Hydroponics
Definition of Hydroponics
Hydroponics is a method of growing plants without soil, where roots are supplied directly with a nutrient-rich water solution. Instead of relying on soil to deliver nutrients, hydroponic systems provide precise control over water, nutrients, oxygen, and growing conditions, allowing plants to grow efficiently and consistently.
Hydroponics is commonly used in controlled environments such as greenhouses, indoor farms, and vertical farming systems, and supports a wide range of crops including leafy greens, herbs, tomatoes, and strawberries. The method is designed to maximise growth while minimising water use and land requirements.
Why Hydroponics Matters
Hydroponics matters because it offers a resource-efficient alternative to traditional soil-based agriculture, particularly in areas with limited land, poor soils, or water scarcity. Key benefits include:
Significant water savings – Using far less water than conventional farming through recirculation
Higher yields – Faster growth rates and higher productivity per square metre
Reduced land dependency – Enabling food production in urban, arid, or degraded areas
Lower disease pressure – Minimising soil-borne pests and diseases
Year-round production – Allowing crops to be grown regardless of season or climate
As demand for fresh, locally produced food increases, hydroponics plays a growing role in sustainable and resilient food systems.
Key Principles of Hydroponics
Nutrient Management – Delivering balanced mineral nutrients directly to plant roots
Water Circulation and Oxygenation – Ensuring roots receive adequate oxygen to prevent stress
System Design – Using appropriate setups such as NFT, deep water culture, or drip systems
Environmental Control – Managing light, temperature, and humidity for optimal growth
Monitoring and Precision – Measuring pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and nutrient levels
Sustainability and Efficiency – Reducing water waste, land use, and input losses.
Related Terms
Soilless Agriculture
Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA)
Aquaponics
Aeroponics
Precision Agriculture
Useful Resources on Hydroponics
Explore these authoritative resources to learn more about hydroponic systems, soilless crop production, and sustainable indoor farming:
FAO – Soilless Cultivation and Hydroponics - Global guidance on hydroponic farming methods, water efficiency, and sustainable food production.
USDA – Hydroponic and Indoor Crop Production – Research and educational resources on hydroponic systems and crop management.
International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS) – Scientific research and publications on hydroponics and soilless growing systems.
The Association for Vertical Farming (AVF)– Industry standards, research collaborations, and innovation resources.
Vertical Farm Daily- Global indoor farming and vertical farming news.
The Association for Vertical Farming- a leading global non-profitorganizationdedicated to advancing the indoor andvertical farmingindustry.
The Indoor Farmer-for the latest insights, trends, and innovations in the indoor farming industry.
FarmTech Society ASBL (FTS)-an international non-profit industry association that unites and supports the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) industry
Ellen MacArthur Foundation – Circular Food Systems– Insights into resource-efficient food production models relevant to hydroponics.
H3: Research on Healthy Soil, Healthy Food, Healthy People- World-class researchers from Sheffield, Leeds, Bristol, Cambridge, Newcastle and City Universities working in partnership with stakeholders, seek to transform the UK food system ‘from the ground up’ via an integrated programme of interdisciplinary research on ‘Healthy soil, Healthy food and Healthy people’ (H3).
EUPiH - European Partnership in Hydroponics-providing a transnational framework to support all co-operative actions aimed at enhancing and improving technical and vocational education and training.
Learn the meaning of more essential agricultural terms with our easy-to-use Key Terms glossary here
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