HydroponicsTextbook pages 124-127

Essential Questions:What is hydroponics?

What are the advantages and disadvantages associated with hydroponics?

What requirements must hydroponic systems meet in order for plants to grow?

What are some of the common types of hydroponic systems and how do they operate?

What is hydroponics?The term hydroponics is a

combination of two Greek words:

Hydro = waterponics = labor

Hydroponics is growing plants with their roots in a medium other than soil

Hydroponics was documented over 300 years ago!!!

ADVANTAGES: no insects, no weeds, optimal nutrients

ADVANTAGES: Because hydroponics does not

use soil, harmful insects that live in soils cannot damage hydroponic crops.

Soils contain dormant weed seeds that may compete with crops for water, nutrients and light.

Hydroponic systems allow for every plant’s optimal nutrient needs to be addressed.

What are the advantages and disadvantages associated with

hydroponics?

ADVANTAGES: can adjust amount of nutrients & pH, and grow in many growing conditions

ADVANTAGES continued: The amount of nutrients can be

adjusted as the plants grow.

Hydroponic systems allow the pH levels available to plants to be adjusted quickly to help in nutrient uptake.

Hydroponic allows for high quality yields in parts of the world where there is nonproductive land or poor growing conditions.

What are the advantages and disadvantages associated with

hydroponics?

What are the advantages and disadvantages associated with

hydroponics?

DISADVANTAGES:The initial investment in a

commercial hydroponic system is high

Some diseases can spread rapidly throughout the system

Flower pollination can be difficult in greenhouses

DISADVANTAGES: expensive, diseases, difficulties in pollination

What requirements must hydroponic systems meet in order for plants to grow?

Hydroponically grown plants have the same basic requirements as plants grown in soil.

What are the requirements for plants to grow in soil? Temperature Light Water Oxygen Nutrients Support

The major differences in a hydroponic system are the way in which plants receive support and the method in which nutrients are made available.

What requirements must hydroponic systems meet in order for plants to grow?

Nutrients – since hydroponic systems do not use soil, essential nutrients must be provided in a water solution

Support – in hydroponic systems, artificial support can be provided. This can be accomplished through string stakes, trellises, and mesh materials

Bell Ringer: 3/16/11How are macronutrients

and micronutrients different?

What are the three primary nutrients?

If a plant’s leaves are beginning to yellow, what is the most likely nutrient deficiency?

What type of fertilizer should you use for houseplants?

Macronutrients are nutrients that are needed in larger amounts than micronutrients.

Nitrogen, Phosophorous, Potassium

Nitrogen

A fertilizer high in nitrogen is used for

houseplants.

What are some of the common types of hydroponic systems and how do they

operate?

There are two common hydroponic systems:

Aggregate culture – involves the use of materials that help support plants and allow them to take root

Water culture (nutriculture) – Most of the roots grow in a nutrient solution

What are some of the common types of hydroponic systems and how do they

operate?

Aggregate culture Common materials include sand, perlite, vermiculite, gravel,

peat moss, and rockwool These materials do not provide nutrients to the plant

SAND PERLITE VERMICULITE

GRAVEL PEAT MOSS ROCKWOOL

What are some of the common types of hydroponic systems and how do they

operate?

Water Culture (nutriculture)Some plants are started in rockwool, most of the

roots grow in a nutrient solutionThere is a continuous flow or mist of nutrient

solution that is recycledCirculating systems

REVIEWDon’t forget to write your CER Summary!!!

Support your Claim with Evidence and Reasoning

Use specific examples from your notes

Exit Slip Questions:What is the Greek translation of hydroponics?

Name 2 advantages of hydroponics.

Name 2 disadvantages of hydroponics.

What is the difference between an aggregate culture and a water culture (or nutriculture)?