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Alternative Methods:Soiless Farming
Alternatives to Soil Farming
Hydroponics
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Hydroponics
Hydroponics: cultivating plants using mineral nutrient solutions dissolved in water.
Substrates used:
Hydroponics
Hydroponics: cultivating plants using mineral nutrient solutions dissolved in water.
Substrates used:- Only water- Perlite- Gravel- Expanded clay- Mineral wool- Coconut husk
Hydroponics
Where is it used:-NASA: possibility of growing plants in large space stations or on other planets.
Hydroponics
Where is it used:-NASA: possibility of growing plants in large space stations or on other planets.- Greenhouses: most of the lettuce you eat is
grown hydroponically.
Hydroponics
Where is it used:-NASA: possibility of growing plants in large space stations or on other planets.- Greenhouses: most of the lettuce you eat is
grown hydroponically. - Laboratories: you can control more variables(amount of nutrients, pH)
Advantages of a Hydroponic System
• No soil needed• Water can be reused many times before it
needs to be flushed = saves water
Advantages of a Hydroponic System
• No soil needed• Water can be reused many times before it
needs to be flushed = saves water• Can control plant nutrition (it is only in the
water if you put it there)• High yields• Ease of harvesting
Disadvantage of Hydroponics
• If something goes wrong with the water all the plants are effected = may lose whole crop
• There is no soil to buffer changes:
Disadvantage of Hydroponics
• If something goes wrong with the water all the plants are effected = may lose whole crop
• There is no soil to buffer changes: eg. In soil pH drops in soil breaking down calcium rock which brings the pH back up.
Without a buffer the pH can rise and fall uncontrollably which might kill the plants
Two Main Types of Hydroponics
Solution Hydroponics: Uses only water with dissolved nutrientsSolute:Solvent:
Medium Hydroponics:
Eg: use gravel = use rockwool =
Two Main Types of Hydroponics
Solution Hydroponics: Uses only water with dissolved nutrientsSolute: a substance that is dissolved = fertilizerSolvent: Used to dissolve solute = solvent
Medium Hydroponics:
Eg: use gravel = use rockwool =
Two Main Types of Hydroponics
Solution Hydroponics: Uses only water with dissolved nutrientsSolute: a substance that is dissolved = fertilizerSolvent: Used to dissolve solute = solvent
Medium Hydroponics: Uses a solid substance for the roots. Named after the type of solid they use.Eg: use gravel = gravel culture use rockwool = rockwool culture
Other Forms of Hydroponics
Static Solution Culture: Most common form used in personal gardens. Parts:-
Other Forms of Hydroponics
Static Solution Culture: Most common form used in personal gardens. Parts:-Bucket with lid-Airline to aerate water-Basket for plants-Water soluble nutrients
Other Forms of HydroponicsContinuous flow Solution Culture: A thin constant stream of nutrient rich water passes the root system of the plants.Parts:-
Other Forms of Hydroponics
Continuous flow Solution Culture: A thin constant stream of nutrient rich water passes the root system of the plants.Parts:-Pipes with holes or buckets attached to them-Large container of water-Pump system that moves water from the container through the pipes-Water soluble nutrients
Nutrients Needed for Hydroponics
Nutrients Needed for Hydroponics
Nutrients Needed for Hydroponics
Nutrients Needed for Hydroponics
Nutrients Needed for Hydroponics
Assignment
Article and Questions
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Aeroponics
Aeroponics: Aero = air Growing plants without the use of soil or aggregates. Water and nutrients are brought to the roots by mist or humidity.
Aeroponics
Basic Aeroponics System:- Plants are grown on a support structure (mesh
or mesh baskets). Roots grow out the bottom and hang in a closed off space
- Roots are sprayed with fertilized water by spray bars or mist bar
