Hydroponics

Management Program for JRAHS Hydroponic system

 The JRAHS hydroponic system is known as Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) and has no growing medium except a nutrient solution (nutrients + water). 

Management Steps

1. Seedlings

The seedlings for the hydroponic system are purchased from Speedy Seedlings located at Leppington. The seedlings are purchased as hydroblocks.

2. Prepare the nutrient solution

The JRAHS hydroponic reservoir tank has the capacity of 2000 liters. Measure the ingredients (nutrients) and add them to the reservoir tank according to manufacturer’s recommendations. Make sure the pump is running and water is circulating around the hydroponic system so the nutrients can be mixed and the water is aerated. 

3. Transplant the seedlings

Pick out each seedling and place it carefully in a seedling hole present in each channel. Adjust the water flow in each channel so it is not fast enough to damage the roots and not too slow to stagnate. Ensure the seedlings are ‘standing’ upright in the channels, use the closers.

4. Monitor and adjust the nutrient and pH level

Nutrient levels and the pH must be monitored and adjusted daily. The ideal pH is 5 to 5.5 range. If the nutrient level is too high then dilute the water or if it is low then add more nutrients. For the pH level, commercial products such as pH up and pH down are used to stabilize the pH.

5. Monitor for Pest and Diseases

It is good practice to check for pests and disease. 

Common pests of green leafy vegetables are:

• Aphids

• Cabbage white butterfly

Dipel spray or white oil spray are used to control the pests (spray the underside of the leaves)

6. Monitor for any leaks or blockages and the pump

It is common for pipes and tubes in the hydroponic system to get blocked due to broken root parts or growing medium from the seedlings. It is essential to keep two eyes on leaks or blocked pipes. The plants are totally dependent on the nutrient solution, any blockages will unalive the plants. The pump should also be checked on a regular basis so that it is performing at an optimal level. It is really important to clean the system after harvest.

7. Harvest the crop

It takes 5 to 7 weeks for most plants to mature and be ready for harvest. When plants are ready, hold them with both hands, pull them up gently and get all the root system out of the growing channel so it does not stay there and cause a blockage.

8. Clean the whole Hydroponic system

It is really important to clean the system after every harvest. Remove any leftover debris and run chlorinated water through the system to kill any pathogens. Place all closers over the holes to stop wasps, spiders or ants making a nest inside the pipes.

Possible Improvements to the JRAHS System

There are 3 main improvements that could be implemented to improve productivity and or management of the JRAHS Hydroponic System. Such as making Ayaansh Lotia watch the plants grow and kill any pest and rectify any issue 24/7/365. 

1. Make the system enclosed - provides a physical protective barrier for the plants. Which blocks pests and diseases. An enclosed system allows for the environmental conditions to be conttolled (Light, Temperature, Nitrogen in the air etc.). By controlling the environemnt, plants tend to grow faster and reach their mature stage of wellbeing ready for farmers to pick them out of their holes in a shorter amount of elapsed time then their soil counterparts.

2. Installing solar power - the use of solar cells and batteries would reduce reliance on the electricity supplied via the high power cables above the farm ie the power grid. Solar power would reduce energy costs and so would nuclear power. Making the system more financially productive and profitable.

3. Construct a CHEMICAL storeroom near the Hydroponic system - relocating the chemical storeroom near the hydr0ponic system would make the chemicals easily available for topping up, minimizing the distance the old legs of Mr Grant has to walk to refill the system and make transportation of chemicals easier. The chemical storeroom must be locked to avoid any serial killer mindsetted student from f*cking up the whole school and prevent accidental poisoning.

Hydroponics

The word hydroponics comes from 2 Greek words - hydro and ponos which means water and labor. 

JRAHS Hydroponic System:

A hydroponic system consists of several key components that work together to support plant growth. The reservoir tank stores water and nutrients, with tests and adjustments made for pH and nutrient levels. The filter ensures clean water flows into the system, while the float box automatically refills the tank when the water level is low. An electric pump circulates the nutrient solution, which is delivered to plants through delivery lines and spaghetti lines. The nutrient solution then returns to the tank through the return line. Channels provide support for the plants and help retain the nutrient solution, while closers at each hole along the channel hold the seedlings in place and reduce evaporation. Together, these components create a controlled environment for efficient plant growth.

Nutrient Film Technique (NFT)

• Description: In this system, a thin film of nutrient solution flows over the plant roots in a sloped channel. The roots are constantly exposed to the nutrient solution but are not submerged, allowing them to absorb the nutrients as needed.
  
  

• Advantages: Efficient use of water and nutrients, relatively low maintenance, good for fast-growing plants like lettuce and herbs.
  
  

• Disadvantages: Requires continuous water flow, which can be a problem during power failures; not suitable for larger plants with bigger root systems.
  
  

2. Ebb and Flow (Flood and Drain)

• Description: The plant roots are placed in a grow medium (like gravel or clay pellets) in trays. The nutrient solution periodically floods the tray, and after a set time, it drains back into the reservoir. This cycle of flooding and draining provides oxygen to the roots.
  
  

• Advantages: Good for a wide variety of plants, allows oxygen to reach the roots, relatively simple setup.
  
  

• Disadvantages: Requires a pump and timer, which can break down or malfunction; potential for root diseases if the system isn't cleaned regularly.
  
  

3. Deep Water Culture (DWC)

• Description: In DWC, plant roots are suspended directly in a nutrient-rich, oxygenated water solution. An air pump supplies oxygen to the water to keep the roots healthy.
  
  

• Advantages: Excellent for fast-growing crops like leafy greens, very efficient in terms of water and nutrient delivery, minimal need for a grow medium.
  
  

• Disadvantages: Requires constant oxygenation and temperature control; if the system fails, plants can suffer from root rot.
  
  

4. Wick System

• Description: This passive system uses a wick (often made from materials like rope or fabric) to draw nutrient solution from a reservoir into the grow medium, where the plant roots absorb it.
  
  

• Advantages: Very low maintenance, no pumps or electricity required, simple to set up.
  
  

• Disadvantages: Less efficient compared to active systems, not suitable for large plants or high-demand crops, can lead to uneven nutrient distribution.
  
  

5. Aeroponics

• Description: Plants are suspended in the air, and their roots are misted with a fine spray of nutrient solution. There is no growing medium, and the system relies on regular misting to keep the roots hydrated and nourished.
  
  

• Advantages: Extremely efficient use of water and nutrients, good oxygenation of the roots, allows for faster plant growth.
  
  

• Disadvantages: Complex and expensive to set up, requires high-maintenance systems and precise monitoring; system failure can lead to quick plant stress or death.
  
  

6. Krattky Method

• Description: This is a passive hydroponic method where the plant roots are submerged in a nutrient solution that gradually decreases as the plant grows. The roots are in contact with the solution and air, which provides the necessary nutrients and oxygen.
  
  

• Advantages: Simple setup with no need for pumps or complex systems, very low maintenance.
  
  

• Disadvantages: Not ideal for large plants; can cause root rot if the water level is not properly managed.
  
  

7. Flooded Vertical Systems (Tower Gardens)

• Description: Vertical hydroponic towers are used to grow plants with nutrient solution being pumped upwards to the top of the tower and then flowing downwards through the plants' roots.
  
  

• Advantages: Space-efficient, good for small areas, suitable for a variety of crops.
  
  

• Disadvantages: Requires pumps and electricity, the tower can clog, and plants may compete for sunlight.
  
  

Summary

• NFT: Thin film of nutrient solution flows over roots, efficient for small, fast-growing plants.
  
  

• Ebb and Flow: Periodic flooding and draining, good for a variety of plants but requires maintenance.
  
  

• DWC: Roots submerged in nutrient-rich water, efficient but needs constant oxygenation.
  
  

• Wick System: Passive system, simple, low-maintenance, but not suitable for high-demand crops.
  
  

• Aeroponics: Roots suspended in air, misted with nutrients, efficient but high-maintenance.
  
  

• Krattky Method: Passive, simple system with nutrient levels gradually decreasing.
  
  

• Flooded Vertical Systems: Space-efficient, vertical setup for growing multiple crops.

Plants Able to Grow Hydroponically:

🌿 Leafy Greens

• Lettuce (e.g., Romaine, Butterhead, Iceberg)
  
  

• Spinach
  
  

• Kale
  
  

• Swiss Chard
  
  

• Arugula
  
  

• Mustard Greens
  
  

• Collard Greens
  
  

• Bok Choy (Pak Choi)
  
  

• Watercress
  
  

• Endive
  
  

• Mizuna
  
  

• Tatsoi
  
  

🌱 Herbs

• Basil (e.g., Sweet, Thai, Lemon)
  
  

• Mint (e.g., Peppermint, Spearmint)
  
  

• Cilantro (Coriander)
  
  

• Parsley (e.g., Flat-leaf, Curly)
  
  

• Dill
  
  

• Oregano
  
  

• Thyme
  
  

• Sage
  
  

• Chives
  
  

• Marjoram
  
  

• Lemon Balm
  
  

• Tarragon
  
  

• Stevia
  
  

• Chamomile
  
  

• Lavender
  
  

• Echinacea
  
  

🍅 Fruiting Vegetables

• Tomatoes (e.g., Cherry, Roma, Beefsteak)
  
  

• Peppers (e.g., Bell, Jalapeño, Habanero)
  
  

• Cucumbers (e.g., Bush, Vining)
  
  

• Eggplant (Aubergine)
  
  

• Zucchini (Courgette)
  
  

• Strawberries
  
  

• Melons (e.g., Cantaloupe, Honeydew)
  
  

• Blueberries (requires acidic solution)
  
  

• Raspberries
  
  

• Passionfruit (vining)
  
  

🥕 Root Vegetables

• Radishes
  
  

• Beets
  
  

• Turnips
  
  

• Carrots (short varieties)
  
  

• Green Onions (Spring Onions)
  
  

• Leeks
  
  

• Ginger
  
  

• Turmeric
  
  

🥦 Brassicas & Cruciferous Vegetables

• Broccoli
  
  

• Cauliflower
  
  

• Cabbage
  
  

• Brussels Sprouts
  
  

• Kohlrabi
  
  

• Chinese Cabbage (Napa)
  
  

• Mustard Greens
  
  

🌾 Grains & Cereals

• Wheatgrass
  
  

• Barley Grass
  
  

• Oats
  
  

• Rice (in floating systems)
  
  

• Quinoa