Page 47 - SCERT Kerala State Syllabus 8th Standard Basic Science Textbooks English Medium Part 1_Neat

Cultivation without soil !

Can we grow plants without soil? If so, is it possible to overcome the
crises in agriculture like climate change, change in soil texture, lack
of irrigation facility etc? Science has proved that cultivation is possible
in the absence of soil even though there are limitations to popularize
it as a method of cultivation. Aeroponics and hydroponics are
examples for this.
In hydroponics, plants are grown in nutrient solution. In aeroponics,
plants are grown in such a way that their roots grow into air and
nutrients are sprayed directly, on roots.

Fig 3.5 Fig 3.6
Hydroponics Aeroponics

Indicators

• How are modern agricultural practices helpful in reducing
crop loss due to climate change?
• What are the advantages of precision farming?

• How does cultivation become possible without depending
on soil?
In modern agricultural practices, hybrids are used to ensure
productivity. There are also arguments in support of a return of
traditional agricultural practices because it is beneficial to nature
and humans. It also argues that modern methods have many
limitations. In traditional agricultural practices, indigenous
varieties are used.
Is it essential to retain indigenous varieties when many hybrid
varieties are available? Note down your opinion.

Read the description and check the validity of your opinion. Collect
more information on this topic and organize a debate in your class.
46 Basic Science VIII