Hydroponic Plant Growth

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Overview

"Hydroponic" is a Latin word meaning "working with water." Thus, hydroponic plant growth deals with the principle of cultivating plants in water. Hydroponic plants absorb essential nutrients without soil, making them as healthy as genetically possible.

History

Hydroponic growing was first used by the Aztecs of Mexico to produce fast-growing floating plant gardens. Since then, many cultures have experimented and discovered amazing results from plants produced hydroponically.

Significance

Plants grown hydroponically have direct access to essential nutrients. Because of this, they grow faster and produce more. According to Green Coast Hydroponics, hydroponically grown produce has more vitamins and minerals than soil-grown organic or non-organic produce.

Components

Components of the hydroponic growth method include an inert growth medium such as sand or perlite, a properly balanced nutrient formula and proper ventilation. Artificial lighting must be supplied for indoor growing.

Potential

Hydroponic plant growth allows for plant production in normally unproductive situations. Infertile land areas can be converted to productive fields. Vegetables or fruits can also be grown in window boxes or on rooftops.

Benefits

Growing plants hydroponically lowers water costs and food production costs. It also helps alleviate pests, diseases and pollutants.

References

Green Coast Hydroponics
Green Tree Hydroponics
Home Hydroponics

Who Can Help

Simply Hydroponics and Organics
National Master

Keywords: hydroponics, growing plants in water, growing plants without soil, conditions for hydroponic plant growth

About this Author

Loraine Degraff has been a writer and educator since 1999. She recently began focusing on topics pertaining to health and environmental issues. She is published in "Healthy Life Place" and "Humdinger" and also writes for Suite101. Degraff holds a Master's degree in Communications Design from Pratt Institute.