Hydroponics is a form of gardening and cultivation of plants. The various pollutants that we are exposed to in soil often do not go away even after several years. This fact, along with others, has prompted researchers to look for ways to minimize the exposure of the plant to mediums that may carry factors that can add or contribute to a person ill health. Hydroponics is one such way wherein the plants do not use soil as a medium where they are planted.

Soil Is Not Important

In hydroponic gardening, researchers have found out that soil is actually just a reservoir where nutrients are stored for the plant's consumption. The reservoir is just where the plant's food is stored. Therefore, this reservoir is not essential if the plant can get the nutrients some other way. Hydroponics research has found out that the nutrients in the soil dissolve when they come in contact with water, thus making it easier for the plants to absorb. Hydroponics has done away with the need for soil for some plants.

Plants that are usually found in soil, terrestrial plants, can actually survive even when they are soilless, as long as they have access to the right kinds of nutrients that are essential tot heir growth. Hydroponics also has some medium that may be more suitable for a healthy human life. These mediums are mineral wool, perlite and gravel. These are just there to provide the roots something to hold on to for stability.

The important factor in hydroponics is actually the mineral solution that fills the nutritional needs of the plant. Almost all plants can grow without soil as long as the nutrient based solution is present. The solution is actually formulated to meet the demands of a thriving and growing plant and given to the plant in doses. Not all plants can tolerate their roots being exposed to water all the time so some nutritional solutions

In gardening through hydroponics are given at certain intervals.

Hydroponics has certain advantages such as cultivation in a clean environment with the fuss and mess of soil. Another advantage of hydroponics is the absence of many soil borne disease that target plants and produce. Hydroponics also provides a solution to barren places such as deserts and rocky areas for cultivating plants. Soil is not necessary to grow most plants; therefore, greenhouses can be made for better crops that have nutrients directly provided for them without the excesses of soil.