Hydroponics Textbook pages

Essential Questions: What is hydroponics? What are the advantages and disadvantages associated with hydroponics? What requirements must hydroponic systems meet in order for plants to grow? What are some of the common types of hydroponic systems and how do they operate?

What is hydroponics? The term hydroponics is a combination of two Greek words: Hydro = water ponics = labor Hydroponics is growing plants with their roots in a medium other than soil Hydroponics was documented over 300 years ago!!!

ADVANTAGES: no insects, no weeds, optimal nutrients ADVANTAGES: Because hydroponics does not use soil, harmful insects that live in soils cannot damage hydroponic crops. Soils contain dormant weed seeds that may compete with crops for water, nutrients and light. Hydroponic systems allow for every plant’s optimal nutrient needs to be addressed. What are the advantages and disadvantages associated with hydroponics?

ADVANTAGES: can adjust amount of nutrients & pH, and grow in many growing conditions ADVANTAGES continued: The amount of nutrients can be adjusted as the plants grow. Hydroponic systems allow the pH levels available to plants to be adjusted quickly to help in nutrient uptake. Hydroponic allows for high quality yields in parts of the world where there is nonproductive land or poor growing conditions. What are the advantages and disadvantages associated with hydroponics?

DISADVANTAGES: The initial investment in a commercial hydroponic system is high Some diseases can spread rapidly throughout the system Flower pollination can be difficult in greenhouses DISADVANTAGES: expensive, diseases, difficulties in pollination

What requirements must hydroponic systems meet in order for plants to grow? Hydroponically grown plants have the same basic requirements as plants grown in soil. What are the requirements for plants to grow in soil? Temperature Light Water Oxygen Nutrients Support The major differences in a hydroponic system are the way in which plants receive support and the method in which nutrients are made available.

What requirements must hydroponic systems meet in order for plants to grow? Nutrients – since hydroponic systems do not use soil, essential nutrients must be provided in a water solution Support – in hydroponic systems, artificial support can be provided. This can be accomplished through string stakes, trellises, and mesh materials

Bell Ringer: 3/16/11 How are macronutrients and micronutrients different? What are the three primary nutrients? If a plant’s leaves are beginning to yellow, what is the most likely nutrient deficiency? What type of fertilizer should you use for houseplants? Macronutrients are nutrients that are needed in larger amounts than micronutrients. Nitrogen, Phosophorous, Potassium Nitrogen A fertilizer high in nitrogen is used for houseplants.

What are some of the common types of hydroponic systems and how do they operate? There are two common hydroponic systems: Aggregate culture – involves the use of materials that help support plants and allow them to take root Water culture (nutriculture) – Most of the roots grow in a nutrient solution

What are some of the common types of hydroponic systems and how do they operate? Aggregate culture Common materials include sand, perlite, vermiculite, gravel, peat moss, and rockwool These materials do not provide nutrients to the plant SAND PERLITE VERMICULITE GRAVELPEAT MOSS ROCKWOOL

What are some of the common types of hydroponic systems and how do they operate? Water Culture (nutriculture) Some plants are started in rockwool, most of the roots grow in a nutrient solution There is a continuous flow or mist of nutrient solution that is recycled Circulating systems

REVIEW Don’t forget to write your CER Summary!!! Support your Claim with Evidence and Reasoning Use specific examples from your notes Exit Slip Questions: What is the Greek translation of hydroponics? Name 2 advantages of hydroponics. Name 2 disadvantages of hydroponics. What is the difference between an aggregate culture and a water culture (or nutriculture)?