Aeroponic cultivation and its suitable plants

According to Green Agriculture News; This method not only restores minerals and nutrients to the soil, but also provides a suitable environment for growth. In addition, water use efficiency is also increased.

The "aeroponics" system requires moisture and nutrients for plant growth. This method is an environmentally friendly and economical way to grow fruits and vegetables. The best plants for aeroponics are, in short:

Tomatoes

Choosing the right tomato variety for planting in an aeroponic system is important. Producers produce good yields per square meter through aeration, which is not difficult to harvest in a short time.

Although in the hydroponic system, tomato propagation is through seeds, in aeroponics, they are obtained through cuttings (a section of the stem measuring 10 centimeters). The new plant immediately sprouts and produces flowers, and within a month its fruits can be harvested.

Eggplant

Since eggplant loves sun and heat, how it is placed in the aeration system is very important. Also, there should be enough nitrogen in the nutrient solution.

Given that different varieties have different growth rates, estimating germination rates and harvest times is challenging, and seeds usually germinate within one to two weeks. In general, the plant grows at room temperature - between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius. In aeroponics, heat and humidity must be suitable for better quality eggplants produced.

Watermelon

Watermelon needs a warm climate and is the best plant for aeroponics. Watermelon can be grown from seed or seedlings, but it requires very warm soil for cultivation. Of course, the right conditions can be provided by aeroponics. The roots of the plant should be wet for eight minutes every hour.

In the ground, watermelons need a lot of space. However, in the warm months they grow vertically and their fruit grows and spreads. Exposure to sunlight is very desirable.

Aerial gardening is suitable for both seedless and seeded watermelons. Obviously, smaller varieties do better when grown indoors. Although these plants require a lot of water, the concentration of mist at the roots reduces the amount of watering.

Lettuce

Lettuce is a cool-weather vegetable. In fact, it is a leafy green that can withstand frost.

Outside, a lack of moisture can make lettuce taste bitter. This is not an issue that affects aeroponic gardening, of course. There are a wide variety of lettuce varieties that require specific care and feeding.

The mineral solution should have a high potassium content relative to nitrogen and phosphorus. The moisture or droplets of an aeroponic culture are measured in microns, which is one millionth of a meter.

Each plant has an optimal micron surface area to absorb nutrients. Lettuce growers keep the droplet size at five microns. Determining the best droplet size creates the conditions for the plant to grow in aeroponics.

Mustard

Although native to Europe, mustard is now grown on a quarter of a million acres of farmland in the United States. Like lettuce, mustard is a cold-weather crop and the temperature of the grow room must be adjusted accordingly.

The right solution for growing mustard should be rich in potassium, nitrogen, phosphorus and sulfur. A similar solution is used for cauliflower and Swiss chard. Mustard greens can be harvested a month after planting.

Ginger

Ginger has long been widely used in Asian cooking and cuisine. Studies conducted by Cornell University have shown a strong demand for local ginger in New York State. Ginger is an anti-inflammatory, blood sugar regulator, and is also used to treat digestive disorders.

Its pleasant taste increases its consumption and is considered one of the plants suitable for air cultivation.
Fertilizer salts can damage the stems that grow from the plant, such as rhizomes. Air cultivation foliar sprays can provide direct contact with the roots without touching them.

Mint

Mint can also be grown as an air culture. The location of mint growth has a significant impact on its aroma and flavor. In an air cultivation system, the mint roots are attached to a section and the spray of nutrients helps retain moisture. This means faster germination, earlier harvest and higher production.

Saffron

In June, after the plant turns yellow, the bulb is separated from the soil and stored in a cool, well-ventilated environment. In early September, bulbs weighing more than 10 grams are placed on wooden trays and taken to a greenhouse environment and kept at the right temperature, light and humidity that vary over time.

In October, the bulbs begin to sprout. During this time, many buds grow around the bulb.Except for two or three main buds, all other buds are removed from the onion. This prevents the onion from wasting its ability to flower.

It should be noted that the water needed for growth is provided only through environmental humidity and there should be no direct contact of water with the onion. This is because:

1. It causes root growth in the onion
2. It increases the likelihood of onion rot
3. It causes disease transmission

The onion begins to flower in late November or early December and is returned to the ground after the onion flowers are harvested and the extra buds are removed. The next year, the steps are repeated.

General benefits of aeroponic saffron cultivation

• There is no need to prepare the land, but for the post-flowering process, you must have land available so that the bulbs can be transferred to the said land until the following year.
• The required light is adjustable.
• Water is in the form of humidity, fog, and water cooler, and its consumption will be completely controllable and economical.
• Humidity is adjustable.
• Saffron bulbs are safe from rodent attacks, especially mice.
• Spraying is very easy and controlled.
• Weeding and weed control will be very simple and insignificant.
• Harvesting will be controlled and easy.
• Increase in quality and quantity. Finds

Potato

The roots of plants are directly in contact with air and nutrient solution, and for this reason, the best type of aeration to the roots of the plant can be done in this technique.

The aeroponic system allows for oxygen delivery up to 99 percent of the actual plant needs. Therefore, the root volume is expanded and the plant can absorb water and nutrient solutions more easily and conveniently.

If financial resources allow, domestic farmers can take advantage of an endless growing season and provide fresh fruits and vegetables. Aeroculture not only saves water, but also saves space and time. The taste of its products has also been proven.