1. Hydroponics Introduction to Agriculture

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