After germination, the following variables were analyzed: NL – number of leaves, NR – number of roots, and SL – shoot length. Although the use of rockwool has already been established for a wide range of species in the hydroponic system, it was necessary to evaluate whether rockwool would also be the best
substrate for non-hydroponic systems. The results showed that rockwool is the best variable in any system, but it is worth noting that this research is only a pilot and repeating the experiment outdoor under other environmental conditions would be ideal.
Michael James and Professor Marcia Ribeiro
Piloting the Kratky Method of Growing Leafy Greens BY FLOR HENDERSON
O
ne of the simplest methods of hydroponic farming is the Kratky method, a method that involves growing plants without soil simply by suspending them in a water solutions with nutrients. Once the seedlings are fully developed and roots sprout beyond the substrate, the seedlings are placed in a net pod and sat on top of a container filled with the
enriched water solution with the roots touching the surface of the watery medium. The method sounds simple and is widely used by professional and aficionado farmers. Therefore, it has a great potential for being implemented as a practical experience for Plants Sciences, Food Studies and Urban Agriculture courses in the future.
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