1. Soilless Education Name: __________________
Hydroponics
In Greek, “hydro” means water and
“ponous” means labor. Plant roots
are suspended in nutrient-enriched
water using a growing material
such as spun rock, better known as
rockwool to allow the plant to grow
healthily without soil. Hydroponics
has been around for 1000s of years,
yet it has seen a revival within the
past 50 years.
Aeroponics
Vertical growing columns suspend
plant roots in air with
nutrient-enriched water. Water is
constanly recirculating throughout
the system. This technology was
developed by NASA engineers as a
means of growing plants in space!
Aquaponics
Did you know fish excrete
ammonia? When fish excrete
ammonia it can be toxic to the fish.
Helpful bacteria converts the
ammonia into nitrates to feed the
plants and filters the water for the
fish! It’s a win win for everyone.
Soilless farming is a type of agriculture which allows for plants to receive optimum nutrition. It may seem
strange, but not all plants require soil. Soilless plants do not have to be weeded or tilled and require
much less watering than a traditional garden. The result is healthy fruits and vegetables that you can
grow easily, anywhere! How does this technology work?
Did you know?
Much of the produce we
consume may travel over 1000
miles before it reaches our
dinner plate.
The use of Genetically Modified
(GMOs) plants may increase the
amount of herbicides and
pesticides necessary. Much of
the produce and other products
we buy at the supermarket has
been genetically modified.
GMOs put small farmers out of
business by patenting seeds,
Monsanto is the world’s largest
GM food producer.
Agriculture consumes 70% of
irragated water world wide.
(WBCSD)
Industrial agriculture accounts
for 48% of stream and
riverwater pollution. (EPA)
What can you
grow?
Lettuces
Tomatoes
Herbs
Berries
Where can you
grow?
In your backyard
or balcony
On a rooftop
Hanging from
a window sill
In your
classroom
© 2012 Aquaponic Modular Production Systems