Overview
This lecture introduces hydroponics, a method of growing plants without soil, and explains its advantages, key systems, and practical considerations.
Traditional Farming vs. Hydroponics
- Traditional farming relies on soil for nutrients and minerals essential for plant growth.
- Soil-based agriculture requires fertilizers and pesticides, which can harm health and the environment.
- Hydroponics avoids soil-related problems by delivering nutrients directly via water.
What is Hydroponics?
- Hydroponics is a farming method where plants grow in water containing dissolved nutrients, without soil.
- The word "hydroponics" combines "hydro" (water) and "ponos" (labor), meaning water does the work.
- Plants need only nutrients, water, sunlight, carbon dioxide, and proper environmental conditions—not soil itself.
- Each plant species requires specific nutrient mixes, temperature, and pH conditions.
Types of Hydroponic Systems
- Deep Water Culture: Plants are held in net pots, roots submerged in aerated, nutrient-rich water.
- Wick System: Uses a fabric wick (cotton/nylon) to draw nutrient solution to the roots; medium stays moistened as needed.
- Nutrient Film Technique (NFT): Plants are suspended above a flowing film of nutrient solution in sloped channels.
- Aeroponics: Plant roots hang in air and are misted with nutrient-rich water, maximizing water and oxygen efficiency.
Advantages and Uses
- Hydroponics uses only about 10% of the water required in traditional agriculture.
- NASA uses hydroponic techniques for space programs due to their efficiency and adaptability.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Hydroponics — Growing plants in water containing nutrients, without soil.
- Deep Water Culture — A hydroponic method where roots are submerged in aerated water.
- Wick System — A method using wicks to transfer water and nutrients to plant roots.
- Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) — A hydroponic setup with a thin film of flowing nutrient solution.
- Aeroponics — Growing plants with roots exposed to air and misted with nutrients.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Research additional hydroponic methods to find the most suitable system for your needs.