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Hydroponics

Hydroponics. Phyllis Putnam Jean Johnston Jessica Garner. Introduction. -- From Greek - Hydro = water and pronos = labor -- First users of hydroponics -- Earliest book, Sylva Sylarum: Or a Natural History of Francis Bacon, 1627  .

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Hydroponics

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  1. Hydroponics Phyllis Putnam Jean Johnston Jessica Garner

  2. Introduction • -- From Greek - Hydro = water and pronos = labor • -- First users of hydroponics • -- Earliest book, Sylva Sylarum: Or a Natural History of Francis Bacon, 1627  

  3. -- German scientists develop the first nutrient formula, 1929 • -- World War II successful hydroponic operation • -- 1970s and 80s and on to Mars

  4. Advantages • Ability to grow vegetables year round • Grow plants in smaller spaces (apt, balcony) • Sterile Medium - No weeds, No soil-borne pests • Healthy Plants - All necessary growth elements readily available in solution • Plants mature faster (earlier crop) • Smaller root system (smaller spaces again) - Roots don’t have to spread out to reach food

  5. Ability to automate system with a timer - Reduces time, Gardener can be gone for long periods of time • Eliminates need for vast farmland • Can raise crops in desert sands - Water is reused, Less water is used • Lettuce is cleaner (no soil on leaves) • No tillage • Plants often larger and healthier

  6. Disadvantages • Cost: Expensive to set up system (fixtures, water pumps, etc) • Nutrient solution must be kept at original volume - Water evaporates; add water, Solution can become toxic if too much nitrates (low light) • Use beneficial predators to control insects • Water quality can be a problem, poor plant growth - Excessive alkalinity or salt, Softened water, too much sodium • Roots need oxygen - Need a bubbler or continuous flow • Plants need to be supported (no soil to support) • Cost too high for most commercial growers (grow expensive crops)

  7. Types of Hydroponic Systems • Aquaculture • Aggregate • Aeroponics • Continuous Flow

  8. Aquaculture/Aquaponics • Easiest set-up • Roots totally immersed in nutrient solution • Must: Support plant above solution, aerate solution and prevent light from reaching solution • Change solution every 1-2 weeks

  9. Continuous Flow System • Typically used in commercial hydroponics • Nutrient solution pumped or flowed by gravity to growing pipes • Bathes the roots then returns to holding tank • Solution aerates itself as it flows back • PVC pipe is commonly used.

  10. Aeroponics • Roots of the plant grow in a closed container • Misting system of nutrient solution • Near 100% humidity to prevent drying • A-Frame containers are most popular

  11. Aggregate Culture • Uses some form of inert material (i.e. sand) to support plant roots • Pump and return solution using 1 of 2 methods • Flood and drain method • Trickle feed method

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