HYDROPONICS TECHNOLOGY.
What is hydroponics?
It is a method of growing plants using a mixture of mineral nutrients in water without the use of soil. This process takes 6 to 9 days to complete.
One kilogram of seeds produces an average of 6 to 10 kilograms of leaves and roots.
Advantages of the Technology.
i. Fodder is produced in a short time in a small area. For example; an area of 4X3 meters can produce fodder equivalent to 2 acres.
ii. This food is completely palatable to the livestock. They eat all the leaves including the roots. There is no food waste.
iii. Water requirements are low and the water can be reused.
iv. Its operating costs are low; there is no land preparation, weeding and harvesting costs.
v. Very low possibility of pests or diseases attacking.
Benefits in Feeding.
i. This food is soft so its absorption in livestock is high so a large part is used in the body of livestock and production.
ii. Livestock products are better and meet market needs. Example:
– chicken eggs have a more yellow core when they eat grass.
– Milk has a good ratio of Omega 3 and Omega 6 amino acids which build strong health of the consumer.
iii. Reduces food costs and thus increases profits.
iv. Many nutrients especially vitamins which contribute to the health of livestock to be healthy.
v. When fed in combination with other foods in the ratio that we will provide later, livestock production and growth are better.
Essential Equipment.
– A growing area/room.
– Poles and stakes for making trays.
– Plastic/aluminum trays.
– Chlorine-based disinfectant (such as Waterguard) or JIK to kill germs in water and seeds.
– Nutrients: some use crop boosters (make sure they are not harmful to livestock).
– Pump (sprayer) to spray water.
– Seeds.
Seeds that can be used:
Barley, maize, wheat, millet and many other grains.
Part Two.
STEPS IN HYDROPONIC PRODUCTION.
By following these steps you can produce your own feed at home.
1. Choose seeds that have not started to sprout, and do not contain any chemicals or pesticides.
2. Soak the seeds in a mixture of water and Chlorine for two hours to prevent mold / mildew or disease pathogens from growing and growing.
3. Remove the seeds from the water, wash them and then soak them in clean water for 24 hours to enable the seeds to absorb water well.
4. When planting seeds, measure two kilograms of seeds for each tray that is 80 cm long by 40 cm wide.
5. Spread the seeds evenly in the trays, (not more than 3 cm in height) so that there is enough space for each seed to sprout (germinate).
6. Make sure the trays have holes in the bottom (bottom) that are evenly distributed to allow excess water to drain.
7. Transfer the trays to the trays you have made. The seeds will start to sprout at this stage. Do this on the first day.
8. Spray water (with a pump) from the first to the sixth day, four times every 24 hours.
NOTE .
Seeds containing any pesticides or poisons are dangerous to animals. They can weaken or kill them. Make sure you do not use pesticides.
How to Feed.
Chickens: for 100 laying hens, give them 8 kg of hydroponics and add 4 kg of layer mash per day.
Pigs: in fattening, give 2 kg of hydroponics and 1.5 kg of dry food (grains) per pig per day.
Cows, goats: they can rely only on these leaves and have good production without the addition of a grain mixture. If milk production is very high (more than 12 liters per day), it is better to add grains.
Rabbits: they can rely only on these leaves but it is better to give them a grain mixture (at least in a ratio of 50%).
NUTRIENTS : Some of you asked about fertilizers. Fertilizers are rare and expensive. According to the research we conducted, plant BOOSTER , especially those containing NPK, can be used as a substitute for nutrients. As we explained in the first part, the booster should be mixed with water before watering.
The use of herbs can be used to grow hydroponics, but it is expensive because the sieve quickly rots due to constant humidity, so it is important to buy trays that last forever.
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