Hydroponics is the technique of growing plants in a defined nutrient solution in complete absence of soil.
Hydroponics is also called Soil-less culture.
First demonstrated by German Botanist Julius von Sachs in 1860s.
SETUP
A defined nutrient solution containing all the essential elements in the concentration required by the plant.
Sterile equipments to prevent contamination
An opening for adding fresh nutrient media
An opening for aeration
A dark covering to prevent algal growth
APPLICATIONS
Helped to identify the mineral nutrients essential for plants by performing a series of experiments by providing a mineral solution in which an element was added/ substituted/ removed or given in varied concentration.
Hydroponics also helped to identify the deficiency symptoms associated with essential elements.
Hydroponics is used as technique for commercial production of plants like tomato, seedless cucumber and lettuce.
Can be used to grow plants in areas having low soil fertility, abnormal soil pH or soil containing pathogens.