On the 1st of November 2011, St Francis Methodist School visited the Farm for the Hydroponics Tour. Led by Mdm Zuraidah, the group went on an eye opener trail. In fact all the photographs below were taken by Mdm Zuraidah.
Introducing a common type of hydroponics - aggregate culture. - in aggregate culture, a substrate is used as a media for holding the plant. The nutrient solution which is usually in another tank, will be dripped into the growing area for the growth of the plant.
Besides aggregate culture, the other type of hydroponics is water culture. In Oh' Farms, the technique used is Dynamic Root Floating hydroponics where the roots are totally submerged in the nutrient solution.
The group walked past one of our Farm's delivery truck with the Farm logo spread out on the truck.
In the packing centre, the vegetables are processed - the roots are removed leaving the sponge intact. The sponge which holds some water, will keep the vegetable fresh for a longer period of time.
The yellowed leaves are also trimmed off before weighing and packing. 
The vegetables are produced 100% free from the use of pesticides. Eating it fresh is a must try option! The students were encouraged to try it out. 
A young student trying her hands on harvesting the vegetables. Looks like, she has the potential of becoming a farmer in the future!
"If she has the make of a future farmer, I think i have too..."
"Me too! Me too!" 
"Me three! Me three!" 
Striking a post with the beauties, oops... vegetables. 
The next stop, the Nutrient Mixing Centre. This is the place where the unique blend of nutrient elements are mixed in the right proportion for different types of crop.
The first step in hydroponics growing - putting the seeds into the sponge.
Next, the seeded sponge is sent to the Germination Room where 3 conditions are controlled to give the shortest time needed to germinate the seeds. Air, water and warmth are the 3 conditions. Germinated seeds are then sent to the Nursery where 2 more conditions are added - 50% sunlight and light nutrient.
Once the roots and true leaves develop, the young seedlings are then transferred into the Production Greenhouse. 
The nutrient tank which is underground, provides the greenhouse with continual supply of oxygenated nutrient solution.
The Farm is currently producing 10 types of culinary herbs. The group also gets to taste sweet basil fresh from the production greenhouse.
Last stop of the production cycle - the cold room. This is where the processed vegetables are kept before delivery.
Enjoying a moment of thrill!
As with all the tour groups that visited us, St Francis too, brought home lots of first hand experiences and knowledge of hydroponics!
No comments:
Post a Comment