1. Soilless Growing Media By: Johnny M. Jessup Agriculture Teacher/FFA Advisor

2. Soils & Growing Media Made up of two types of materials…. Organic Matter Inorganic Compounds

3. Organic Matter Dead plant or animal tissue. Contains carbon. Usually has diseases or insects.

4. Types of Organic Matter Compost Mixture of partially decayed organic matter.

5. Types of Organic Matter Bark Particles too large to use in seed germination media.

6. Types of Organic Matter Mulch Material placed on soil to break the fall of raindrops (prevents erosion), prevent weeds from growing, or improve the appearance of the area. Used to cover soil to help hold moisture and prevent weeds.

7. Mulch

8. Types of Organic Matter Straw

9. Types of Organic Matter Peat Moss Type of organic matter made from sphagnum moss.

10. Types of Organic Matter Sphagnum Pale & ashy mosses used to condition soil.

11. Types of Organic Matter Sawdust & Wood Shavings High carbon to nitrogen ratio that makes nitrogen unavailable for plant use.

12. Inorganic Compounds Do not contain carbon Usually sterile.

13. Types of Inorganic Compounds Soilless Media Artificial soil. Perlite Natural volcanic material. Helps aeration. Improves water-holding capacity.

14. Perlite

15. Vermiculite Mica mineral matter used to start seeds and cuttings. Helps hold moisture. Has neutral pH.

16. pH Most organic matter is acid. Most artificial media is neutral.

17. Hydroponics

18. The process of growing plants without soil.

19. Types of Systems Aggregate System Using sand or gravel to support plant roots.

20. Types of Systems Water Culture Also called solution culture or nutriculture. Plant roots grow in water containing dissolved nutrients.

21. Types of Systems Aeroponics Plant roots hang in air and are misted regularly with a nutrient solution.

22. Types of Systems Continuous Flow System Nutrient solution flows constantly over plant roots. Most commonly used for commercial production.

23. Advantage of Hydroponics No soil & problems associated with soil. Easy to control nutrient content of plants.

24. Disadvantages of Hydroponics Plant support must be provided with strings, wires, or stakes. Water quality must be high. Diseases spread through water. More moisture or humidity in air to cause favorable environment for disease organisms. More expensive.

25. Hydroponic Lettuce

26. Designed By: Johnny M. Jessup; FFA Advisor Hobbton High School