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What Is Hydroponics Used for?
What Is Hydroponics Used for?. Hydroponics is the process of growing plants without the use of soil. Hydroponic plants grow in a combination of nutrients and water. The beginnings of hydroponics can found in ancient Babylon where they grew plants in hanging water gardens.
Hydroponics is the process of growing plants without the use of soil. Hydroponic plants grow in a combination of nutrients and water. The beginnings of hydroponics can found in ancient Babylon where they grew plants in hanging water gardens.
History
Two German scientists discovered in the 1860s how to grow plants hydroponically without the use of a growing medium. They also discovered that plants could grow in a water/nutrient solution. These two German scientists were Sachs and Knop and they called their discovery "nutriculture."
Types of Hydroponic Systems
There are several different systems used to grow plants hydroponically. Some different systems are NFT or Nutrient Film Technique, ebb and flow and aeroponics. All work on the same principle: They recirculate the water and nutrients over the plants roots.
Benefits of Growing Hydroponically
Growing plants hydroponically has the potential to increase fruit size as well as yield. Plants grow faster and larger because water and nutrients are constantly available for uptake. Hydroponically grown plants are normally grown inside, keeping them safe from insects and diseases.
Potential of Hydroponics
Hydroponics has the potential to revolutionize the way that we as humans grow food. Growing plants hydroponically uses less water and takes up less space allowing plants to be grown is small areas. The fact that more plants can be grown with hydroponic systems means that more food can be grown in the same area as with traditional soil.
Common Misconceptions
It is a common misconception that hydroponics is limited to those who have deep pockets. The truth is that hydroponics can for everyone and can be done on a budget. It is even possible to build your own system. The Aerogarden is a great example of an easy to use affordable consumer unit.
