Alternatives
to2:
Soiless Farming
Alternative
Methods:
Aeroponics
Soil Farming
Soiless Farming
and
Aquaponics
Aeroponics
Aeroponics
Aeroponics: Aero = air
Growing plants without the use of soil or
aggregates. Water and nutrients are brought to
the roots by mist or humidity.
Aeroponics
Basic Aeroponics System:
- Plants are grown on a support structure (mesh
or mesh baskets). Roots grow out the bottom
and hang in a closed off space
- Roots are sprayed with fertilized water by spray
bars or mist bar
Benefits of Aeroponics
Increased air exposure:
Air = N2,O2,CO2,
-Air exposure reduces the growth of many fungi
and bacteria
Oxygen- used by plants to breakdown sugar
which creates the energy they need for cell
functions
Carbon Dioxide- Used by plants during
photosynthesis to form sugar
Benefits of Aeroponics
Decrease in the spread of Pest and Disease
-Plants have been growing in soil for millions of
years. Their microscopic attackers have also
learned move from one plant to another through
soil.
Remove soil = limit spread of pathogens and
pests
- Any plants that are diseased can be easily
removed from the rest
Benefits of Aeroponics
Increased Productivity
-reduced disease + control over nutrients = more
plants per square foot than other forms of
agriculture
Equipment used in Aeroponics
Transport water and minerals to roots:
Sprayer, Mister, Fogger
Too much water = Lack of air access for roots
Too little water = Increased formation of root
hairs and not enough main development. Adult
plant may not survive
Aquaponics
Aquaponics
Aquaponics:
Aquaculture + Hydroponics = Aquaponics
Aqua = live in water comes from aquaculture
(culturing organisms that live in water)
Aquaponics: Components
Aquaponics: Components
Aquaponics Components
Aquaponics: Components
Fish Used in North America
Any freshwater fish that can live in a tank.
Examples:
Tilapia
Carp
Perch
Brown Trout
Arctic Grayling
Arctic Char
Restrictions on plants
Plants that do not do well in an aquaculture
system
- Root crops
potatoes, beets,
- Bulb crops
onions, garlic
Assignment
• Crossword
Tomorrow: Video on aquaponics