1. What is a “Media Based” hydroponic system?

2. Lesson #3 Media and Lighting

3. 1. To describe the comparative advantages and disadvantages of hydroponic media. 2. To describe the quantity and quality of light needed for hydroponic plant production. 3. To select lights for hydroponic plant production.

5. 1. What are the char. of a good media? a. Firmly anchors the plant b. Will not break down c. Absorbs and retains moisture d. Porous enough to allow air circulation and drainage e. Protects plant roots from temperature extremes

6. 2. What types of media are used in hydroponics? a. Sand b. Rockwool c. Expanded Clay Pellets d. Perlite e. Vermiculite f. Coconut Fiber

7. Plentiful, long-lasting, easy to clean and relatively inexpensive. Heavy when wet and dries out quickly. Use course not fine sand

8. Inorganic, sterile. Made from basalt, rock, limestone, and silica. Comes in block cubes and slabs. Excellent water/air hold capacity. Preferred by “commercial growers”

9. Porous, retain water/air. Be sure to rinse before using to remove dust

10. Mined from lava flows, then crushed, screened and heated. Light weight, good water retention, sterile. Rinse before using.

11. Plentiful, long-lasting, easy to clean and relatively inexpensive. Heavy when wet and dries out quickly.

12. Porous, good water/air holding capacity, long lasting

14. 3. How much light do plants need in the hydroponic systems in a greenhouse?. 16-18 hours per day

15. 4. What quality of light is needed for plant growth? Flowering plants need stronger red light. Leaf vegetables such as lettuces and most house plants want blue light for better vegetative growth.

16. 5. What type of lights should we use for our indoor hydroponic units? Fluorescent lights Metal Halide Lamps High Pressure Sodium Lamps

17. Best for germination and plants less than two feet tall. Not generally recommended. Use combination of “warm light.”

18. (Metalarc- MA, Super Metalarc – SMA) are the best artificial light source available today. Emit correct amounts of blue and red light.

19. Emit plenty of red light but not enough blue. Very efficient and economical so often used despite short comings.

21. 1. To describe the comparative advantages and disadvantages of hydroponic media. 2. To describe the quantity and quality of light needed for hydroponic plant production. 3. To select lights for hydroponic plant production.

22. Purpose: To identify the absorption capacity of various types of growing media

23. Growing Media Lab

24. Please list 3 characteristics of a quality growing media?