Soilless Education Name: __________________

HydroponicsIn Greek, “hydro” means water and “ponous” means labor. Plant roots are suspended in nutrient-enrichedwater using a growing material such as spun rock, better known asrockwool to allow the plant to growhealthily without soil. Hydroponicshas been around for 1000s of years,yet it has seen a revival within the past 50 years.

AeroponicsVertical growing columns suspend plant roots in air with nutrient-enriched water. Water is constanly recirculating throughoutthe system. This technology was developed by NASA engineers as ameans of growing plants in space!

AquaponicsDid you know �sh excrete ammonia? When �sh excrete ammonia it can be toxic to the �sh.Helpful bacteria converts theammonia into nitrates to feed the plants and �lters the water for the �sh! 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 1000miles before it reaches ourdinner plate.

The use of Genetically Modi�ed(GMOs) plants may increase the amount of herbicides and pesticides necessary. Much of the produce and other productswe buy at the supermarket has been genetically modi�ed.

GMOs put small farmers out of business by patenting seeds,Monsanto is the world’s largest GM food producer.

Agriculture consumes 70% ofirragated 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