Alternative Methods: Soiless Farming Alternatives to Soil Farming Soiless Farming 2: AeroponicsandAquaponics
Aeroponics
Aeroponics: Aero = air Growing plants without the use of soil or aggregates. Water and nutrients are brought to the roots by mist or humidity.
Aeroponics Basic Aeroponics System: -Plants are grown on a support structure (mesh or mesh baskets). Roots grow out the bottom and hang in a closed off space -Roots are sprayed with fertilized water by spray bars or mist bar
Benefits of Aeroponics Increased air exposure: Air = N2,O2,CO2, -Air exposure reduces the growth of many fungi and bacteria Oxygen- used by plants to breakdown sugar which creates the energy they need for cell functions Carbon Dioxide- Used by plants during photosynthesis to form sugar
Benefits of Aeroponics Decrease in the spread of Pest and Disease -Plants have been growing in soil for millions of years. Their microscopic attackers have also learned move from one plant to another through soil. Remove soil = limit spread of pathogens and pests - Any plants that are diseased can be easily removed from the rest
Benefits of Aeroponics Increased Productivity -reduced disease + control over nutrients = more plants per square foot than other forms of agriculture
Equipment used in Aeroponics Transport water and minerals to roots: Sprayer, Mister, Fogger Too much water = Lack of air access for roots Too little water = Increased formation of root hairs and not enough main development. Adult plant may not survive
Aquaponics
Aquaponics: Aquaculture + Hydroponics = Aquaponics Aqua = live in water comes from aquaculture (culturing organisms that live in water)
Aquaponics: Components
Aquaponics Components
Aquaponics: Components
Fish Used in North America Any freshwater fish that can live in a tank. Examples: Tilapia Carp Perch Brown Trout Arctic Grayling Arctic Char
Restrictions on plants Plants that do not do well in an aquaculture system -Root crops potatoes, beets, -Bulb crops onions, garlic
Assignment Crossword Tomorrow: Video on aquaponics