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CLASS 8 • VOCATIONAL EDUCATION
HYDROPONICS
Growing Plants
without Soil
A colourful, student-friendly guide to smart
and sustainable farming
Prepared by CA Suvidha Chaplot
Prepared by CA Suvidha Chaplot H Y D R O P O N I C S • G R O W I N G P L A N T S W I TH O UT S O I L
Can plants grow without soil?
Yes — when water, nutrients, oxygen, light and support are supplied in the right way.
BIG IDEA
The surprising answer
Hydroponics grows plants with roots in
nutrient-rich water instead of ordinary
soil. The grower controls what the plant
receives — like a carefully designed
“meal plan” for roots.
Water Nutrients Oxygen
SMART FARMING = MORE CONTROL, LESS WASTE
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Prepared by CA Suvidha Chaplot H Y D R O P O N I C S • G R O W I N G P L A N T S W I TH O UT S O I L
Why do we need new farming methods?
Food demand is rising while fertile land and clean water are under pressure.
WHY IT MATTERS
Growing population
More food is needed from
limited land.
Deforestation
Forests may be cleared to
create farmland.
Soil degradation
Continuous cultivation and
erosion reduce nutrients.
Pollution & over-irrigation
Industrial waste, mining and
excess water damage land.
33%
of India’s total
geographical area is
affected by soil
degradation.
109 million ha
of land faces declining
soil quality.
Government action
Hydroponics and aeroponics are promoted under
the Mission for Integrated Development of
Horticulture to support sustainable farming.
Key figures and policy context summarised from the Grade 8 project text and chapter notes.
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Prepared by CA Suvidha Chaplot H Y D R O P O N I C S • G R O W I N G P L A N T S W I TH O UT S O I L
What is hydroponics?
A precision farming technique in which plants receive minerals directly from water.
DEFINITION
HYDRO + PONOS
water work / labour
“water working”
In one sentence
Hydroponics is the method of growing plants in
nutrient-rich water — with little or no soil —
while controlling light, temperature, humidity,
oxygen and minerals. solution
SOIL IS REPLACED — PLANT NEEDS ARE NOT
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Prepared by CA Suvidha Chaplot H Y D R O P O N I C S • G R O W I N G P L A N T S W I TH O UT S O I L
Soil farming vs hydroponics
Both can grow healthy crops - but they deliver water, nutrients and space in different ways.
COMPARE
SOIL FARMING
Roots search the soil for water and
minerals.
HYDROPONICS
Water and minerals are delivered
directly to roots.
Key idea
Hydroponics does not mean “no care”. It
means more precise care and regular
monitoring.
SAME PLANT NEEDS - NEW DELIVERY SYSTEM
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Prepared by CA Suvidha Chaplot H Y D R O P O N I C S • G R O W I N G P L A N T S W I TH O UT S O I L
How does a hydroponic system work?
The system supplies every essential need directly and efficiently.
HOW IT WORKS
1. LIGHT
Sunlight or LED light powers
photosynthesis.
2. WATER
Water carries nutrients to the
roots.
3. SUPPORT
Net pots, cocopeat, rockwool or
pebbles hold the plant.
4. NUTRIENTS
Minerals are mixed in exact
amounts.
5. OXYGEN
Air bubbles or flowing water
protect root health.
6. CONTROL
pH, temperature, humidity and
water flow are monitored.
ROOTS RECEIVE WHAT THEY NEED — WHEN THEY NEED IT
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Prepared by CA Suvidha Chaplot H Y D R O P O N I C S • G R O W I N G P L A N T S W I TH O UT S O I L
The journey of one drop of water
In a recirculating system, the same water can feed roots, return to the tank and begin again.
WATER LOOP
1 RESERVOIR
Water stores dissolved nutrients.
2 PUMP
The pump moves water through the
pipe.
3 ROOT ZONE
Roots absorb water and minerals.
4 OXYGEN + pH
Quality is checked and balanced.
5 RETURN
Unused water flows back to the tank.
RECIRCULATE - REUSE - RECHECK
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Prepared by CA Suvidha Chaplot H Y D R O P O N I C S • G R O W I N G P L A N T S W I TH O UT S O I L
Learning objectives
By the end of the project, a student should be able to do these five things.
LEARNING
01 Understand plant needs
Explain how soil can be replaced while still
providing water, nutrients, oxygen and
support.
02 Grow microgreens
Germinate seeds, observe leaves and
harvest a compact healthy crop.
03 Build simple systems
Create Wick, Deep Water Culture (DWC) and
Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) units.
04 Prepare compost tea
Make liquid organic manure and judge
colour, smell and aeration.
05 Maintain water quality
Test and adjust pH for healthy nutrient
absorption.
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Prepared by CA Suvidha Chaplot H Y D R O P O N I C S • G R O W I N G P L A N T S W I TH O UT S O I L
What do plants still need?
Hydroponics replaces soil — not the basic biology of plant growth.
PLANT NEEDS
HEALTHY
PLANT
GROWTH
SUNLIGHT
Natural or LED
WATER
Clean and available
NUTRIENTS
Macro + trace minerals
SUPPORT
Net pots / media
MICROBES
Helpful root partners
CARBON DIOXIDE
For photosynthesis
TEMPERATURE
Suitable for crop
OXYGEN + AIR
Especially at roots
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Prepared by CA Suvidha Chaplot H Y D R O P O N I C S • G R O W I N G P L A N T S W I TH O UT S O I L
Materials and equipment
Choose only what your selected method needs — reuse safe waste materials whenever possible.
TOOLBOX
Everyday materials
• Seeds or seedlings
• Cocopeat, sawdust, sand or rockwool
• Used PET bottles and food containers
• Cotton thread or cloth wick
• Gloves, scissors and paper knife
For DWC
• Bucket or water tub (15–20 L)
• Styrofoam or plastic lid
• Net pots / perforated cups
• Aquarium aerator, hose and diffuser
For NFT
• PVC pipes and end caps
• Drill / hole saw and silicone glue
• Submersible pump and hose
• Wooden, bamboo or metal support
frame
For compost tea
Compost or vermicompost • Muslin cloth •
Jaggery • 15 L bucket • Aerator
For pH testing
pH paper and colour chart • Water sample •
Vinegar or citric acid • Measuring cup
PLAN COLLECT CLEAN BUILD SAFELY
→ → →
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Prepared by CA Suvidha Chaplot H Y D R O P O N I C S • G R O W I N G P L A N T S W I TH O UT S O I L
DIY hydroponics toolkit
A visual checklist of the common materials used for a simple classroom or home setup.
VISUAL KIT
What can you spot?
Plastic bottle, net cup, clear cup, cocopeat, seeds, nutrient
bottle, spray bottle, pH strips, measuring cup, wick, marker
and notebook.
Why this slide helps
Pictures make the activity easier to remember.
Students can quickly recognise the tools before
starting the project.
Pro tip
Arrange the materials on a tray before the experiment
and tick each item in your observation notebook.
SEE IT • IDENTIFY IT • USE IT
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Prepared by CA Suvidha Chaplot H Y D R O P O N I C S • G R O W I N G P L A N T S W I TH O UT S O I L
Safety first
Work under teacher or adult supervision, especially with cutters, drills, pumps and electricity.
SAFETY
1
SHARP TOOLS
Wear gloves. Cut away from
the body. Ask an adult to drill
or cut PVC.
2
ELECTRICAL DEVICES
Keep plugs and pumps away
from spilled water. Use dry
hands. Switch off before
adjusting.
3
CLEANLINESS
Wash reused containers.
Avoid contaminated water.
Keep hands and tools clean.
Internet safety
Use trusted educational sources, take teacher guidance and never share personal information online.
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Prepared by CA Suvidha Chaplot H Y D R O P O N I C S • G R O W I N G P L A N T S W I TH O UT S O I L
Project roadmap
Seven practical activities take learners from observation to a working hydroponic unit.
7 ACTIVITIES
1
Field visit
Observe a farm / KVK
2
Microgreens
Grow and harvest
3
Wick system
Build from a PET bottle
4
DWC
Use a bucket and
aerator
5
NFT
Create flowing nutrient
film
6
Compost tea
Brew liquid manure
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Water pH
Test, adjust and record
Record like a scientist
Write dates, materials, measurements, weekly growth, root colour, pH, challenges and solutions.
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Prepared by CA Suvidha Chaplot H Y D R O P O N I C S • G R O W I N G P L A N T S W I TH O UT S O I L
Activity: Grow microgreens
Young seedlings are easy to grow, quick to harvest and rich in vitamins.
MICROGREENS
1 Choose tray
Use a shallow tray with drainage holes.
2 Add medium
Fill about 5 cm with cocopeat or suitable
medium.
3 Moisten
Spray evenly — damp, not waterlogged.
4 Sow seeds
Spread closely and cover lightly.
5 Give light
Keep humid; provide sunlight or LED after
germination.
6 Harvest
Cut after true leaves appear, usually 10–15
days.
SPROUTS: 2–5 DAYS • MICROGREENS: 10–15 DAYS
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Prepared by CA Suvidha Chaplot H Y D R O P O N I C S • G R O W I N G P L A N T S W I TH O UT S O I L
From seed to harvest
A healthy hydroponic crop is the result of careful observation at every stage.
GROWTH STORY
1. SEED
Choose healthy seeds and a clean
medium.
2. SPROUT
Keep moist and provide gentle
light.
3. GROW
Balance nutrients, oxygen, pH and
light.
4. HARVEST
Cut cleanly, weigh and record the
yield.
OBSERVE EVERY DAY
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Prepared by CA Suvidha Chaplot H Y D R O P O N I C S • G R O W I N G P L A N T S W I TH O UT S O I L
Wick method
A cotton wick pulls nutrient water upward by capillary action — no pump required.
SYSTEM 1
CAPILLARY ACTION MOVES WATER UP
Build it in 5 steps
1. Cut the top of a clean 2 L PET bottle.
2. Invert the top to make a planter.
3. Pass a cotton wick through the cap.
4. Fill the reservoir with nutrient water.
5. Add medium, sow seeds and keep the wick wet.
Best for small plants and school demonstrations. Maintenance: refill water, check the wick and remove dead plants.
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Prepared by CA Suvidha Chaplot H Y D R O P O N I C S • G R O W I N G P L A N T S W I TH O UT S O I L
Deep Water Culture (DWC)
Roots hang in nutrient water while an aerator supplies dissolved oxygen.
SYSTEM 2
AERATOR = OXYGEN FOR HEALTHY ROOTS
What to observe
Healthy roots are usually white. Brown roots
may signal low oxygen or root stress.
Maintenance
Keep the aerator working. Cover the water
surface to block light and reduce algae. Replace
old plants regularly.
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Prepared by CA Suvidha Chaplot H Y D R O P O N I C S • G R O W I N G P L A N T S W I TH O UT S O I L
Nutrient Film Technique (NFT)
A thin stream of nutrient water flows through slightly sloped pipes and touches the roots.
SYSTEM 3
Why NFT is useful
• Uses less water
• Supports many plants vertically
• Flowing water carries oxygen
• No separate aerator is normally needed
Maintenance
Adjust the pipe slope and water level.
Avoid dry roots, blockage and overflow.
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Prepared by CA Suvidha Chaplot H Y D R O P O N I C S • G R O W I N G P L A N T S W I TH O UT S O I L
Wick vs DWC vs NFT
Each method solves the same problem in a different way.
COMPARE
Feature Wick DWC NFT
Water movement Wick pulls water upward Roots stay in water Thin water film flows
Electricity Not required Aerator required Pump required
Best use Small plants / beginners Leafy vegetables Many plants / vertical racks
Oxygen source Air spaces in medium Air bubbles from aerator Moving water
Main risk Dry or blocked wick Low oxygen / algae Pump failure / wrong slope
THE BEST SYSTEM DEPENDS ON SPACE, BUDGET, CROP AND SKILL
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Prepared by CA Suvidha Chaplot H Y D R O P O N I C S • G R O W I N G P L A N T S W I TH O UT S O I L
Three systems — one visual comparison
These illustrations help you understand how the water moves in Wick, DWC and NFT.
VISUAL SYSTEMS
Wick
Best for beginners. A cotton wick pulls
water upward slowly from the reservoir.
DWC
Roots hang in nutrient-rich water while
an aerator adds oxygen bubbles.
NFT
A thin moving film of water flows
through pipes and keeps the roots moist.
LOOK AT ROOTS + WATER FLOW
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Prepared by CA Suvidha Chaplot H Y D R O P O N I C S • G R O W I N G P L A N T S W I TH O UT S O I L
Plant nutrients in hydroponics
Roots absorb dissolved minerals directly from the water.
NUTRITION
BALANCED
NUTRIENT
SOLUTION
N — Nitrogen
Leaf and stem growth
P — Phosphorus
Roots, flowers and energy
K — Potassium
Water balance and strength
Calcium + Magnesium
Cell strength and chlorophyll
Iron + Trace minerals
Enzymes and healthy colour
Crop-specific formula
Concentration changes by plant
type
Always use a suitable, correctly diluted nutrient solution. “More” fertiliser is not automatically better.
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Prepared by CA Suvidha Chaplot H Y D R O P O N I C S • G R O W I N G P L A N T S W I TH O UT S O I L
Activity: Make compost tea
Liquid organic manure can provide nutrients and helpful microbes to the root zone.
COMPOST TEA
1 Prepare
Put 100–150 g good compost
in muslin cloth.
2 Add water
Place the bag in about 10 L
water.
3 Feed microbes
Mix in about 50 g jaggery or
sugar.
4 Aerate
Bubble air for 2–3 days; use 1
L tea per 10 L water.
GOOD SIGNS Dark brown colour • Earthy smell • Mild foam during aeration
WARNING Bad smell may mean poor aeration, excess compost or an unhealthy
microbial balance.
AERATE WELL • OBSERVE • DILUTE
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Prepared by CA Suvidha Chaplot H Y D R O P O N I C S • G R O W I N G P L A N T S W I TH O UT S O I L
Maintaining water pH
Correct pH helps roots absorb minerals efficiently.
WATER QUALITY
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
ACIDIC NEUTRAL / IDEAL ZONE ALKALINE
TARGET: 6.0–7.0
If pH is above 7
Water is alkaline. Add a small amount of
a weak acid such as vinegar or citric acid,
then retest.
If pH is too low
Water is acidic. Add a suitable base
carefully and bring the pH back toward
the target range.
Test safely
Use pH paper, compare the colour with
the chart and record before/after values.
ADJUST LITTLE BY LITTLE — RETEST EACH TIME
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Prepared by CA Suvidha Chaplot H Y D R O P O N I C S • G R O W I N G P L A N T S W I TH O UT S O I L
Maintenance and troubleshooting
Small warning signs can reveal water, oxygen, light or nutrient problems.
FIX IT
Brown roots
Cause: Possible low oxygen or root stress
Action: Check aerator and water temperature
Green water / algae
Cause: Too much light entering reservoir
Action: Cover water surface and clean system
Wilting plants
Cause: Dry wick, low water or pump issue
Action: Refill, unblock and restore flow
Yellow leaves
Cause: Nutrient deficiency or wrong pH
Action: Test pH and solution strength
Bad compost-tea smell
Cause: Poor aeration or too much compost
Action: Increase aeration and dilute
Overflow / dry NFT roots
Cause: Incorrect pipe slope or water level
Action: Adjust slope, flow and outlet
OBSERVE TEST ADJUST RECORD
→ → →
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Prepared by CA Suvidha Chaplot H Y D R O P O N I C S • G R O W I N G P L A N T S W I TH O UT S O I L
Advantages of hydroponics
Smart control can make growing more efficient, flexible and space-saving.
BENEFITS
1 Less water
Water can be recirculated instead of lost in
soil.
2 More crops in less space
Vertical systems use walls and stacked
racks.
3 Faster, precise feeding
Roots receive nutrients directly.
4 Fewer soil-borne diseases
Plants are not dependent on field soil.
5 Grow almost anywhere
Balconies, rooftops, schools and indoor
rooms.
6 Year-round control
Light, humidity and temperature can be
managed.
SUSTAINABLE DOES NOT MEAN “NO MANAGEMENT”
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Limitations — and smart solutions
Hydroponics is powerful, but it requires planning, monitoring and responsibility.
BALANCED VIEW
Higher setup cost Start with recycled Wick or small bucket systems.
Dependence on pumps / power Use backup power, timers and regular checks.
Need for technical skill Keep simple records and learn pH, oxygen and nutrient
basics.
Problems can spread through shared water Keep the system clean and isolate unhealthy plants.
Not every crop is equally practical Begin with leafy vegetables, herbs and microgreens.
GOOD DESIGN REDUCES RISK
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Prepared by CA Suvidha Chaplot H Y D R O P O N I C S • G R O W I N G P L A N T S W I TH O UT S O I L
Where is hydroponics used?
From a school window to a future city — the same principles can scale up.
APPLICATIONS
Homes
Balconies, kitchens and
rooftops
Schools
Hands-on STEM and
vocational learning
Urban farms
Fresh food close to
consumers
Commercial farms
Controlled, high-density
production
Water-scarce areas
Efficient recirculation
Space research
Experiments for long
missions
FUTURE JOBS: FARMER • BOTANIST • ENGINEER • TECHNICIAN
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Prepared by CA Suvidha Chaplot H Y D R O P O N I C S • G R O W I N G P L A N T S W I TH O UT S O I L
Hydroponics in real life
The same idea can be used on rooftops, in classrooms, in greenhouses and even in homes.
REAL-LIFE USE
Rooftop farms
Useful where city land is limited.
School labs
Excellent for hands-on STEM
learning.
Commercial farms
Can grow large quantities
efficiently.
Home units
Fresh herbs near the kitchen.
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Prepared by CA Suvidha Chaplot H Y D R O P O N I C S • G R O W I N G P L A N T S W I TH O UT S O I L
Our student experiment: photo evidence
Use photographs to document the seed, medium, roots and growth changes over time.
REAL PROJECT
SEED PLACEMENT GROWING MEDIUM OBSERVE MOISTURE + ROOTS
Student photographs supplied in the uploaded ZIP file.
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Prepared by CA Suvidha Chaplot H Y D R O P O N I C S • G R O W I N G P L A N T S W I TH O UT S O I L
Student project portfolio
A good project file combines attractive design with correct planning, procedure and reflection.
PORTFOLIO
ABOUT OBJECTIVES PLANNING PREPARATION PROCESS DOCUMENTATION
→ → → →
Selected pages from the uploaded student project file “Hydrophonics.pdf”.
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Prepared by CA Suvidha Chaplot H Y D R O P O N I C S • G R O W I N G P L A N T S W I TH O UT S O I L
What else can I do?
Extend the project beyond one setup and connect it to real careers.
EXPLORE MORE
Investigate
Visit a hydroponic farm, KVK,
agricultural university or home grower.
Interview an expert and record new
technologies.
Experiment
Compare growth media, light intensity,
humidity, temperature, pH and crop
types. Change one factor at a time.
Communicate
Create a time-lapse, poster, model,
photo story or school exhibition display.
Explain your evidence clearly.
Hydroponic farmer Agricultural scientist Botanist Horticulture officer
Greenhouse technician Irrigation engineer Food entrepreneur Environmental educator
ASK QUESTIONS • TEST IDEAS • SHARE LEARNING
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Prepared by CA Suvidha Chaplot H Y D R O P O N I C S • G R O W I N G P L A N T S W I TH O UT S O I L
Quick check: Think and answer
Use these questions for discussion, revision or an exit ticket.
QUIZ
1
Why can a plant grow without soil?
2
What is the role of an aerator in DWC?
3 Why does NFT usually not need a separate
aerator?
4
What does a pH above 7 mean?
5 Name two advantages and two limitations of
hydroponics.
6 Which system would you choose for a classroom
— and why?
EXPLAIN YOUR REASONING — NOT ONLY THE ANSWER
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Prepared by CA Suvidha Chaplot H Y D R O P O N I C S • G R O W I N G P L A N T S W I TH O UT S O I L
90-second design challenge
Work with a partner and invent a tiny hydroponic system for your classroom window.
AUDIENCE ACTIVITY
YOUR MISSION
Choose one system: Wick,
DWC or NFT. Then sketch the
container, water path, plant
support and light source.
You have only 90 seconds!
1 Mint, spinach, lettuce or
coriander?
Which crop?
2 Bottle, bucket or reservoir?
Where is water stored?
3 Air gap, aerator or moving
water?
How do roots get oxygen?
4 Height, leaves, root colour, pH or
yield?
How will you test success?
THINK - SKETCH - EXPLAIN - IMPROVE
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Prepared by CA Suvidha Chaplot H Y D R O P O N I C S • G R O W I N G P L A N T S W I TH O UT S O I L
Hydroponics at a glance
One page revision map.
SUMMARY
HYDROPONICS
Growing without soil
WHY?
Food demand • land degradation • water
efficiency
NEEDS
Light • water • nutrients • oxygen •
support
SYSTEMS
Wick • DWC • NFT
ACTIVITIES
Microgreens • compost tea • pH testing
MAINTAIN
Flow • oxygen • pH • cleanliness •
records
USE IT
Home • school • urban farms • future
space farms
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Prepared by CA Suvidha Chaplot H Y D R O P O N I C S • G R O W I N G P L A N T S W I TH O UT S O I L
Sources and acknowledgements
Content was summarised and redesigned for educational presentation use.
REFERENCES
1 NCERT / Kaushal Bodh — Grade 8
Project 1: Hydroponics: Growing Plants without Soil (Reprint 2026–27).
2 EduRev learning materials
Chapter Notes and Mind Map: Hydroponics — Growing Plants without Soil.
3 SlideShare reference
“Hydroponics: Class 8, Vocational Education” by Jit Barman.
4 Student project file
Uploaded “Hydrophonics.pdf” — selected handwritten portfolio pages.
5 Student experiment photographs
Three photographs supplied in the uploaded ZIP file.
6 Visual artwork
Original AI-assisted illustrations and presentation graphics created for this
deck.
DESIGNED AND COMPILED BY CA SUVIDHA CHAPLOT
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THE FUTURE GROWS HERE
HYDROPONICS
Grow ideas.
Grow skills.
Grow a greener future.
Presented by CA SUVIDHA CHAPLOT
Class 8 - Vocational Education
THANK YOU! SMART FARMING - STRONGER FUTURE