SoilLess Plant Production IAFNR Plant and Soil Sciences Module

Container Growing One of most demanding ways to grow plants Roots confined to small soil volume and poor drainage Requires constant attention to watering and fertilizing Allows for complete control over soil conditions Image retrieved from: http://sunsetwesterngardencollection.com/in-your-garden/article/great-plants-for-container-gardens

Potting Mixes Growing media for container plants Good potting mixes have high holding capacity for air and water Mixes contain Soil Coarse Aggregates Organic Amendments Also, Peat, Perlite, Vermiculite, and Sphagnum Image retrieved from: http://www.groundedgardening.com/choosing-potting-soil/

Drainage Poor drainage in container plants because of shallow soil profile Perched Water Table Layer of soil at bottom of pot that remains saturated after drainage stops Soil is wetter and has less air after drainage than the same soil in the ground Image retrieved from: http://internationalhibiscussociety.org/new/index.php/hibiscus-how-to/how-to-articles/growing-hibiscus-in-pots Image retrieved from: http://oregonstate.edu/dept/nursery-weeds/feature_articles/physical_properties/physical_properties.html

Hydroponics Growing plants in a medium other than soil, feeds plants with essential nutrients dissolved in water Techniques Static solution culture Uses a nutrient solution for roots Medium culture Uses a solid media (sand, gravel, rockwood) Aeroponics Image retrieved from: http://www.powerhousehydroponics.com/

Hydroponics Solution All essential plant nutrients must be accounted for in solution Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese, boron, zinc, copper, and molybdenum Can be added to or changed Generally changed weekly Must balance all chemical and physical conditions that surround the roots Image retrieved from: http://www.business-opportunities.biz/2013/03/16/hydroponics-is-a-business-opportunity/

Growing media Different media are appropriate for different techniques Different types Dihydro Natural sedimentary rock medium Expanded clay Small, round, baked spheres of clay Considered sustainable growing media Rockwool Most widely used and made from basalt rock Sand/Gravel Cheap and easily available

Commercial Use Other countries have develop their own hydroponic technology systems Range in size of very small operations to 300 acres (very large) of green houses Maximum efficiency with use of climate controlled greenhouses and technology Choice to grow organic or not Image retrieved from: http://www.ohfarms.com.sg/

Indiana Hydroponics Eminence, Indiana Owners: Darin and Deb Kelly Images retrieved from: http://www.goodlifefarms.com/index.html Eminence, Indiana Owners: Darin and Deb Kelly Products sold In farmers markets To restaurants and groceries In Wholesale with Piazza Produce http://www.goodlifefarms.com/index.html

Hydroponics Advantages Disadvantages

Aquaponics Miniecosystem for both plants and fish Waste from aquaculture facility provides food source for growing plants Plants also provide a natural filter for fish Process still new to commercial and research Growing hobby for aquariums and gardens Image retrieved from: http://imagineglobalaquaponics.com/

References Parker, R. (2010). Plant and Soil Science: Fundamentals and Applications. Clifton Park, NY: Delmar.