Hydroponics Growing food for life

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kUm_I7bLY w

What is Hydroponics “The method of growing plants without soil, using mineral nutrient solutions in a water solvent” Growing plants in water

Why Should We Do This? You can grow anywhere More control over environment Conservation of water Reduced pests and diseases Healthier plants Excellent quality and taste Almost no pollution Less work Higher yield Faster growth

What Can Hold Us Back? High initial startup Electricity dependent System failure can kill crops Training issues

Types of Systems

Extremely simple Plants float in nutrient solution Air pump for oxygen

Passing system-no moving parts Nutrient solution is passed using a wick Air pump for oxygen

Constant flow of nutrients Nutrients are pumped into grow tray, drained back into reservoir Plants supported in basket, roots dangle

Timer controlled pump releases solution onto each plant base Excess nutrient collected and reused

Temporary floods grow tray, then drains Controlled by pump on timer

Most high tech Roots hang in air, are misted with nutrients Timer controls nutrient pumps

Aquaponics Fish waste is used as nutrient solution Plants filter water for fish Mutualism relationship Extremely difficult to maintain

System Basics

Five Requirements Water Light Air Nutrients Support

Parting Thoughts You’ll need to do some research, it’s inevitable Base your decisions on research Document all of your research! That’s why you have a notebook