Alternative Methods: Soiless Farming Alternatives to Soil Farming Alternative Methods: Soiless Farming

Hydroponics

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 nutrients Solute: Solvent: Medium Hydroponics: Eg: use gravel = use rockwool =

Two Main Types of Hydroponics Solution Hydroponics: Uses only water with dissolved nutrients Solute: a substance that is dissolved = fertilizer Solvent: Used to dissolve solute = solvent Medium Hydroponics: Eg: use gravel = use rockwool =

Two Main Types of Hydroponics Solution Hydroponics: Uses only water with dissolved nutrients Solute: a substance that is dissolved = fertilizer Solvent: 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 Hydroponics Continuous 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

Aeroponics

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. Pink = potatoes

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