Hydroponics (Gr. Hidor - Water, Lat. Ropege - Put)

Hydroponics

Hydroponics (from Greek ὕδωρ - water and Latin ponere - to place) is a method of growing plants without soil, in which the roots are immersed in an aqueous environment enriched with nutrients.

There are several varieties of hydroponics. In the simplest case, plant roots are placed in a container with a nutrient solution. Another common method is growing on inert substrates (expanded clay, perlite, vermiculite, etc.), which retain the root system and provide circulation of the nutrient solution.

The main advantages of hydroponics are:

1. High plant growth rate and productivity.

2. Saving irrigation water (up to 90% compared to soil cultivation).

3. Possibility of year-round cultivation.

4. Ease of mechanization and automation of processes.

5. Lack of weeds and soil pests.

Hydroponics is widely used for growing vegetables and ornamental crops in greenhouses. It is also promising for space agriculture.