In simple terms, hydroponics can be considered as one of the methods of growing plants without soil. Actually, the method of growing with only liquid growing medium is known as hydroculture and in case of hydroponics, different media can be applied to support the plants to stand in upright position. The materials used as medium could be perlite, peat moss, gravel, or other similar materials.
Depending on access, the nutrients used in hydroponic systems can come from many of different sources. The sources could be organic or inorganic. Actually, most current hydroponics systems are applying inorganic nutrient solutions made from purchased chemical fertilisers or artificial nutrient solutions.
Several types of plants can be grown hydroponically. However, the most common types that are currently grown includelettuces, cabbage, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, cucumbers, and related types of plants.
Growing plants in a hydroponics system has its own advantages. Some of the advantages are the following.
- A decrease in water usage for agriculture that makes it preferable for environments with little accessible water
- Minimum weed infestation
- Easiness to control disease and pest
