For my CAS experience, I decided to build a hydroponics system. A hydroponics system is basically a soilless farming technique that solely relies on water and nutrients. It uses significantly less water than soil farming and also does not require any fertilizers. I hydroponics as a sustainable organic farming technique.

LO1 : Identify your own strengths and develop areas for growth

At first, I realized that I will have to do a lot of research on making my system as I haven’t taken physics, chemistry, or biology. After my research, I was ready to start making my system as being a Design technology student I was good at designing stuff from scratch. The designing and manufacturing part was easier for me compared to the science-related aspects such as balancing the ph, choosing the nutrients and seed germination. I developed areas for growth by consulting experts in this field and that really helped me gain scientific knowledge.

LO6 : engagement with issues of global significance

Responsible production and consumption is an issue of global significance, my system counters this issue as compared to Hydroponics soil farming uses more water, fertilizers and land. Hydroponics is a sustainable farming technique that contributes to life on land which is yet another global issue of significance. Hydroponics produced organic crops as the system uses nutrients instead of fertilizers and making the system is a one-time thing. Moreover, there is little to no water wastage.

My takeaways: After I made my system I realized that this doesn’t need to be looked after anymore unlike soil farming. I quickly learned all the pros of hydroponics and thought of it as a future business idea. After this CAS experience, I have decided to grow more organic plants and try selling them and see if this goes somewhere.