Hydroponics Introduction to Agriculture Original Power Point Created by Mike White Modified by Georgia Agricultural Education Curriculum Office June 2002

Terms Hydroponics: –growing of plants in a solutions of nutrients, without soil Substrate: –substance in which plant takes root

General Facts Any plant can be grown in hydroponics. Almost any system can achieve acceptable growth. Small scale hydroponics is different to large scale.

General Facts Hydroponics contributes to understanding plant growth. Very few commercial producers. Mainly experimental.

Hydroponic Requirements Best possible light 50% or more humidity Day temp = 75 deg. Night temp = 65 deg.

Other Requirements All essential elements needed The larger the particle size of substrate the more watering needed.

Commercial Production Minimum of 100,000 sq ft Thousands of plants needed Will be able to tell conditions of water by looking at the plants

Advantages of Hydroponics §Reduced land cost §More control over growing environment §Reduced pesticide use §Year-round supply §No weeds or soil diseases or cultivation is unnecessary §Alternative to urban sprawl

Advantages Cont. No sterilization of growing medium The taste, appearance, quality, uniformity and shelf life are better than plants grown in soil. Less water and fertilizer is needed to grow plants.

Disadvantages of Hydroponics Start-up costs Management Labor requirements