EN 
LV It is possible to learn the knowledge of a hydroponic agricultural technician online for free
To educate farmers about the use of modern technology – hydroponics – in agriculture, a platform has been created where anyone interested can learn for free. online course on the use of hydroponics in agriculture.
Three-module course available –
The project is being implemented within the framework of the “European Union Erasmus+ Programme Strategic Partnership Vocational Education Sector Project PONICS VET: Hydroponics Agricultural Technician” No. 2017-1-LV01-KA202-035432”.
About the online learning course
The intensive online course “Hydroponics Agricultural Technician” is designed within the European Union (EU) credit system for vocational education and training. This ensures that the certificate of completion of the course is valid in any EU member state.
Pony Vet The training course prepared within the framework of the project will allow you to learn the theoretical principles of hydroponics, look at practical examples and gain experience that would be useful in the creation and operation of a hydroponics system, ensuring its operation. The project is primarily focused on young farmers in the age group of 19 - 35 years.
The course consists of three parts or modules.
Module I, as an introductory part, is dedicated to the general importance of hydroponics, its historical development, its advantages and disadvantages, and the technologies used.
Module II covers the technical aspects of the method that should be considered when choosing to engage in hydroponic farming – information on lighting, CO2 requirements, humidity regimes, and any other conditions that may be necessary for a crop to be able to produce a harvest under hydroponic conditions.
Module III is dedicated to the economic side of hydroponics - it contains information about the business plan, necessary cost items, and experience stories.
About the hydroponics method
Hydroponics is the cultivation of crops without soil - the plants are provided with a mineral solution at their roots, the plants use it for their growth, and all other conditions necessary for harvesting are artificially provided. This agricultural specialization is essential for the future of agriculture in a sustainable perspective, as it is able to ensure the protection of natural resources, as well as the production of food with maximum energy efficiency.
Agriculture as an industry has been struggling with economic difficulties in recent years, and it is increasingly burdened by the challenges of climate change. The advantage of hydroponics is that this farming method does not depend on external conditions, it is fully controlled by man, depending on his needs. The amount of harvest is as chosen by the farmer. In addition, the use of the method minimizes environmental pollution, because it is a closed system. Maximum use of all necessary resources is ensured, both water and minerals are used only for the needs of the plant and do not partially enter the environment. Using the hydroponics method, the best possible conditions are created for the plant. The intensity, quality and spectrum of light are adjusted to the specific plant throughout its life cycle, both day and night. The humidity of the air and material that the plant needs is also specially adjusted. The yield obtained using the hydroponics method does not differ in any way from the yield obtained using conventional agricultural methods. On the contrary, by providing the crop with the most optimal conditions that it needs, the best possible yield can be obtained.
About the project
A strategic partnership project covering the field of vocational education and training. One of the main objectives is to create a hydroponic technician profile and intensive courses to master the content of this profile. The course of study is based on the European Credit System for Vocational Education and Training. This ensures that after completing this course and receiving a certificate of completion, it can be presented and is valid in any EU Member State.
Six partners from five EU Member States are participating in the project implementation: Latvia University of Agriculture (Latvia), IDEC (Greece), Eurocrea Merchant (Italy), BIC INNOBRIDGE (Bulgaria), Association of Vertical Farming eV (internationally active non-profit organization) and Farmers' Council (Latvia)
Learn more about the project on the project's Facebook page @hydroPonicsVet
For more information:
Linda Greenberg
M.Sc.Eng.
Guest lecturer/ VBF external relations coordinator
Latvia University of Agriculture
Faculty of Environmental and Civil Sciences
Department of Environment and Water Management
Academy Street 19, Jelgava
+371 29677858
