What is Hydroponics?

Hydroponics (from the Greek words hydro (water) and ponos (labour) is a method of growing plants using mineral nutrient solutions and without soil. Terrestrial plants may be grown with their roots in mineral nutrient solution only or in an inert medium, such as perlite, gravel, or mineral wool.

In hydroponics, plants get their nutrients direct from the water and not the soil.

There has been published work on hydroponics as early as the 17th century. Intensive modern research into hydroponics started in the 1930s and 1940s and today, hydroponics is used in large-scale farming in many countries which may suffer from soil and climatic conditions.

Hydroponics have several advantages over conventional farming:

1. No soil, rain or chemicals is necessary
2. Controlled and measurable growth conditions
3. Better, bigger and faster plant growth