WHAT IS HYDROPONICS?
Hydroponics is the growing of plants without soil. Over the years, man has experimented with different methods
of growing plants. Lately, much attention has been given the soil-less systems due to its feasibility. In short, it
is easy to do. Their experience indicates that for as long as the atmospheric conditions and nutritional needs are
met, the plant will survive and grow.
WHAT DO THE PLANTS NEED?
First, the plant needs air and water . Air consists of hydrogen, oxygen, carbon, nitrogen (H, O, C, &
N). Water consists of two parts of hydrogen and one part of water (H2O). The plant absorbs these through its
leaves, branches, and stem.
Second, the plant needs small amounts of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), calcium (Ca),
magnesium (Mg), and sulfur (S). These elements are called macronutrients and are found in ordinary soil. The plant
avails of these through its roots.
Third, the plant needs chlorine (Cl), boron (B), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and
molybdenum (Mo). These are called micronutrients or trace elements and are also found in the soil. They
are also aborbed through its roots.
Finally, the plant needs sunlight. The light from the sun consists of specific wavelenghts useful to the
plants in photosynthesis or the processing of the elements. The energy from the sun is absorbed through the leaves.
Some plant varieties or types need only a few of the elements. Others need more than those mentioned.
For most plants, however, these conditions will keep them healthy and growing.
Therefore if the conditions were duplicated and the pH of the solution is correct, the plant will survive
and grow. Hydroponics does exactly that, minus the bulk of the soil. The roots are set in a nutrient solution prepared especially
for the purpose. To keep the plant upright, it will need a suitable support.
