ABSTRACT
By definition hydroponics means “hydro” (water) and “ponos” (working), literally “water working.” In a broad sense hydroponics means growing plants without the use of soil, but with or without some inert substrate. Hence, it can also be termed “soilless culture.” True hydroponic culture then would be a water culture system without the use of a medium. Today the most common methods of true hydroponic culture are nutrient film technique (NFT) and water culture such as the raft culture system. When a nutrient solution is applied to plant roots from below as a mist this culture is termed “aeroponics.” It is also a true hydroponic system.
