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Share a key point from the article.

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When students at Merrimack Valley Middle School returned to sixth-grade science teacher Kristen Bean Warren's classroom on the Wednesday after Memorial Day weekend, they encountered a mystery.

Vegetable plants germinating in a hydroponic growing system in the classroom since March - green and healthy-looking the previous Friday - had suddenly withered and turned brown. Something - but it was not immediately clear what - had happened during the previous five days.

"Is it a root problem? Is it a nutrient problem? Is it a light problem?" Bean Warren asked the nine students in the exploratory class, a quarterly elective program that MVMS offers its students. "You need to come to a conclusion of what our plants are lacking."

The incorporation of hands-on agricultural projects into Bean Warren's science courses began in 2020 and has grown little by little since. Next year, it will blossom. Last week, Bean Warren secured a $6,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Farm to School program to introduce a hydroponic growing system into the middle school's greenhouse, and to upgrade the greenhouse in other ways.

The grant will allow Bean Warren to expand the agriculture-related growing opportunities in her class, as well as integrate them into other courses at MVMS, including the foods and nutrition class. Eventually, she hopes the greenhouse will also produce enough food to supply the middle school cafeteria and a small food pantry at the Merrimack Valley Learning Center in Penacook.

At first, the greenhouse will focus primarily on growing salad greens, before expanding to other vegetables, such as cucumbers and tomatoes, Bean Warren said.

The agricultural education curriculum that Bean Warren has developed combines experiential learning about plant biology and food production with units on climate change, natural history, and technology. In sixth grade science, a major focus is the scientific method, a concept that lends itself well to the trial and error of growing vegetables.

"Propose your hypothesis, observe what's happening, collect your data, trial it, revise what you've done and then test again," Bean Warren described.

Article continues after...

As the students dug into solving the mystery behind why their plants had suddenly wilted in late May, they cycled through these steps.

First, they tested the temperature, acidity, nitrate level, and alkalinity of the water and the lumens in the artificial light source shining down on the plants. A couple abnormal findings caught their attention: The nitrate level had risen and the pH - a measure of acidity - of the water in the hydroponic system had dropped, both signs algae had begun to grow in the water system.

Bean Warren presented three potential interventions: They could transplant their plants into dirt, they could transplant them into another hydroponic system that would allow for more individualized control, or they could add nutrients to the current hydroponic system.

After some discussion, the students elected to go with the third option, completely changing the plants' water supply for the first time since they had originally been planted two months earlier. Because the water travels circularly around the rectangular system, the process of getting the old water out proved arduous: they twisted and tipped the plastic system, at one point resorting to pipettes for a particularly challenging corner. Finally, as the the 50-minute class block came to a close, they refilled the basin, added nutrients to the new water, and reattached the pump.

Two weeks later, Bean Warren provided an update: The plants had made a full recovery.

"They were able to recapture the water through the roots and rebuild their structure and kind of grow their stem strong again," Bean Warren said.

As school comes to an end this week, the students have transplanted and taken their plants home. With any luck, before the students enter seventh grade in the fall, they will be able to harvest cucumbers, snow peas, and basil from home gardens across the Merrimack Valley towns. It will be but a harbinger of what is to come next year and beyond with an expanded greenhouse at the middle school.

Jeremy Margolis can be contacted at jmargolis@cmonitor.com.

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Hydroponics program to continue to grow at Merrimack Valley Middle School

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When students at Merrimack Valley Middle School returned to sixth-grade science teacher Kristen Bean Warren's classroom on the Wednesday after Memorial Day weekend, they encountered a mystery.Vegetable plants germinating in a hydroponic growing system...

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Reflect on the Fall Oct 12th Tour and Presentation

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Reflect on the Fall Oct 12th Tour and Presentation

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What went well? What would you do differently next time? Did you feel prepared and confident giving tours?

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Compose a thoughtful question for Lettuce Grow. You might be called upon to ask your question in our class Q&A on September 18th.

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Question: Which of these culinary-focused plants would you like to try growing as a niche crop and why?

External Link: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2018/07/09/tribecas-hydroponic-underground

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Tribeca’s Hydroponic Underground _ The New Yorker.pdf

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Describe the role of Nitrogen in the growing process...

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Describe the role of Nitrogen in the growing process...

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For weeks 13, 14: Enjoy a gratitude-filled holiday with family and friends.

Please share a relevant, current article with classmates, staff and instructors.

Comment on a minimum of 3 articles shared.

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Explain the process and purpose.

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When and where can you find your two faculty members? What are their names? Where are they located? 

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When and where can you find your two faculty members? What are their names? Where are they located? 

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Do you have a passion for plants? Love getting your hands dirty and being outside? If so, why not start a well-paying career in horticulture today?

The Horticulture Program provides you with access to world-class facilities and classes taught by experienced faculty with affordable fees. With a limited investment, you will be on a strong path to advance your career and earning potential. Horticulture jobs are in high demand and pay a living wage in our region.

By taking part in any of our Horticulture classes or working toward one of our 10 Certificates or four Associate's Degree you will be prepared for success in fields such as Greenhouse Crop Production, Farm Advisor, Organic Farm Inspector, Hydroponic Food Production, Farmer, Landscape Designer, Seeded Vegetable Transplant Production, Pest Control Advisor, and Marketing & Sales.

Scroll To:

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The Horticulture program offers a diverse range of classes, world-class facilities, and community events for students and home gardeners.

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Where do you find our narrated lectures? 

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Where do you find our narrated lectures? 

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What do you like about this program for accessing our weekly lectures?

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HORT125 - Hydroponic and Substrate Production: Introduces concepts and practices of growing crops hydroponically and

with substrates including set up, nutrient solution preparation, lighting

options, water conservation, vertical indoor greens, and pest control.

Grading Fall 2024:

Lecture Engagement

(Participation)

30%

Lab Engagement

(Participation)

30%

Midterm Project

15%

Hydroponic Presentation and Tour

10%

Final Project

15%

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Lecture 1, HORT 125 by Cabrillo Horticulture

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HORT125 - Hydroponic and Substrate Production: Introduces concepts and practices of growing crops hydroponically and with substrates including set up, nutrient solution preparation, lighting options, water conservation, vertical indoor greens, and pest control.

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What are the socio-economic benefits of growing with a hydroponic system? 

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What are the socio-economic benefits of growing with a hydroponic system? 

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Share 4-6 sentences.

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What Are the Types of Hydroponic Systems.pdf

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What are the main hydroponic system examples as illustrated by the National Park Service?

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What are the main hydroponic system examples as illustrated by the National Park Service?

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What Are theTypes of Hydroponic Systems.pdf

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Describe Potential Water Quality Issues by Source

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Describe Potential Water Quality Issues by Source

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Review the most common vegetables and fruits grown in soilless environments. Learn, share and describe the seedling lifecycle.  

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Review the most common vegetables and fruits grown in soilless environments. Learn, share and describe the seedling lifecycle.  

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What has been a key takeaway? Share with classmates.

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Grow a Hydroponic Garden (Published 2020)

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It’s getting cold out there. Take your pandemic gardening inside.

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Comment on the format for this Quiz. What went well? What can be improved for Checkpoint #2?

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Google Forms - create and analyze surveys, for free.

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Do you feel that the technology surrounding hydroponics has sufficiently developed such it economically viable in growing food.

Further do you believe that green energy can be used to substantially cut the operational cost in growing hydroponic produce.

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Listen to an overview of Lettuce Grow systems....

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Listen to an overview of Lettuce Grow systems....

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How does one set up one of these systems?

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Episode · Growing with Letty & Lucy · On this episode of Growing with Letty & Lucy, we explore the topic of what to do when. you get your Farmstand! Where do you set it up for the best results?

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Lettuce Grow  Q&A Padlet __ Hort 125, Week 4

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Share something about hydroponics from the Reddit community? 

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Share something about hydroponics from the Reddit community? 

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Explain, in basic terms, what exactly hydroponics is about and entails?

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Is Reverse Osmosis Worth It For Hydroponics? What would you change in this experiment? 

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Is Reverse Osmosis Worth It For Hydroponics? What would you change in this experiment? 

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Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tuREMJMGVo

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Check-in with our Reddit Hydro community. 

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Check-in with our Reddit Hydro community. 

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Share something from the feed that pertains to topics in lab or lecture.

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Is this a viable hack that many should consider? Why or why not?

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Create A Hanging Hydroponic Garden With IKEA’s Best-Selling Clothing Rack - House Digest

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There is something so lovely and simple about hanging your propagating plants. And of course IKEA has the perfect clothing rack for a hanging hydroponic garden.

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Describe the internal anatomy of a leaf. 

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Describe the internal anatomy of a leaf. 

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A leaf is designed to maximize what?

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Root systems vary in design, but not function.

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Which Hydro Light Source would you choose for your grow operation? 

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Which Hydro Light Source would you choose for your grow operation? 

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How did you form your opinion or make a decision?

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Guest Lecturer: Alisia (SLV Nutrition Program, growing school lunches with hydroponics)

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Guest Lecturer: Alisia (SLV Nutrition Program, growing school lunches with hydroponics)

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Compose a thoughtful question for Alisia. You might be called upon to ask your question in our class Q&A on October 16th.

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Travel backwards to 1889 and learn about the floating gardens of China. 

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Travel backwards to 1889 and learn about the floating gardens of China. 

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(Article #8) How did these floating fields help avert famine?

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CHINESE FLOATING GARDENS. (Published 1889)

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First sorry for the lateness. I am trying to adapt to this class format.

Professor Taylor can be contact Thursday via Zoom between 11:00 and 1:45 AM. In addition Professor Taylor can be contacted before or after class.

Professor Schilling can be contacted Mondays via Gmeets between 8:45 and 9:15 AM

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What are the socio-economic benefits  of growing with a hydroponic system?

I believe some of the social economic benefits include a more sustainable and environmentally friendly method of growing food.

Food can be grown closer to the urban centers, shortening the supply chain from farm to market thus saving fuel and reducing carbon emissions.

In addition, fresh produce is made more accessible year  a round to those communities where fresh produce may otherwise be lacking as a result of a shorter supply chain. In other words, food is grown and sold locally rather than food originating from some distant farm outside the city or perhaps out of the region.

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Describe the main idea in Article #1:

The main idea of the article titled, “Food production using controlled environment agriculture….” is that controlled environment agriculture may be viable (economically) in the future. That research done by the US Department of Agriculture and Virginia Tech concluded that controlled environment agriculture, referred to in the article as “innovative techniques” can increase food production and make produce more nutritious. In addition their study concluded that this method of farming can shorten the supply chain from farm to market thus making it more accessible to “local” markets and providing year round produce to those markets.

Though this method of farming currently will not replace traditional farming, it can, in the future, potentially grow as an industry. It has the potential of radically changing what is currently practiced as conventional agriculture.

Though not directly stated in the article, the cost of energy to grow produce in a controlled environment would be expensive, However, the article discusses the new and improving use of agri voltaics technology to produce energy through the use of solar panels to reduce the cost of growing food using such methods.

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Rich Obuchi- Describe Potential Water Quality Issues

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Rich Obuchi- Describe Potential Water Quality Issues

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Describe Potential Water Quality Issues by Source

The three sources of water would include well water, pond or stream water, and municipal water.

Well water would likely be the most complicated from the perspective of water quality. The location and depth of the well can dictate the quality of well water which includes, pH, minerals, bacterial levels and chemical / agricultural chemical contamination.

Pond or stream water (surface water) may have issues of siltation, bacterial levels, minerals, chemical / agricultural chemicals, and possibly pH.

Municipal water is likely to have no significant bacterial levels due to the chlorine or other chemicals used to disinfect the water. It may also have fluoride added to the water. There may be an issue concerning pH. In my case I need to add that my municipal water will occasionally have sand / silt in the water if it has not been flushed properly after a repair of the water line has been completed.

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Rich Obuchi

Review the most common  vegetables and fruits grown in soilless environments. Learn, share and describe the seedling life cycle….

The most common vegetables and fruits grown in soilless environments are as follows…

Leafy green vegetables, Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Bell Peppers and Herbs.

The most common fruits grown in soilless environments include Strawberries and Melons.

The seedling life cycle is as follows.

It starts with the seed stage where the seed contains an embryo, endosperm (starch) and a protective coating.

It then follows with a germination stage where seed absorbs water, swells and breaks it seed coating. It is followed by the radicle emerging, which allows the embryonic root to observe water and nutrients. In this stage the stem emerges from the soil and will start to grow towards the light source.

This is followed by the seedling stage where photosynthesis occurs as the seedling develope its leaves. As photosynthesis occurs it is able to convert light energy to chemical energy. This chemical energy is in the form of sugars, specifically carbohydrates. The plant sugars allow the plant to complete its metabolic functions such as respiration and store excess sugars in its roots for future use.

This is followed by the vegetative stage which involves the plant maturing and growing in size creating new and larger  leaves, stems and roots. The roots expand outward into the soil allowing the plant to increase its ability in absorbing more and more nutrients and water from the soil (or soilless media).

This is followed by its reproductive stage where the plant produces flowers, then fruit and or  seeds. Its ultimate purpose is to reproduce. Once it reproduces its life cycle is complete.

Note: Atthe time of this writting I was unable to view Lecture 3 in Spotify.

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Comment on Article #2. What were the key takeaways?

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Comment on Article #2. What were the key takeaways?

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Rich Obuchi

Comment on Article #2. What were the key takeaways?

“Controlled environment agriculture" (CEA) is a developing agricultural system (technology) that holds promise in that it is environmentally and sustainably friendly. It can reduce it carbon footprint by shortening its supply chain from farm to market. It is a system of agriculture producing nutritious produce in the urban areas and making this available in communities where fresh produce is hard to come by. It may also become economical in that this system can be increased in scale and produce food year around and is unaffected by seasonality and climatic stresses. It's only drawback that I infer from this article is the massive amount of energy needed to maintain a closed environment such as artificial or augmented lighting. However, with the development of agri-voltaics technology (solar and possibly wind generated energy), agri-voltaics may offset the cost of energy to operate such an agricultural system, especially as the technology matures. Thus making it more economical and commercially profitable.

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Describe one or both of the water theories featured in the video/transcript.

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Hear about the legend of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon and its supposed creation by King Nebuchadrezzar II Contunico © ZDF Enterprises GmbH, Mainz

The Hanging Gardens of Babylon are known as one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Today here in Iraq where they are said to have flourished long ago, one only finds ruins and rubble. Legend has it that King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon had the gardens built as a gift to his wife Semiramis, a Persian princess, to ease her homesickness for the green forests of her homeland. While the gardens have been referred to by many sources, even today we only have reports by writers who never actually saw the alleged world wonder, which is said to have been built around 600 B.C.

German archaeologist Robert Koldewey went in search of the fabled gardens. He began excavations in 1899 in Babylon, located today in Iraq, where he discovered a unique arched structure. Nowhere else in the ruins of the city did he find anything comparable. Koldewey was convinced that his find was the substructure of the antique world wonder.

Here we have one possible view of the construction of the Hanging Gardens. Terraces lie above the arch, each raised like consecutive stairs, each a garden in its own right. The gardens were irrigated with river water, and there are two prominent theories on how the water supply worked. Some scientists maintain that the facility was in a spiral shape, transporting water to the uppermost terrace. The more likely explanation is the theory of a pump room featuring a lifting device, a type of paternoster that transported full containers upwards until they emptied automatically upon reaching the highest point.

Farmers in Iraq today still use similar mechanisms. The area, which enjoys little rainfall and is located between the Euphrates and the Tigris, has always been dependent upon its rivers. Its residents have subsequently been inventing sophisticated irrigation systems for thousands of years. The ancient principle of irrigating plants at designated intervals was also practiced by Europe's architects. This island in Lake Maggiore features a terraced garden that has been preserved. This is perhaps how the Hanging Gardens of Babylon also looked, if indeed they actually existed.

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Hear about the legend of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon and its supposed creation by King Nebuchadrezzar II

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The Hanging Gardens of Babylon are known as one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Today here in Iraq where they are said to have flourished long ago, one only finds ruins and rubble.

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Please send a thank you to our guest speakers (09/18 and 10/16). 

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Please send a thank you to our guest speakers (09/18 and 10/16). 

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1. Peter from Lettuce Grow philip.coffey@lettucegrow.com

2. Alisia from SLV Nutrition Department

arojas@slvusd.org

cc: meschill@cabrillo.edu

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Do not repeat the person (people) above you.

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A Place Indoors for Hydroponics (Published 1978)

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Share a compliment about our friends at @UnitedStatesBotanicGarden. 

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Share a compliment about our friends at @UnitedStatesBotanicGarden. 

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Why is this institution significant and important?

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What are the considerations when stocking your aquaponics operation? (page 14 in our lecture PDF)

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Once you are selling processed fish, there are many more issues to be considered in terms of product form and processing regulations, except: 

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Do you have access to a certified processing facility?

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How will you season the fish so it tastes delicious every single time? 

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How will processing and packaging affect your budget?

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What is the most cultured fish in aquaponics?

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What is the most cultured fish in aquaponics?

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Explain why

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Why is Barramundi fetching such a high price in the marketplace? 

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Why is Barramundi fetching such a high price in the marketplace? 

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Describe some of the characteristics for this fish in Table 4 on page 15.

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Schedule a meeting with your final exam partners / group. Share in the comments:

1. Project Focus

2. Group Members (Names / Role)

3. Date your group plans to assemble and plan, problem-solve

Considerations:

Have you definitively chosen a project? Does each group member have a role? an objective? a key focus?

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Evaluate Plant Nutrition, Sustainability and Changing the World

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Evaluate Plant Nutrition, Sustainability and Changing the World

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Watch: Omnivore on Apple+

Each episode of the globetrotting show focuses on a single key ingredient to consider the way it's shaped our history, our society and perhaps our future.

Compose a response to an episode by sharing the ingredient focus and consider answering the questions in this weeks slide deck.

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From Peruvian salt flats to Rwandan coffee forests, explore and celebrate the ingredients that built societies, shaped beliefs, and forever altered th…

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Three Key Takeaways

1. -

2. -

3. -

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Center for Food Safety | Press Releases | | California Takes Pivotal Step Towards Resilient Food Systems: Climate-Smart Agricul

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Over $1 billion in proposed investments in climate-resilient sustainable agriculture, local food system infrastructure, and farmworker well-being are includ

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Something that relates to the lecture in the picture on reddit . Is that most of them are using hydro system indoors with special lights . Something that stood out to me and that  I want to try is the growing of blueberries and grapes 

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Something that relates to the lecture in the picture on reddit . Is that most of them are using hydro system indoors with special lights . Something that stood out to me and that  I want to try is the growing of blueberries and grapes 

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I found this photo in Reddit where the poster was wondering if this is "nitrogen toxicity .... I am thinking of a more common problem that the plant isn't drawing up suffcient water thus this is wilt.

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A Modified Nutrient Film Technique System Offers a More Uniform Nutrient Supply to Plants
Authors: Alejandro R. Puerta




, Suguru Sato




, Yutaka Shinohara




, and Toru Maruo

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Describe the experiment outlined in the article this week. Link: https://journals.ashs.org/horttech/view/journals/horttech/17/2/article-p227.xml

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Make time with a lab partner to discuss this weeks Article (#12) and review last weeks videos (Omnivore) on Apple+

Ask and answer at least 5 questions. Submit the transcript on Canvas.

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Based on the video Daikon grown in municipal water grew slightly better (roots and stems/leaves) than the Daikon grown in water filtered in reverse osmosis.

The difference between the two did not appear significant but based on the results I would grow the hydroponically in regular untreated municipal water, thus removing a step in growing hydroponically, making the process simpler and less time consuming.

As to how I would change this experiment, I think I would add a “control” growing the Daikon and other plants in distilled water in the exact manner that the other two groups were grown. In addition, I would repeat the experiment several times, perhaps three times, to confirm that the results in each experiment were consistent.

In addition, it would be interesting to see what the results are, including the control, when grown indoors and hydroponically in the winter and again in the spring. Does the change in water temperature affect the growth of hydroponically grown plants, namely Daikon in this case?

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Rich Obuchi

The most important part of the internal leaf is the chlorophyll. The leaf absorbs light in the green spectrum. The chlorophyll converts light (light energy) into chemical energy. This chemical energy is in the form of carbohydrates which are used in the plant's metabolic processes. Any excess unspent carbohydrates are stored mostly in the roots. Since plant respiration takes place 24 hours a day, regardless of presence or absence of light, the stored carbohydrates are used in cellular respiration, providing plants with energy (oxidation of the carbohydrates) to maintain their metabolic functions when photosynthesis is not occurring, that is at night.

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I think that the IKEA coat rack method of growing hydroponically is an interesting concept, but it doesn’t fit my tastes. I look at it as home decorating hydroponically. I prefer the old school method of growing plants in jars filled with water…. To me it’s just easier with less hassles.

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Response - Middle School Hydroponic - Summary of article

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Response - Middle School Hydroponic - Summary of article

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Rich Obuchi

The middle school obtained a grant to build a hydroponic system which they located in their existing greenhouse. Once the hydroponic system was built the students grew leafy green vegetables (including herbs) in this hydroponic system as a science project. During their absence their leafy greens wilted.

Their science teacher used this problem to teach problem solving skills as to what went wrong and determined possible solutions to this problem.  They tested the existing hydroponic water and determined that there was an increase in nitrates and that the pH of the water had become acidic.

They determined three possible solutions to this problem and elected to replace existing water in their hydroponic system. Once this was completed the plants recovered.

In doing a quick Google AI search I found that algae can increase the nitrates in water and cause the fluctuation of pH. As the plants respire at night the release of carbon dioxide in the water can lower the pH.

Carbon Dioxide is a weak acid which releases Hydrogen Ions, The increase in Hydrogen Ions causes the water to become acidic.

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Rich Obuchi

Reflection of Fall Tour….

I lead one tour in the mid afternoon. There were approximately four visitors on this tour. I think my tour went well. Many questions were asked which I was able to answer. The visitors were impressed by Cabrillo College Hydroponics….

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Reflection of Cabrillo College Hydroponics

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Reflection of Cabrillo College Hydroponics

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Rich Obuchi

Reflection of Fall Tour….

I lead one tour in the mid afternoon. There were approximately four visitors on this tour. I think my tour went well. Many questions were asked which I was able to answer. The visitors were impressed by Cabrillo College Hydroponics….

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Question as to Alisia's Hydroponic project

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Question as to Alisia's Hydroponic project

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Rich Obuchi

What are you growing in the school's hydroponic system. How did you obtain the funding for this project. What is the school administration's and parent's opinion as to this project.

Are the student's assisting in the hydroponic program and is it being used as part of the science curriculum?

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Rich Obuchi….

Hanging Gardens of Babylon…

The fabled Hanging Gardens of Babylon was believed to be located in Iraq and is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It consisted of a terraced step like structure with each terrace planted with vegetation and irrigated by river water.

The actual method by which the garden was irrigated is unknown. It is believed to have been irrigated by a simple mechanical pump-like system similar to a water wheel. Bucket-like containers were attached to the wheel, scooping up water and the wheel powered by the current of the river. This simple mechanical system is currently used in Iraq.

Another system may have been a propeller-like or corkscrew device which was also powered by the river current.

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Rich Obuchi

Floating Gardens of China…

I was unable to view the article due to the required subscription policy of the New York Times.

However I did a Google Search for this in lieu of reading the requisite article…

The Floating Gardens of China dates back to the 4th Century. Its current form of this floating garden exists in the Yongning River Park in Mainland China, constructed in July 2002. The floating garden is constructed of floating rafts made out of reeds. Chinese Cabbage is grown on these rafts and are irrigated by the river itself in which the rafts are floating.

China has a history of famines due to droughts and floods. The floating gardens alleviated famine because this system of farming increased agricultural production allowing for year round growing of food crops. This form of garden was efficient in irrigating crops, especially during droughts, since the water needed to grow food crops was immediately beneath the garden itself. In addition, the sediments containing organic matter originated from the river water lodged themselves amongst the reed platforms. This was the source of nutrients which allowed food crops to grow. Finally this form of agriculture is sustainable without depleting existing agricultural soils or adding external inputs that have to be transported from elsewhere.

Source for this write up… Google AI and Chat GPT

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Rich Obuchi...

Emails to guest speakers were sent on 10/24/2024

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Rich Obuchi

Describe the role of Nitrogen in the growing process….

Nitrogen is a macronutrient that is vital for plant growth in that it has a major role in producing chlorophyll. Without nitrogen, chlorophyll could not be produced and as such photosynthesis could not occur. Without photosynthesis, the plant can not convert light energy into chemical energy in the form of carbohydrates that are needed for plant physiological processes.

State one fact from Article #9….

Hydroponics was used to grow food during World War II and during the 1950’s utilized to grow cut flowers in greenhouses. However, this method was abandoned because of the lack of skilled employees needed to run nutrient solution tests and make the necessary “nutrient adjustments”. In addition before “chemically resistant plastics” were commercially available there were issues concerning corrosion of “valves, tanks and pipes”. Obviously this has changed with the adaption of plastic (pvc) irrigation components.

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We are creating a resources list to continue learning about hydroponics. Access the google doc in Canvas and add in at least 2 resources in the community, at the college, in the county, in the state or the nation that provides assistance, tools, supplies or resources to budding sustainable farmers.

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Please share something positive about your experience in the Cabrillo Horticulture Department with our department chair: Sarah.

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cc: meschill@cabrillo.edu

// https://www.cabrillo.edu/directory/mimi-schilling/

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In Person in Room 5110 (Hort Lab room inside nursery and farm center) on Monday and Wednesday from 10:30 - 11am.

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Describe this weeks topic: fertigation

to someone unfamiliar with hydroponics. How does this topic fit into your knowledge bank from this semester-long exploration?

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Dear Class,

As we wrap up this semester of hydroponics, I want to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude to each of you.

It has truly been a privilege to learn alongside you and watch you engage with such a fascinating and vital subject. Your enthusiasm, curiosity, and dedication have made this class not only enjoyable but incredibly rewarding.

Hydroponics is such an exciting field, and I hope the knowledge you've gained will inspire you to continue exploring and innovating, whether in the lab, at home, or in future careers. You’ve all brought something unique to the table, and I’ve learned just as much from you as I hope you’ve learned from me.

As an instructor, I’m always looking for ways to grow and improve. I’d deeply appreciate it if you could share one or two tips, suggestions, or observations that could help me better support future students. Your feedback will help me continue to improve and make each experience even better.

Thank you again for your hard work and commitment throughout the semester. Wishing you all the best in your future endeavors, and I hope to see you in another class soon!

Warmest regards,

mimi

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Rich Obuchi 12/7/2024

My wife who is originally from Japan used to own several restaurants and as such an amateur gourmet chef. As such I would like to grow "Akatade" . Akatade is a spicy herb which is used on Sashimi which my wife often prepares for dinner.

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Rich Obuchi 12/7/2024

Note that I was not able to access the article pertaining to this question and my answer concerning fertigation was based on an web search on this topic....

Fertigation is a method by which nutrients are delivered to plants that are grown hydroponically utilizing the irrigation system. A nutrient solution is added to the recirculating irrigation system which is a key component of any hydroponic growing method. The introduction of oxygen through an aerator, the adjustable concentration of nutrients

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Rich Obuchi 12/7/2024

I did not find any article that I found particularly interesting but instead share the results of my hydroponic experiment which is partially based on research articles concerning my topic.

The group that I was assigned to decided to compare how Deep Water Raft (DWR) and Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) affected Nufar Basil growth in a controlled environment.

Most of the published articles that I reviewed concerning this topic indicated that DWR was a more efficient and productive method in growing leafy greens.

Basil was grown from seed utilizing DWR and NFT systems in our hydroponic greenhouse. Over a course of one and half months the data collected showed that there was a significant difference between the two systems. Statistically, the seedlings grown in DWR were as a whole taller and weighted more by fresh biomass than those seedlings grown utilizing the NFT system.

The mean average for basil height grown in DWR (stem and leaves only) was 23.9 centimeters. The mean average for basil height grown in NFT was 22.9 centimeters.

Fresh biomass for basil grown in DWR (stem and leaves only) averaged 48.6 grams and basil grown in NFT averaged 45.4 grams. As such the basil grown utilizing DWR were generally taller and weighted more than basil grown in the NFT system.

To conclude, the results of this experiment fell in line with the majority of the papers that I reviewed for this study.

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Rich Obuchi 12/7/2024

Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) is a hydroponic system that consists of a recirculating irrigation system consisting of an oxygenated nutrient solution. Seedlings, typically leafy greens, are suspended above a shallow and narrow channel while their roots are exposed to a thin film of oxygenated solution that passes through the bottom of the channel. In this way, the seedling roots are continuously exposed to water, nutrients and oxygen in the form of a solution and thus can be absorbed by the seedlings allowing for the seedlings to grow.

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Rich Obuchi 12/7/2024

The article described an experiment that attempted to improve the NFT system. The article discussed that as the oxygenated nutrient solution passes through the channel, the concentration of oxygen and nutrients in the solution gradually dissipates as the solution moves further away from the source. This causes uneven growth in the leafy greens grown in the NFT channel. The article suggested methods by which the oxygenated nutrient solution can be kept uniform and one of the suggestions was to reduce the length of the channels to nine meters.

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Rich Obuchi

The group that I was assigned to decided to compare how Deep Water Raft (DWR) and Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) affected Nufar Basil growth in a controlled environment.

Most of the published articles that I reviewed concerning this topic indicated that DWR was a more efficient and productive method in growing leafy greens.

Basil was grown from seed utilizing DWR and NFT systems in our hydroponic greenhouse. Over a course of one and half months the data collected showed that there was a significant difference between the two systems. Statistically, the seedlings grown in DWR were as a whole taller and weighted more by fresh biomass than those seedlings grown utilizing the NFT system.

The mean average for basil height grown in DWR (stem and leaves only) was 23.9 centimeters. The mean average for basil height grown in NFT was 22.9 centimeters. While fresh biomass for basil grown in DWR (stem and leaves only) averaged 48.6 grams and basil grown in NFT averaged 45.4 grams. As such the basil grown utilizing DWR were generally taller and weighted more than basil grown in the NFT system.

Finally the results of this experiment fell in line with the majority of the papers that I reviewed for this study.

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Rich Obuchi 12/7/2024

Evaluate Plant Nutrition …. Apple TV

Sorry I don’t have a subscription to Apple TV and do not wish to do a new free trial subscription because ultimately I will forget to cancel the subscript.

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Rich Obuchi 12/7/2024

Key Takeaways…

As someone that has a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and nearly a forty year career in government, it is my humble opinion that Proposition 4 (like most state ballot initiatives) is a means by which our elected officials avoid making hard decisions and instead kicks the can to the voters to decide, thus avoiding hot topic social issues. This is a very common tactic used in Sacramento.

That said, my key takeaways are as follows……

1. Public funds to be dedicated to support farming practices to improve soil health….

2. Funds dedicated to protect farmland from urban development.

3. Funds dedicated to farmer worker safety and health allowing for retro fits of housing and safe / affordable drinking  and drinking water infrastructure for farmworkers and their communities.

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Rich Obuchi 12/7/2024

I believe the most important consideration in successfully operating an aquaponic system is the biological filtration system. It needs to be designed so that its filters allow for desired maximum concentration of ammonia and develop the ecological system in the system to break down ammonia into nitrites and then into usable nitrates. It is nitrogen in the form of nitrates that the plants grown in the aquaponic system utilize. Plants can not utilize nitrogen in the form of ammonia or nitrites.

To successfully operate an aquaponic system this finely tuned ecological balance must be maintained. If the ecology of the system is out of balance the accumulation of ammonia may kill the fish living in the system. If the bacteria isn’t present in the recirculating oxygenated nutrient solution in sufficient numbers, bacteria can not convert the ammonia into a usable form of nitrates.

If there isn’t sufficient oxygen in the nutrient solution the aerobic bacterial decomposition that naturally occurs in this system will go anaerobic, thus releasing toxic chemicals that will potentially kill the plants. If there isn’t sufficient oxygen in the nutrient solution plants can not respire and the plants will eventually die.

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Rich Obuchi 12/7/2024

Tilapia is the most common fish used in aquaponics because they are hardy, can adapt to a wide range of water conditions and quickly grow making them ideal for small and commercial aquaponic operations.

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Rich Obuchi 12/7/2024

Barramundi is a highly valued fish for the following reasons...

Barramundi, often called “giant perch” isi grown in aquaculture production and suitable for use in aquaponics.

In the wild, Barramundi when fully mature to five to ten pounds. In aquaponics it can grow to one and half to two pounds in one year. It is a considered a market alternative to snapper or halibut.