Kish offering new Hydroponics class

Kishwaukee College is offering a new Horticulture class in Hydroponics that will begin in October. HOR 201 – Hydroponics will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays, October 17 – December 15. Students can earn 1.5 credit hours and the instructor is Rich Alde.
Hydroponics is an agricultural system that uses nutrient-rich water instead of soil, usually in specially designed greenhouse environments. Because the process does not require natural precipitation or fertile land, it offers an efficient use of technology to grow crops. In some estimates, using Hydroponics utilizes 90% less space and 80% less water as the nutrient-rich water is usually re-used. Locally, there are two companies using Hydroponic agricultural methods, BrightFarms and Mighty Vine, both located in Rochelle.

The HOR 201 Hydroponics class will cover hydroponic systems and the respective set-ups for each system; nutrient solution preparation; various hydroponic techniques; plant culture and diseases possible in hydroponic agriculture; harvesting options; and an exploration of both commercial and home hydroponic systems.

The HOR 201 Hydroponics class is made possible in part by a grant from the Kishwaukee College Foundation and is consistent with the fundraising priorities established by the Board of Trustees and Kishwaukee College Foundation Board in 2016.

For more information on the HOR 201 Hydroponics class, contact instructor Rich Alde at
ralde@kish.edu or at 815-234- 8449. Registration for classes that begin in the second half of the fall semester (October 16), is currently in progress at Kishwaukee College. For more information on enrollment and registration, contact Student Services at 815-825- 9375 or email onestop@kish.edu.

Photo Caption: The Kishwaukee College Horticulture department is offering a new Hydroponics class this fall. HOR 201 Hydroponics begins October 17 and meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays through the end of the semester. The class covers both commercial and home hydroponic systems. Pictured is horticulture student Hannah Thompson, Rochelle, in the hydroponic area in a greenhouse on campus. Registration is currently in progress. Contact Student Services for more information on enrollment and registration at 815-825- 9375.