The Plymouth Food Science and Ag Center hydroponic systems have expanded! We now have a total of five Water Culture Systems, two NFT (nutrient film technique) systems, one aeroponic system, a Dutch Bucket System and a Fodder System that included several tiers for efficient production. This is not the only excitement that has been going on at the Plymouth FSAC as we hosted Dr. Tony Evers, State Superintendent of Schools, and his video graphing team.
Our gourmet lettuce and herbs have been thriving in the water culture systems. Currently, we have sage, cilantro, basil, chives, arugula, Bibb lettuce and Rex lettuce growing in these systems. Our biggest challenge with the Water Culture Systems is maintain the proper EC and pH. To do so, water is monitored daily and altered to the proper levels. EC corresponds to the amount of nutrient solution in the water, usually ranging from 1-1.2. In addition, Plymouth Foam has been generous enough to donate foam for these systems allowing us to keep the sunlight out. After each crop is harvested, the large tubs are scrubbed and sanitized for the next produce to be grown.
Our gourmet lettuce and herbs have been thriving in the water culture systems. Currently, we have sage, cilantro, basil, chives, arugula, Bibb lettuce and Rex lettuce growing in these systems. Our biggest challenge with the Water Culture Systems is maintain the proper EC and pH. To do so, water is monitored daily and altered to the proper levels. EC corresponds to the amount of nutrient solution in the water, usually ranging from 1-1.2. In addition, Plymouth Foam has been generous enough to donate foam for these systems allowing us to keep the sunlight out. After each crop is harvested, the large tubs are scrubbed and sanitized for the next produce to be grown.
As of right now, the days are too short for the basil to obtain a rich green color. They are often times have yellow leaves at the bottom, but with the increasing daylight are looking much better.
In the NFT Systems, we planted Bibb lettuce. Although these plants are a little more slow-growing than usual, that are finally growing at a rapid rate. For a short amount of time, the water in this system did not have the appropriate amount of nutrients. This caused the plants to become weak and have a yellow/green color. Once the water reached the suitable EC level, all was good and they are thriving again.
In the NFT Systems, we planted Bibb lettuce. Although these plants are a little more slow-growing than usual, that are finally growing at a rapid rate. For a short amount of time, the water in this system did not have the appropriate amount of nutrients. This caused the plants to become weak and have a yellow/green color. Once the water reached the suitable EC level, all was good and they are thriving again.
We have found that arugula works best in the aeroponics system. The reasons are unknown, but we have tested other types of plants and they just don’t seem to grow at a rate a healthy plant would. Again, EC levels and pH are vital in this type of system.
The newest addition to the Plymouth FSAC is the Dutch bucket system. This type of hydroponic system is primarily for plants that are fruit-baring such as tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers. Recently, we have transplanted six peppers, cucumbers and tomatoes. As of right now, all plants are looking healthy, particularly the cucumbers. Our plants already have about 1-inch cucumbers with more buds, leading us to believe that these plants will thrive.
The newest addition to the Plymouth FSAC is the Dutch bucket system. This type of hydroponic system is primarily for plants that are fruit-baring such as tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers. Recently, we have transplanted six peppers, cucumbers and tomatoes. As of right now, all plants are looking healthy, particularly the cucumbers. Our plants already have about 1-inch cucumbers with more buds, leading us to believe that these plants will thrive.
Microgreen sunflower sprouts are planted in the Fodder System. This system is especially unique because there is no soil medium needed to grow these plants. Seeds are sanitized and soaked for 24 hours to soften the seed coat. The next day, the seeds are spread evenly on the trays. Approximately every three hours, the water is turned on for five minutes to soak the seeds. In the following picture, the sunflower sprouts are just emerging from the seed coat. These plants grow for about seven to ten day and are harvested for the school lunch program.
Last week Friday, we were fortunate enough to have Dr. Tony Evers visit. During his time in the greenhouse, we explained to him each hydroponic system and answered any questions that had risen. Furthermore, his team of video graphers came to take some shots of students working in the new Plymouth FSAC: planting, monitoring pH and EC, feeding prawns and harvesting sunflower sprouts.
Last week Friday, we were fortunate enough to have Dr. Tony Evers visit. During his time in the greenhouse, we explained to him each hydroponic system and answered any questions that had risen. Furthermore, his team of video graphers came to take some shots of students working in the new Plymouth FSAC: planting, monitoring pH and EC, feeding prawns and harvesting sunflower sprouts.