Learning Journey (Gracia Lee 2-1)

Aeroponics Farm

When we reached, we watched a programme which introduced us to aeroponics. In the programme, Mr. Lee Sing Kong, also known as the father of aeroponics explained to us more about plants grown by this kind of technology. I learnt that the root system of aeroponics is very important. The roots are suspended in the air, thus allowing unlimited or high amounts of oxygen to be taken in by the plant. Water is given to the plants through the form of mist. Every 30 seconds, sprinklers would start spraying water for 10 seconds. Aeroponics grow faster, usually taking half the time taken when grown in soil and this method also saves space. Water is also conserved as it uses 90% less water as compared to normally grown plants. They are also high in nutrients but uses 0 chemicals. The interesting thing is that temperate vegetation can be grown also because the plant can be tricked as a result of the mist, at 20 degree celcius. We walked around the technology farm to visit the green houses and they were all sheltered to protect the plants from insects. The types of plants grown were butterhead lettuce, Kai lan, Xiao bai cai and basil. A high-demand aeroponic product in Singapore is the butterhead lettuce which are distributed by this farm to supermarkets and restaurants. They are either packed by themselves or as a salad set, with tomatoes, dressing and a fork. The salad packaging is very popular and also, this farm has invented a juice, lettucino. It contains kiwi, lettuce and lime juice. In this way, it encourages more vegetable/fruit-disliking children to drink their important nutrients instead of eat them.

Bollywood Farm

Before starting the tour, we hydrated ourselves and were told by our guide that we could pick up the citronella leaves on the floor and use them as a natural insect repellent. The guide made the farm tour interesting and we saw many different kinds of vegetation such as the mimosa tree, moringa(treat deficiency), banana tree, sugarcane, rice paddy, papaya tree, roselle(ribena) and neem tree(for brushing teeth in ancient India). There was also an organic compost which is used as fertiliser.