also store nutrients. Infusing hydrogels with nutrients allows them to release what plants need over time, reducing nutrient loss and preventing overfeeding.

Nutrient-infused hydrogels gradually supply plants with what they need, allowing for continuous growth and fewer feedings. In vertical farms, they also help reduce nutrient runoff and keep resources in place.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Overusing hydrogels can lead to waterlogging, particularly in vertical setups with limited drainage. Use just enough hydrogel to retain moisture without oversaturating the medium. Hydrating hydrogels thoroughly before mixing them into your growing medium also helps avoid patchy water distribution. If you’re using hydrogels alongside other growing media, test their compatibility first—some combinations can alter pH levels or nutrient availability.

Long-Term Benefits for Urban and Vertical Farmers

Hydrogels offer valuable benefits for vertical and urban farmers by keeping plants hydrated, cutting down on irrigation, and streamlining nutrient delivery. With precise water usage and direct nutrient access at the root level, hydrogels help make sustainable farming achievable, even in limited and controlled spaces. As we continue to refine these technologies at AEH Innovative Hydrogel, we’re excited to see how hydrogels can further support growers in urban and vertical farming spaces.

Ready to elevate your urban or vertical farming setup? Explore AEH Innovative Hydrogel’s solutions and see how hydrogels can optimise your growth process. Discover more today!