UNDP Jerusalen Project, Bogota, Colombia Farming Without Soil in Bogota, Colombia Jerusalen near Bogota, is one of Colombia's poorest urban communities. Nearly 100 women are growing vegetables using hydroponic technology, providing food for their families and selling vegetables, substantially increasing their household income. In Jerusalen, every available sunny location was utilized, placing growing containers in stairwell spaces, balconies, rooftops and yards. Light weight rice bran from a local mill was recycled and used as a growing media, an excellent choice for rooftop gardens.
Hydroponic gardening requires no soil and very little space.
Plants are grown in small containers constructed from recycled containers and fed with nutrient enriched water. Water can easily be recaptured as it drains from containers and used again to save resources. Water can be enriched with organic nutrients or inorganic nutrients derived from rich composted vegetation or well composted manure or guano. Worm farms can product an excellent source for rich organic nutrients, harvesting the enriched worm castings from the bottom. Under a contract agreement, fresh produce is delivered weekly in exchange for cash payment.