Advanced Course - Hydroponics. Soilless Cultivation

Course Objectives

Agricultural activity, like the rest of the productive sectors, must optimize the consumption of inputs and minimize the levels of pollution indiscriminately released into the environment.

Technical knowledge of the factors that allow management in soilless crops requires knowledge of:

• The critical points of the system, such as the high demand for water and the discharge of leachate.
• Existing soilless cultivation systems and their advantages and disadvantages.
• The importance of the substrates used and the need to promote alternative, locally sourced substrates. Choosing the ideal substrate according to the type of crop.
• The management of nutrient solutions and their adaptation to fertigation systems.
• Adjusting water requirements and methods for managing and controlling inputs. Components and functions of fertigation equipment.
• Adapting systems to environmental requirements (recirculation and reuse).
• New trends in soilless cultivation: drainage reuse, artificial lighting, aquaponics and microgreen cultivation.
  

The ultimate goal is not far removed from taxing soil systems, increasing production and improving organoleptic properties, while increasing the efficiency of water and nutrient use.