1. Alternative Methods: Soiless Farming
Alternatives to
Soil Farming
Alternative Methods: Soiless Farming

2. Hydroponics

3. Hydroponics
Hydroponics: cultivating plants using mineral nutrient solutions dissolved in water. Substrates used:

4. Hydroponics
Hydroponics: cultivating plants using mineral nutrient solutions dissolved in water.
Substrates used:
Only water
Perlite
Gravel
Expanded clay
Mineral wool
Coconut husk

5. Hydroponics
Where is it used: -NASA: possibility of growing plants in large space stations or on other planets.

6. Hydroponics Where is it used:
-NASA: possibility of growing plants in large space stations or on other planets.
Greenhouses: most of the lettuce you eat is grown hydroponically.

7. Hydroponics Where is it used:
-NASA: possibility of growing plants in large space stations or on other planets.
Greenhouses: most of the lettuce you eat is grown hydroponically.
Laboratories: you can
control more variables
(amount of nutrients, pH)

8. Advantages of a Hydroponic System
No soil needed
Water can be reused many times before it needs to be flushed = saves water

9. Advantages of a Hydroponic System
No soil needed
Water can be reused many times before it needs to be flushed = saves water
Can control plant nutrition (it is only in the water if you put it there)
High yields
Ease of harvesting

10. Disadvantage of Hydroponics
If something goes wrong with the water all the plants are effected = may lose whole crop
There is no soil to buffer changes:

11. Disadvantage of Hydroponics
If something goes wrong with the water all the plants are effected = may lose whole crop
There is no soil to buffer changes:
eg. In soil pH drops in soil breaking down calcium rock which brings the pH back up.
Without a buffer the pH
can rise and fall uncontrollably
which might kill the plants

12. Two Main Types of Hydroponics
Solution Hydroponics: Uses only water with dissolved nutrients Solute: Solvent: Medium Hydroponics: Eg: use gravel = use rockwool =

13. Two Main Types of Hydroponics
Solution Hydroponics: Uses only water with dissolved nutrients Solute: a substance that is dissolved = fertilizer Solvent: Used to dissolve solute = solvent Medium Hydroponics: Eg: use gravel = use rockwool =

14. Two Main Types of Hydroponics
Solution Hydroponics: Uses only water with dissolved nutrients Solute: a substance that is dissolved = fertilizer Solvent: Used to dissolve solute = solvent Medium Hydroponics: Uses a solid substance for the roots. Named after the type of solid they use. Eg: use gravel = gravel culture use rockwool = rockwool culture

15. Other Forms of Hydroponics
Static Solution Culture: Most common form used in personal gardens. Parts: -

16. Other Forms of Hydroponics
Static Solution Culture: Most common form used in personal gardens. Parts: -Bucket with lid -Airline to aerate water -Basket for plants -Water soluble nutrients

17. Other Forms of Hydroponics
Continuous flow Solution Culture: A thin constant stream of nutrient rich water passes the root system of the plants. Parts: -

18. Other Forms of Hydroponics
Continuous flow Solution Culture: A thin constant stream of nutrient rich water passes the root system of the plants. Parts: -Pipes with holes or buckets attached to them -Large container of water -Pump system that moves water from the container through the pipes -Water soluble nutrients

19. Nutrients Needed for Hydroponics

20. Nutrients Needed for Hydroponics

21. Nutrients Needed for Hydroponics

22. Nutrients Needed for Hydroponics

23. Nutrients Needed for Hydroponics

24. Assignment
Article and Questions

26. Aeroponics

27. 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.
Pink = potatoes

28. 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