AEBI 421 Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Hydroponics, Aeroponics, Soil Fertility
27 Jan 2016
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Document Summary
Hydroponics : technique that involves growing plants on a support/substrate (without soil) in water containing dissolved nutrients. Reduced disease pressure, entirely avoids soil-borne pests such as. Biological control is possible; in this case, no pesticide residues in crop plants. Eliminates a long list of soil-related issues including unsuitable soil fertility, problems of compaction, drainage, erosion, costly and time consuming tasks of weeding, etc. Nutrient solution with suitable fertility (all of the major and minor minerals required). Solid media culture (aggregate systems) containers with plants supported by inert particulates (hanging bag, grow bag, pot) with timed exposure. Timed exposure of roots to nutrient mist (tops can also be fed too). Nutrient solution pumped up at intervals 4-5 times per day then drains back by gravity. Nutrient solution mist --- huge compressor -- a fine mist. Inorganic materials: rockwool, particulates (gravel, perlite, vermiculite: organic materials: coconut fiber (coir), peat moss.
