1. SoilLess Plant Production
IAFNR Plant and Soil Sciences Module

2. 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
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3. 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
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4. 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
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5. 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
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6. 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
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7. 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

8. 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
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9. Indiana Hydroponics Eminence, Indiana Owners: Darin and Deb Kelly
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Eminence, Indiana
Owners: Darin and Deb Kelly
Products sold
In farmers markets
To restaurants and groceries
In Wholesale with Piazza Produce

10. Hydroponics
Advantages
Disadvantages

11. 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
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12. References
Parker, R. (2010). Plant and Soil Science: Fundamentals and Applications. Clifton Park, NY: Delmar.