Some disadvantages of hydroponics include: - High start-up costs: Setting up a hydroponic system can be expensive due to the equipment and infrastructure required. - Technical knowledge: Hydroponics requires a good understanding of plant physiology and the principles of hydroponic growing. This can be a steep learning curve for beginners. - Power outages: Hydroponic systems require electricity to pump water and nutrients to the plants, so power outages can be a problem. - Disease outbreaks: Because hydroponics relies on a closed system, disease outbreaks can quickly spread throughout the entire system. - Water quality: The quality of the water used in hydroponics is critical to plant health, and water with high levels of salts or other contaminants can be harmful to plants.