Course CodeBHT224Fee CodeS2Duration (approx)100 hoursQualificationTo obtain formal documentation the optional exam(s) must be completed which will incur an additional fee of £30. Alternatively, a letter of completion may be requested. Learn to Grow Plants using Hydroponics Work in a hydroponic farm, hydroponic shop or start a hydroponic business Lay a foundation for serious and effective plant production in any climate or location (Hydroponics has been effectively carried out in deserts, the arctic, humid tropics) Learn from internationally renowned experts (eg. Our principal John Mason is a well known hydroponic author & has been teaching hydroponics since the early 1970's) WHAT IS HYDROPONICS? Hydroponics is the art of growing plants without soil. It is the perfect way to avoid heavy, back breaking work, such as digging. Pests, diseases and weeds are generally much easier to control. Over the past few decades hydroponics has proven an ideal method for both keen amateur gardeners and commercial growers looking for an alternative way of producing plants. Lesson Structure There are 10 lessons in this course: Introduction Scope and nature of Hydroponics Wick Systems Water Culture Ebb and Flow (or flood and drain system) Drip (with either a recovery or non-recovery process) N.F.T. (Nutrient Film Technique) Aeroponic Systems Hydroponics as a Global Industry Comparison with Soil Culture Resources for more information How a Plant Grows Introduction to Plant growth Plant Structure Biochemistry and Hydroponics Biochemical Processes; Photosynthesis, Nutrient Uptake Nutrients Nitrogen Phosphorus Potassium Calcium and Magnesium Sulphur, Iron, Zinc, Copper, Molybdenum, Carbon, Chlorine, Aluminium, Sodium pH Hydroponic Nutrient Solutions Preparing Nutrient Solutions Hydroponic Systems What makes up a System Location, Container, Water and Nutrient Application, Root Media etc Two simple systems Soil less media mixes Rock wool; advantages, disadvantages, manufacture, propagation blocks, rockwool applications, etc. NFT Systems Solution Dispensation Methods and Techniques Nutrition and Nutrition management Understanding Nutrient Formulae Writing Chemical Names What Nutrients Does a Plant Need Calculating Formulae Mixing Nutrients Symptoms of Nutrient Deficiency Dutch Recommendations for Nutrient Formulae Summary of Fertilisers or chemicals used in Hydroponic Nutrient Formulae Managing pH Managing Conductivity Plant Culture Preparing a Flow Chart for Managing a Hydroponic Crop Salinity Controllers pH Controllers Post Harvest Management of Crops; cooling, drying, Canning, Control Atmosphere Storage, Relative Humidity Storage, Freezing, Vacuum Storage, etc. Pest and Disease Management in Controlled Environments Fungal Problems and Management Major Pest and Disease Disorders; viruses, bacteria, fungi, nematode Diagnosis of Crop Disorders Pests Inspecting an Unhealthy Plant Difficult to Diagnose Problems Integrated Pest Management Review of Diseases Review of Pests Hydroponic Vegetable Production Introduction Commercial Cultivation of Vegetables Propagating Vegetables Seed Germination of Vegetables and Herbs Optimum temperatures for different Vegetables Time from planting to harvest for different Vegetables Tomatoes in Hydroponics Eggplant in Hydroponics Hydroponic Lettuce Review of Vegetable Families (groups) Fresh Cut Herbs in Hydroponics Nutrient Solution for Herbs Selected Herb Crops; mint, parsley, thyme, dill basil, chives, etc. Hydroponic Cut Flower Production Introduction Carbon Dioxide enrichment Culture of Specific Hydroponic Crops Carnation Gerbera Gladioli Rose Indoor Plant Crops in Hydroponics Solid Media vs. Nutrient Film NFT Header Tank or Direct Pumping Solution Delivery Capillary Matting Channel Width and Length Slope Temperature Types of Media for Aggregate Culture Vermiculite Sand Perlite Expanded Plastics Expanded Clay Scoria Peat Moss Coir Fibre Composted Bark Review of selected Indoor Plants in Hydroponics African Violet Anthurium Aphelandra Bromeliad Caladium Dieffenbachia Ferns, Ficus, Palms, etc Greenhouse Operation and Management Growing Crops in Greenhouses Solar Energy Applications Greenhouse Shape, Orientation, Size, etc Active Solar Heating Systems Examples of Solar Greenhouses; case studies What to Grow Environmental Factors and how to Control them Heaters Light Factors Managing water with Plants Other Cultural Considerations; pollination, fruit cracking, ventilation, temperature, etc. Special Assignment Planning the Establishment or Management of a Hydroponic Enterprise Aims Explain different hydroponic systems. Select appropriate media for specified hydroponic crops. Describe the equipment used in hydroponic systems. Determine the management of nutrition in hydroponic systems. Explain the management of a greenhouse in the production of a hydroponic crop. Plan the establishment of hydroponic facility to satisfy specified criteria, both commercial and cultural. Develop a management plan for a hydroponic facility. LOTS OF CHOICES WITH HYDROPONICS There are lots of different ways you can grow plants hydroponically; some simple, some complex. This booklet provides you with a range of different ideas for different hydroponic systems which you might develop, either on a small or large scale. Each system has its own advantages and disadvantages over the others. Some are better for growing particular types of plants than others. Some are more or less expensive to build, or operate, than others. Some are more suited to small scale hobby growing Others are suitable on either a small or large scale By studying these different systems you will develop an appreciation for the diversity of approaches to developing hydroponic systems. If you can think laterally and be innovative, there is nothing stopping you developing your own unique system. This course lays a solid foundation and gives you the knowledge and tools you need to apply yourself to whatever situation you encounter. Study Hydroponics and learn to grow: Cut Flowers Vegetables Fruit Herbs Indoor Plants any other plants you want to grow