What is the term for the practice of growing plants without soil?

The practice of growing plants without soil is best known as hydroponics. This method relies on nutrient-rich water solutions to supply the necessary nutrients for plant growth. Hydroponics allows for precise control over growing conditions, which can lead to faster growth rates and higher yields compared to traditional soil-based agriculture. This method can be particularly beneficial in areas with poor soil quality or limited space for gardening.

In hydroponic systems, the roots of the plants are typically submerged in or exposed to a nutrient solution, providing them with everything they need to flourish without the constraints of the natural soil environment. The versatility of hydroponics makes it suitable for a variety of plants and scales of operation, from home gardening to large commercial farms.

Alternative practices like aeroponics involve growing plants in an air or mist environment without soil but are not typically referred to as hydroponics. Soil farming relies on traditional cultivation methods using soil, and container gardening refers to growing plants in pots or containers but still usually involves soil.