Hydroponics

Introduction to Agriculture

Terms

• Hydroponics: –growing of plants in a solutions of nutrients, without soil • Substrate: –substance in which plant takes root

General Facts

• Any plant can be grown in hydroponics.

• Almost any system can achieve acceptable growth.

• Small scale hydroponics is different to large scale .

General Facts

• Hydroponics contributes to understanding plant growth.

• Very few commercial producers.

• Mainly experimental.

Hydroponic Requirements

• Best possible light • 50% or more humidity • Day temp = 75 deg.

• Night temp = 65 deg.

Other Requirements

• All essential elements needed • The larger the particle size of substrate the more watering needed.

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

Advantages of Hydroponics  Reduced land cost  More control over growing environment  Reduced pesticide use  Year-round supply  Alternative to urban sprawl

Disadvantages of Hydroponics • Start-up costs • Management • Labor requirements