Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Unit 42 Aquaculture, Greenhouse, and Hydroponics Structures

Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Aquaculture Systems Developed to improve the production of aquatic plants and animals used for food, fiber, and recreation Open aquaculture systems: managed with low densities of plants or animals –Low densities provide an acceptable balance between inputs and outputs and minimize pollution

Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Aquaculture Systems (continued) Semi-open: growers add input or remove accumulated output Closed: recirculating; maintained in controlled- environment structures Indoor: recirculating; includes equipment and materials that can operate in constant contact with water and high humidity

Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Greenhouses Specialized agricultural structures that provide a controlled environment for the production of both plants and animals where sunlight generates either light or heat to create optimal growth Coverings –glass –fiberglass –lexan –plastic film

Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Greenhouses (continued) As sunlight enters, the light is absorbed and reradiated as heat waves Greenhouse effect: buildup of heat waves The heat buildup must be controlled during the hotter months

Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Structural Form Straight wall with gable roof Freestanding: truss-rafter, sawtooth, gothic, or quonset style Must provide safety from snow, wind, or crop load damage while still permitting maximum light transmission Loads –dead (weight of permanent equipment) –live (items used for short period of time) –wind and snow

Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Structural Form (continued) Pick a site facing east-west Level sight with adequate drainage Be sure footing is set below frost line or to a minimum depth of 24 inches below ground Choose from a gravel floor, ground cloth, concrete traffic aisles, or porous concrete for flooring Select heating and ventilation systems Design the water system

Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Hydroponics Production technology in plant science that attempts to maximize growth by stimulating nutrient uptake The plant nutrients are dissolved in water Requires stock tank, pump system, irrigation manifold, plants, drainage system Plumbing constructed of PVC, plastic pipe, and fiberglass Installed at either tabletop or ground level

Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Important Terms Fingerling: small fish Microorganisms: bacteria and fungi Rotary air pumps: high-volume, low-pressure air pump Diffuser tubes: break the airstream into fine bubbles Paddle-wheel aerator: splashes water into the air to incorporate additional oxygen Ammonia: gas that results from decomposition Translucent: transparent

Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Important Terms (continued) Submersible pumps: can be totally immersed in water Net cages: pens for fish Biological filters: waste products are detoxified and recycled back to the production tanks Raceways: rectangular tanks Fish feeders: release preset amounts of fish food during the day Settling tank: allows solid waste particles to settle to the bottom

Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Important Terms (continued) Shadecloth: blocks 30 to 70 percent of sunlight Nutrient solution: water with nutrients added Vermiculite: artificial soil medium made from mica Bag culture: a plant culture of artificial media in bags fed with a nutrient solution Trough culture: trenches built and filled with vermiculite or crushed gravel Tube culture: keeps a thin stream of nutrient solution in contact with the root system