Hydroponics

In this project, I will be testing a certain type of hydroponics: Deep Water Culture (DWC). Is it possible for us to use DWC to grow plants! Remember this does not include any soil!
Hamsika Chandramouli
Grade 6

Problem

  • Can nutrient-rich water, Oxygen and light sustain thriving plant life without soil? 
  • Will plants grow faster in water than in soil?

Method

Planning to test this by growing plants in Recycled container with nutrient water and DC Water pump.

Materials Required

  • Seeds for growing plants
  • Water
  • Recycled Container
  • Nutrient Solution
  • Grow Lights
  • DC Water Pump
  • Possibly Coconut Coir
  • Containers with Soil
  • Topic research using Internet

Research

Research on topics of Hydroponics and Traditional Farming, Identify the advantages and disadvantages of both the types of farming and come up with what benefits of Hydroponic farming.

  • What type of hydroponics should I research on?
    • Selected DWC
  • What plants can grow?
    • Cabbage, tomato, leaf lettuce
  • How are we going to start the seedlings?
    • started in a small cup 
  • Once the seedlings grow, when are we going to transplant it in hydroponics?
    • When 2-3 leaves have grown
  • How fast does plants in a hydroponic system grow compared to plants in a traditional farming? Do you need grow light?
    • 5x more faster
  • Does spinach grow well in a hydroponics system?
    • So far, yes
  • How much times do we need to change the water in hydroponics? Do we need to add more?
    • Every 2-3 weeks.
  • Why do we need change the water in the hydroponics system?
    • So the plants have access to the nutrients and if not removed, you have waste products in your hydroponics set.
  • Why did one of the tomato plants became brown and why did the cabbage plant die?
    • Because water was not recycled.
  • Can you start/plant a crop directly from seed in a hydroponic system?
    • No, because it will not germinate.
  • Why did one of the tomato plant die?
    • Because, the roots were damaged during the transplantation process.

Data

Time after Germination

Tomato Plant in Hydroponics (inches)

Tomato Plant in Soil Container

(inches)

Week 1 

2

2

Week 2

5

2.3

Week 3

7

2.5

Week 4

10.5

2.7

Week 5

11

3

 

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, my hypothesis was correct! 

  • Along with nutrients added to water, with some grow lights, you can grow plants without soil! This is a way to prevent the topsoil being used up. Though there are some challenges for maintaining the hydroponics systems, it is a great way to grow thriving plants!

 

My second hypothesis was also correct! 

  • According to my research, plants in a hydroponic system grow 5x more faster than plants in traditional farming. 

Acknowledgement

I would like to thanks my teachers, parents and all my school for providing me this opportunity to do this project. They motivated me to do this project and provided me feedback to improvise. Thanks for all the help,