Hydroponic crop systems can be a sustainable alternative for some farmers because they can support year-round production, have higher yields per area, be well-suited for urban agriculture, and be profitable.
"With many growers looking at water shortages and limited land availability, the need to grow hydroponically will only keep growing," said University of Missouri Extension Horticulture Specialist Donna Aufdenberg. "Already vertical farming is gaining ground in urban areas."
Aufdenberg says teaching hydroponics in schools is important since it can demonstrate a more sustainable and higher-yielding way to grow horticulture crops than traditional methods. She received SARE support to work with youth educators and youth in Missouri to explore hydroponic farming as a viable career path. She developed a set of resources for educators in conjunction with the project.
- Introduction to Sustainable Hydroponics (presentation slides)
- Nutrient Solutions for Hydroponics (presentation slides)
- Hydroponic Production Steps (presentation slides)
- Hydroponic Problems (presentation slides)
- Hydroponics for Beginners - Leafy Greens and Herbs (fact sheet)
- Hydroponics for Beginners - Tomatoes (fact sheet)
- Hydroponic Resources for Educators (fact sheet)
- Careers in Hydroponics (presentation slides)
Aaron Varwig of Heem Produce in Hillsboro, Missouri, operates a greenhouse with a floating raft system for lettuce and a Dutch bucket system for tomatoes. In the above video, he discusses his hydroponic farm with Aufdenberg.
Want more information? See the related SARE grant: