Organoponics is a plant-growing system that was pioneered in Cuba during the 1959 revolution to overcome food scarcity in the city. During the food crises Cubans had to grow food on their own in small gardens or small-sized farms. And because of unavailability of fertilizers and synthetic material, growing by default was done organically. With the help of experts small farmers were taught to use organic manures and beneficial microbes. Hydroponic units were no longer useful as fertilizers were not available; therefore, growers filled these units with composted sugar waste and that way hydroponics was transformed to organoponics.
Currently organoponics has become an essential part of Cuba’s overall food production. The total food supply from these gardens to the citizens of Havana comprises 90% of the food production. The design and structure of organoponics system varies depending on the size and requirements of the garden, which is inconsistent. There are many cost-effective organoponic systems that successfully save water and money and that can provide huge quantity of fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers. These organoponic systems are accepted by many institutions and families worldwide.
Following are the most commonly used organoponic systems:
- Mould dimensions
- Rectangular organoponico bed with simple cheap mould
- Carpark organoponico
- Sand organoponico terrace garden
- Gangster organoponico
- Circular Oragnoponico
- Koru Garden
- Adobe nicho
- Bro-bitten
A basic organoponic system requires used tires and plastic buckets as containers, for bedding leaf litter, kitchen waste for compost and urine as liquid fertilizer. With the help of this method you can not only harvest fruits and vegetables but also recycle decomposed leaf litter that has turned into soil which is nutrient rich. This is an added benefit of organoponics where you get healthy food as well as fertile soil.
Also known as an urban method of growing plants, it’s for sure a clean, reliable and healthy method of growing fruits and vegetables. It’s a suitable growing method where space is an issue. It’s a simplified hydroponics systems that is organic and that involves use of compost made from sugar waste instead of chemicals. Cuban agriculture has gone through a huge transition towards production of superior-quality and sufficient food for the growing population without disturbing the natural environment. This has positive impacts on the economy of the nation!
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