Introduction to Hydroponics Lesson #1 Introduction to Hydroponics

Objectives To describe how hydroponics differs from traditional agriculture. To identify the advantages of hydroponics over soil based agriculture.

Read the Introduction

1. What is hydroponics? Growing plants in a solution of the nutrients necessary for plant growth rather than directly in the soil (growing w/o soil)

2. What are the major parts of a typical hydroponic system? Growing tank – the tank that contains the plants growing media

2. What are the major parts of a typical hydroponic system? Nutrient tank – the tank that contains the water and nutrient solution Catch basin – the tank that catches the nutrient solution after it has drained through the growing tank

An ACTIVE system does recirculate the nutrient solution with a pump.  3. What is the difference between passive and active hydroponics systems? An ACTIVE system does recirculate the nutrient solution with a pump. A PASSIVE system does not recirculate the nutrient solution with a pump.

Nutrient Film Technique (NFT ) Active Systems… Nutrient Film Technique (NFT )

Active Systems…

Passive Systems… Wick/Air Gap

4. What is the difference between an “open” and a “closed” system? In an open system the nutrient solution is distributed from the reservoir to the plants and is then “drained to waste.” In a closed system, the water is collected and reused.

5. What are the advantages of hydroponics over traditional soil based growing systems? No cultivating No digging No weeding No soil born pest and diseases Less water and fertilizer is needed Closer plant spacing is possible Fact – 10 to 13 tons of tomatoes per acre/yr vs. 350 tons per acre/yr with hydro (Eurofresh)

Objectives To describe how hydroponics differs from traditional agriculture. To identify the advantages of hydroponics over soil based agriculture.