Hydroponics

Hydroponics is a method of growing plants without soil, by using mineral nutrient solutions in a combined liquid of water and solvents. Plants may be grown with only their roots exposed to the nutritious liquid, or the roots may be physically supported by a framework of plastic, ceramics, or metal. Because of how much time, space, and resources it saved hydroponics was the main source of food production for earlier colonists.

Advantages

Hydroponics offers many advantages over terrestrial planting, ranging from quality control to water and land use. To grow 1 kilogram of tomatoes back on Old Earth using terrestrial farming methods required 400 liters of water; however, using hydroponics only 70 liters is required. For settlers who had no real concept over how much water or its availability would be in their new homes hydroponics the ability of settlers to grow their own food more readily in their own homes.

Hydroponics vs Terrestrial Planting

Listen, if I all we need to do is get people fed then hydroponics is the way to go.  If what you want is something of gastronomic value, then it's all about terroir.  Flavor comes from soil chemistry, wind, sun, rain, and temperature.  You don't get that from hydroponics.

—  Sara Damsgaard, Department of Culinary Arts and Agriculture

While most Desereti Meeuwenberg Residential Units came equipped with greenhouses with hydroponic systems installed, it did not take long for demand to grow for food grown in the earth.  Taumata is especially known for its delicious vegetables, the products of the vast volcanic soil deposits in the region.  Terrestrial grown crops are more expensive, but for most Deseretis the cost is worth the additional flavor.

Colonists on Deseret needed crops that could be produced in bulk and provided the most consistent yields. The most common crops were chosen for their durability, fast growth rates and ease of getting started. Some of the most popular were:

• Lettuce
• Spinach
• Strawberries
• Bell Peppers
• Herbs