It is a technique of growing plants in suspended air with the roots hanging inside chamber created to promote growth.
The nutrient solution is sprayed in fine mist form to the suspended roots in calculated cyclic form for few seconds in every 2-3 minutes.
Proper hydration and aeration for roots is important as per the need of the plant.
Aeroponics is practised inside protected structures and is found to be suitable for leafy vegetables like spinach, lettuce etc. and some root crops.
It is found to be very efficient technique for space utilization; in some cases almost double number of plants can be grown in aeroponics system.
HOW AEROPONICS WORKS
Light: A light source enables the plants to photosynthesize and store energy.
Support structure: A medium, such as cloth/plate, separates the plants from their roots and gives them support to grow.
Water and nutrients: A nutrient-heavy mist in the solution chamber is absorbed by the plants root systems.
GROWING TECHIQUES
A. Root mist technique
Roots of the plants will be suspended in air inside the panel.
Nutrient solution is given through spray as a fine mist and roots should be always kept wet.
The box will be covered and sealed from all sides to promote root growth and block the light penetration.
Properly maintain and set the misting cycle: 2-3 minutes intermittent misting and then stopping and again misting.
Plant growth is much faster.
Temp should be maintained at 21-23 degree C and keep proper check.
If temperature rises, immediately start the misting.
90-95 % water saving is done.
Suitable for all vegetables, leafy vegetables, root crops (beet, onion, garlic, potatoes).
Not suitable for growing tall growing plants.
Requires proper controlled environment.
B. Fog feeding technique
Nutrient solution is distributed to the plant roots at a range of 30-80 microns.
Misting is done through proper atomization.
High pressure pump is required for fogging.
Pressure for feeding /root misting: 80 -100 psi ranges.
This system increases bioavailability of nutrients and requires nutrient in least quantities
Roots should not be too much wet nor too dry and maintain proper moisture
Set the misting cycle properly (2-3 minutes intermittent misting and then stopping for 2 sec and again misting.
Both water and nutrient solution is saved.
Suited for all vegetables, leafy vegetables, root crops.
ADVANTAGES
98% less land than traditional farming.
Farming in Soilless controlled environment results in year around production.
Requires 95% less water than standard farming.
Minimum use of fertilizer in aeroponics system gives 60% fertilizer savings.
Disease-free environment: As Greenhouse is well-maintained, chances of plant disease and insect infestation is very less and we can avoid soil borne diseases.
DISADVANTAGES
Setup cost for aeroponics system is expensive.
System maintenance: Disinfection of chamber to avoid contamination.
Power dependency: if power supply is irregular, leads to reduction in yield or sometimes plant will die.
Technical knowledge about the aeroponics system.