Roots Gymnasium Sows the Seeds of the Future with Hydroponics

Ms Estelle Lambert, Agriculture Teacher (left), Mr Johan Meyer, Principal (centre) and Mrs Amanda Rossouw from PKF-FCS Mariental (right) with the Grade 6 agriculture class.

At Roots Gymnasium, agriculture is more than a subject; it’s a hands-on journey into the future of farming. This year marks an exciting milestone as our learners take their first significant step toward producing crops, working with both traditional and modern farming methods.

Our Agriculture learners recently rolled up their sleeves to build a sheep pen and construct a net structure for our very first Hydroponic System. From assembling the framework to installing the system itself, the learners were actively involved in every step, gaining not only practical skills but also an appreciation for innovation in agriculture.

Hydroponics, the technique of growing plants using a water-based nutrient solution rather than soil, is fast becoming a vital farming method worldwide. This approach uses less water, reduces the need for large tracts of arable land, and allows for year-round crop production. By incorporating hydroponics into our syllabus, we are equipping our students with the knowledge and skills to adapt to a changing agricultural landscape, where efficiency, sustainability, and technology go hand in hand.

Our hydroponics project has been made possible through the generous sponsorship of PKF-FCS NAM. We are deeply grateful to Amanda Rossouw and the PKF-FCS NAM team for their support and the partnership we’ve been able to establish with their new office in Mariental. With their help, our Agricultural Department is opening doors to valuable educational opportunities that will benefit both our learners and the broader farming community.

At Roots Gymnasium, we believe in planting the seeds of knowledge that will grow into a sustainable future, one innovative project at a time.