Which description best defines hydroponics?

Which description best defines hydroponics?

• A. It grows plants in a nutrient solution without soil
• B. It grows plants in soil with added nutrients
• C. It grows plants in air
• D. It grows plants in waterlogged soil

Answer: (A)

Hydroponics is growing plants with a nutrient-rich solution as the growing medium and no soil. The roots stay in or are in contact with a water-based mix that supplies all the minerals the plant needs, often supported by an inert material like perlite or rockwool. This setup lets you control nutrients, pH, and water precisely and can save water compared to soil growing. The other descriptions describe traditional soil-based culture (soil with added nutrients), growing in air (aeroponics, a different soilless method), or growing in waterlogged soil (poor drainage in soil), none of which match hydroponics exactly.

Hydroponics is growing plants with a nutrient-rich solution as the growing medium and no soil. The roots stay in or are in contact with a water-based mix that supplies all the minerals the plant needs, often supported by an inert material like perlite or rockwool. This setup lets you control nutrients, pH, and water precisely and can save water compared to soil growing. The other descriptions describe traditional soil-based culture (soil with added nutrients), growing in air (aeroponics, a different soilless method), or growing in waterlogged soil (poor drainage in soil), none of which match hydroponics exactly.