Hydroponics is the commercial method of growing plants without using soil, by seeding them on chemical solutions. The nutrients and water are directly supplied to the roots of plants. The hydroponic culture can be used either for a single plant or for thousands of plants. Here, the pH of the nutrient solution and the concentrations of essential elements such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, iron magnesium, manganese, boron, copper, molybdenum and zinc in correct ratios is maintained for the proper growth of plants.
Wheat, lettuce, beans, soybeans and potatoes have been grown by hydroponic systems with varying success.
In hydroponic culture, less water is needed as compared to soil culture. Moreover, clean roots and leaves are obtained. On the other hand, diseases may spread more rapidly as compared to soil culture. Also the initial expenses are higher than soil culture.
Hydroponic culture is widely used in research on plant nutrition and on the effect of temperature and pH on roots. Hydroponics can also be used to study the effect of microbes on plant health. The amateur horticulturist can easily grow flowers and vegetables in a confined space in an indoor hydroponic garden.
