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Class 8 Vocational Education Chapter 1 Question Answer
Kaushal Bodh Class 8 Chapter 1 Question Answer Hydroponics Growing Plants without Soil
Project 1 Hydroponics Growing Plants without Soil Class 8 Question Answer
Activity 1 (Page 10)
Table 1.2 : Record of observations during field visit
(i) Date of visit: 10th September 20xx
(ii) Name of the agri-clinic/KVK/farm : Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Delhi
| New technologies related to | Observations |
| Liquid nutrients | Plants grow faster as they directly get nutrients dissolved in water. |
| Use of artificial lights instead of sunlight | LED lights were used to give plants energy even indoors. |
| Simulating moisture in a dry area | A misting system kept the plants fresh and hydrated. |
| Protection from light and wind | Plants were grown inside a greenhouse to stay safe from harsh weather. |
| Control of water supply | Drip irrigation gave water drop by drop, saving water. |
Intext Question (Page 11)
Question 1.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of the hydroponics system?
Answer:
Advantages :
- Space Efficient : Hydroponics allows plants to grow in smaller spaces, making it great for urban areas.
- Faster Growth : Plants grow quicker because they get nutrients directly from the water.
- Less Water Use : Hydroponics uses less water than traditional soil farming, which is better for the environment.
- No Soil Needed : This means fewer pests and diseases, leading to healthier plants.
Disadvantages :
- Initial Cost : Setting up a hydroponic system can be expensive due to equipment and materials.
- Technical Knowledge Required : You need to understand how to manage nutrients and water levels.
- Power Dependence : Some systems need electricity for pumps and lights, which can be a problem during outages.
- Limited Crop Variety: Not all plants grow well in hydroponic systems, so choices may be limited.
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Question 2.
Is there any difference in the method or tools used for harvesting, transport, and storage?
Answer:
Harvesting :
- Tools : Hydroponics often uses scissors or shears for cutting plants, while soil farming may use different tools like shovels.
- Method : Hydroponic plants can be harvested more carefully to avoid damaging roots, which are often delicate.
Transport :
- Containers: Hydroponically grown plants may be transported in special containers that keep roots moist, unlike soil plants that can be heavy and messy.
- Care : Hydroponic plants need careful handling to prevent damage, as they are often more fragile.
Storage :
- Conditions : Hydroponic produce can often be stored in cooler, more controlled environments to keep them fresh longer.
- Shelf Life : Because they are grown without soil, hydroponic plants may have a longer shelf life compared to soil-grown ones.
Activity 2 (Page 15)

Answer
| Date of start of the activity | 1-10-20xx |
| Materials used (tray size, types of seeds, quantity of soil used in grams) | Tray size: 10 cm x 30 cm, Seeds: Cabbage, Soil: 200 grams |
| Number of trays prepared | 2 |
| Number of days required for sprouting | 3 |
| Number of days required for the emergence of the initial pair of leaves | 7 |
| Date of harvest | 15-10-20xx |
| Quantity harvested per tray in grams | 150 |
| Significant challenges or difficulties you faced during the activity | Keeping the soil, moist without overwatering was challenging. |
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Reflect on your learnings
Question 1.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of growing microgreens using hydroponics.
Answer:
Advantages :
- Space Efficiency : Hydroponics allows for vertical growing, saving space.
- Faster Growth : Microgreens grow quickly, often ready to harvest in 7-21 days.
- No Soil Needed : This method reduces pests and diseases associated with soil.
- Water Conservation : Hydroponics uses less water compared to traditional farming.
Disadvantages :
- Initial Cost : Setting up a hydroponic system can be expensive.
- Technical Knowledge Required : Understanding the system is essential for success.
- Limited Crop Variety : Not all plants thrive in hydroponic systems.
- Dependency on Technology : Power failures can affect growth if systems fail.
Question 2.
Have you used the microgreens? How did you use them (raw salad or as a garnish)?
Answer:
Yes, I have used microgreens! I added them to salads for extra flavour and nutrition. They also made great garnishes on dishes like soups and sandwiches. Their vibrant colours and fresh taste really enhanced the meals. Microgreens are easy to grow at home, making them a fun addition to cooking.
Question 3.
Can this method be applied to all crops? what are the probable limitations of microgreen production?
Answer:
No, hydroponics cannot be applied to all crops. Some plants require specific soil nutrients that hydroponics may not provide. Additionally, larger crops like corn or wheat need more space and support than hydroponic systems can offer. The limitations include the need for constant monitoring of nutrient levels and pH, which can be challenging for beginners. Also, some crops may not yield well in hydroponic setups.
Activity 3 (Page 18)


Answer:
| Number of wick bottles prepared by your class | 10 |
| The quantity of soil used in grams | 500 |
| Number of seeds/seedlings planted | 30 |
| Number of plants survived | 25 |
| Plant growth record (average height increased by 15 days) | 15 cm |
Question 1.
Which seeds, seedlings or plant cuttings did you use for the system?
Answer:
We used lettuce seeds for our hydroponic system. They are easy to grow and sprout quickly, making them perfect for beginners.
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Question 2.
Were you able to observe the soil getting wet in the upper pot?
Answer:
Yes, we could see the upper pot getting wet. This happens because of capillary action, where water moves through the wick to keep the soil moist.
Question 3.
List three key difficulties you experienced while building the system. What did you do to overcome them?
Answer:
- It can be hard to gather all the necessary materials for the system. To overcome this, you can use recycled items like plastic bottles or old containers, which are often easy to find.
- Sometimes, the water may not flow correctly through the wick or pipes. You can fix this by checking for blockages and adjusting the angle of the pipes to ensure a smooth flow.
- Keeping the right balance of nutrients in the water can be tricky. To manage this, regularly test the water and add nutrients as needed, following the instructions for the plants you are growing.
Activity 4 (Page 21)

Question 1.

Answer:
| System component | Approximate cost (₹) |
| Water reservoir | 500 |
| Planting cups. | 200 |
| Plant cup holder | 150 |
| Air blower or aerator | 800 |
| Growth media | 300 |
| Plants | 600 |
| Total cost | 2,550 |
Question 2.

Answer:
| Name of the crops (plants) used | Lettuce | Basil |
| Date of planting | 01-01-20xx | 01-01-20xx |
| Number of plants planted in the system | 10 | 10 |
| Increase in height of plants per week (cm) | 5 | 4 |
| Increase in root length per week (cm) | 3 | 2 |
| Date of harvesting | 15-01-20xx | 15-01-20xx |
| Quantity of harvest (kg) | 2.5 | 1.5 |
Question 3.
List three key challenges you faced during the construction and maintenance of the system. What will you do differently next time?
Answer:
- It was hard to keep the water oxygenated for the plants.
- The plants sometimes floated out of the net pots.
- I had trouble checking the water level regularly.
Next time, I will use a better aeration system and secure the plants more tightly in the pots.
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Activity 5 (Page 24)

Answer:
| System component | Approximate cost (K) |
| PVC pipes (for channels) | 500 |
| Water reservoir | 300 |
| Nutrient solution | 200 |
| Pump (if needed) | 800 |
| Net pots | 150 |
| Growing medium (optional) | 100 |
| Miscellaneous (tubing, connectors, etc.) | 200 |
| Total Cost | 2,250 |

Answer:
| Name of the crops (plants) used | Lettuce | Basil | Spinach |
| Date of planting | 01-09-20xx | 01-09-20xx | 05-09-20xx |
| Number of plants planted in the system | 20 | 15 | 10 |
| Observe the plant leaves for any colour change — this could be the symptom of disease, pest infestation or nutrient deficiency. | No colour change observed, healthy green leaves | Slight yellowing on some leaves,possible nutrient deficiency | Healthy dark green leaves, no issues observed |

Question 1.
Why did you use an aerator in the DWC system but not in the NFT system ?
Answer:
In the Deep Water Culture (DWC) system, plants’ roots are submerged in water, which can lead to a lack of dissolved oxygen. An aerator is used to add oxygen to the water, promoting healthy root growth. In comparison, the NFT system continuously flows a thin film of nutrient solution over the roots, which naturally provides sufficient oxygen. The roots are exposed to air, allowing them to absorb oxygen directly from the atmosphere.
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Question 2.
Make a comparative chart for DWC vs. NFT systems—you can compare aspects such as ease of construction, plant growth, etc.
Answer:
Comparative chart for DWC vs. NFT systems:
| Aspect | DWC System | NFT System |
| Ease of Construction | Moderate; requires a reservoir and aerator | Simple; uses pipes and a pump (if needed) |
| Space Utilisation | Horizontal space usage | Vertical stacking possible |
| Water Usage | More water needed | Less water needed |
| Plant Growth Rate | Fast growth due to constant water | Good growth; depends on nutrient flow |
| Maintenance | Requires monitoring of aerator and water levels | Regular checks on nutrient flow and water levels |
Activity 7 (Page 28)


Answer:
| Date | Activity | Observation |
| 01-10-20xx | Check initial pH of water | The initial pH of the water is 7.5. |
| 01-10-20xx | Add acid (e.g., vinegar) | Added 25 mL of vinegar. |
| 01-10-20xx | Check pH after adding acid | The pH of the water after adding acid is 6.0. |
| 05-10-20xx | Observe effects after 4 days | After 4 days, the plants showed healthier leaves and increased root growth. |
What did I learn from others?
Question 1.
Have you come across any other advanced farming technology in your locality? If yes, describe the technology.
Answer:
- Vertical Farming: This method uses stacked layers to grow plants, saving space.
- Aquaponics : Combines fish farming with hydropónics. Fish waste provides nutrients for plants.
- Smart Irrigation Systems : Uses sensors to water plants only when needed, saving water.
Question 2.
Name any three things that you learnt while setting up the hydroponic system.
Answer:
- Water Quality : pH levels are important for plant growth; I learned how to test and adjust them.
- Nutrient Solutions : Plants need specific nutrients, and I learned how to mix them properly in water.
- Plant Care : I discovered how to monitor plant growth and health, ensuring they get enough light and nutrients.
Think and Answer (Page 30)
Question 1.
What did you enjoy doing the most?
Answer:
- Building the hydroponic system : It was fun to create something from scrap.
- Watching plants grow : Seeing how quickly they sprouted was exciting.
- Learning about plants : I enjoyed discovering how plants can grow without soil.
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Question 2.
What were the challenges you faced?
Answer:
- Setting up the system : It was tricky to connect the pipes properly.
- Maintaining water levels : I had to keep checking that the water wasn’t too high or too low.
- Identifying plant issues : Sometimes it was hard to tell if plants were healthy or needed nutrients.
Question 3.
What will you do differently next time?
Answer:
- Plan better : I will create a clearer plan before starting the setup.
- Check regularly : I’ll make sure to monitor the plants and water levels more often.
- Ask for help : I will seek advice from teachers or experts if I face problems.
Question 4.
Do you think it is economical and practically feasible to grow all crops using hydroponics? Give reasons for your response.
Answer:
- Not all crops are suitable : Some crops need more space or specific conditions that hydroponics can’t provide.
- Cost of setup : Initial costs can be high for some hydroponic systems.
- Water efficiency : Hydroponics uses less water, which is good for the environment.
- Faster growth : Plants grow quicker, which can save time and resources.
Question 5.
Identify a few examples of jobs related to the work you just did, for example, a gardener, botanist, forest officer, farmer, or agricultural scientist. Look around, speak to people and write your answer.
Answer:
- Gardener : They take care of plants and gardens.
- Botanist : They study plants and their environments.
- Farmer : They grow crops and raise animals for food.
- Agricultural Scientist : They research ways to improve farming methods.
- Horticulturist: They specialise in growing fruits, vegetables, and flowers.
Hydroponics Growing Plants without Soil Class 8 Notes
→ Hydroponics: A method of growing plants without soil. Instead, plants are grown in a nutrient-rich water solution that provides all the essential nutrients needed.
→ Nutrient Solution : A mixture of water and nutrients (like minerals and vitamins) that plants absorb through their roots.
→ pH : A scale that measures how acidic or basic a solution is. In hydroponics, maintaining the right pH level (usually between 5.5 and 6.5) is important for optimal plant growth.
→ Dissolved Oxygen (DO) : The amount of oxygen that is dissolved in water. Plants need oxygen for root respiration, and a good level of DO helps promote healthy root growth.
→ Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) : A measure of all the substances dissolved in water, including minerals, salts, and metals.
→ Electrical Conductivity (EC) : A measure of how well water can conduct electricity, which indicates the concentration of dissolved ions (like salts) in the water.
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→ Microgreens : Young, edible plants that are harvested just after the first true leaves have developed.
→ Wick Method : A simple hydroponic system where a wick draws nutrient solution from a reservoir to the plant roots.
→ Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) : A hydroponic system where a thin film of nutrient solution flows over the roots of plants. This method allows for efficient nutrient uptake and oxygenation.
→ Aeration : The process of introducing air into the water or nutrient solution.
→ Foam Formation : The bubbles that can appear on the surface of compost tea or nutrient solutions, often due to microbial activity.
→ Water Quality Parameters : Various factors that affect the quality of water used in hydroponics, including pH, DO, TDS, hardness, and EC.
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