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Hydroponics Phyllis Putnam Jean Johnston Jessica Garner.

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Presentation on theme: "Hydroponics Phyllis Putnam Jean Johnston Jessica Garner."— Presentation transcript:

1 Hydroponics Phyllis Putnam Jean Johnston Jessica Garner

2 Introduction

3

4 Advantages Ability to grow vegetables year round Grow plants in smaller spaces (apt, balcony) Sterile Medium - No weeds, No soil-borne pests Healthy Plants - All necessary growth elements readily available in solution Plants mature faster (earlier crop) Smaller root system (smaller spaces again) - Roots don’t have to spread out to reach food

5 Ability to automate system with a timer - Reduces time, Gardener can be gone for long periods of time Eliminates need for vast farmland Can raise crops in desert sands - Water is reused, Less water is used Lettuce is cleaner (no soil on leaves) No tillage Plants often larger and healthier

6 Disadvantages Cost: Expensive to set up system (fixtures, water pumps, etc) Nutrient solution must be kept at original volume - Water evaporates; add water, Solution can become toxic if too much nitrates (low light) Use beneficial predators to control insects Water quality can be a problem, poor plant growth - Excessive alkalinity or salt, Softened water, too much sodium Roots need oxygen - Need a bubbler or continuous flow Plants need to be supported (no soil to support) Cost too high for most commercial growers (grow expensive crops)

7 Types of Hydroponic Systems  Aquaculture  Aggregate  Aeroponics  Continuous Flow

8 Aquaculture/Aquaponics Easiest set-up Roots totally immersed in nutrient solution Must: Support plant above solution, aerate solution and prevent light from reaching solution Change solution every 1-2 weeks

9 Continuous Flow System Typically used in commercial hydroponics Nutrient solution pumped or flowed by gravity to growing pipes Bathes the roots then returns to holding tank Solution aerates itself as it flows back PVC pipe is commonly used.

10 Aeroponics Roots of the plant grow in a closed container Misting system of nutrient solution Near 100% humidity to prevent drying A-Frame containers are most popular

11 Aggregate Culture Uses some form of inert material (i.e. sand) to support plant roots Pump and return solution using 1 of 2 methods Flood and drain method Trickle feed method


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