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Cultivation technologies and sustainability - Coggle Diagram
Cultivation technologies and sustainability
Soil based farming
the medium where platns grow in, foundation of agriculture
made of mincerals, organic matter, living organisms, air and water
minerals
derived from weathered rocks and include sand, silt and clay
proportion of particles determine soil tecture which afects water retention, aeration and nutrient availability
organic matter
consists of decomposing plant and animal residues, microorganisms and humus
improves soil fertility and structure
living organism
soil is a habitat for organisms like bacteria, fungi, insects and earthworms
essential for nutrient cycling and help in the decomposition of organic matter
water
soil water/soil solution is crucial as it dissolves nutrients that can be absorbed by plants
ability of soil to retain water affects plant growth and is influenced by soil texture and structure
air
important for respiration of plant roots and soil organisms, air content also influenced by soil texture and structure
pH
acidity level in soil, significantly influences availability of plant nutrients, microbial activity and even stability of soil aggregates
correct pH ensures nutrient uptake by plants
at low pH, essential plant macronutrients are less bioavailable than at higher pH values near 7
optimal soil pH: 6 to 7.5
microbiome
microoorganism living tgt in a particlar environment
the sum of microbes and their genomic elements in a particular environment
includes microbiota and their genes and genomes of microbiota and the products of microbiota and the soil environment
Urban farming
community garden
greenhouse
rooftop farming
indoor farming
vertical farming
container farming
soil based vs soiless farming
hydroponics
method of growing plants in absence of soil, mineral nutrient being supplied through nutrient solution
no soil support, root system is supported using an inert medium like LECA, vermiculite, perlite and rockwool
plant roots come in direct contact with nutrient solution while also having access to oxygen
Advantages
no need to water plant
no fertiliser needed cuz its in the water
controlled environment
no need for crop rotation
no weeds
uniformity
shorter crop duration
higher yields
soil might contain bacteria, fungi, insects and weeds which impact growth negatively
highly suitable for commercial farming
lettuce, strawberry, herbs
tomato, melon, chili
Disadvantages
higher system setup cost
require careful control of pH and nutrient levels, thus higher entry level
pump failure can kill plants within hours, require backup plan