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Hydroponics. What are plant needs. Water Sunlight Air Nutrients (usually soil) Anchorage (root system). Terms. Hydroponics: Growing of plants in a solutions of nutrients, without soil What is used as a growing media when soil isn’t present ? Gravel - Rockwool Sand -Styrofoam
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What are plant needs • Water • Sunlight • Air • Nutrients (usually soil) • Anchorage (root system)
Terms • Hydroponics: Growing of plants in a solutions of nutrients, without soil What is used as a growing media whensoil isn’t present? • Gravel -Rockwool • Sand -Styrofoam Vermiculite - Anything Inert!
Why have Hydroponics? Q. Why have scientists and horticulturists experimented with different methods of hydroponics? A. It is a simple fact that some people cannot grow in the soil in their area (if there is even any soil at all).
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.
Hydroponic Requirements • Best possible light • 50% or more humidity • Day temp = 75 deg. • Night temp = 65 deg. • Correct pH level – 6.5-7.0
Other Requirements • All essential elements needed • The larger the particle size of substrate the more watering needed.
Commercial Production • Minimum of 100,000 sqft • 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 • Soil has bacteria which may lead to problems
Disadvantages of Hydroponics • Start-up costs • Management • Labor requirements
About Nutrients • In the soil, organic material is broken down to release the nutrients and minerals. • There are 17 mineral elements present that are essential to plant growth. • You need to be sure to give the plants the right amount of soluble nutrients for plants success in growth.
What is rockwool? • Rockwool is made from rock which has been melted and spun into fibrous cubes. • Rockwool is a form of Perlite in which the pebbles or rocks anchor the plant down so they don’t just float up above the water. • Rockwool is the most popular medium for germination seeds hydroponically.
Aggregate • Aggregate helps to support the roots. • Water and nutrients cling to it • Sand can be used as an aggregate
Hydroponic systems • Aeroponics Nutrient Film System
Propagation • There are three different methods to propagation. • They are seed germination, rooting stem cuttings, and tissue culture. • Stem cuttings from most types of plants can be rooted in 7-14 days.