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

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

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

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

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

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

7. 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

8. Advantages of Hydroponics
Reduced land cost
More control over growing environment
Reduced pesticide use
Year-round supply
Alternative to urban sprawl

9. Disadvantages of Hydroponics
Start-up costs
Management
Labor requirements