Hydroponic and aquaponic systems allow for soil-less cultivation of plants, often in controlled environments. These methods can be particularly useful in urban areas with limited land or poor soil quality. Hydroponics involves growing plants with water that has been enriched with water soluble fertilizers rather than soil, while aquaponics involves utilizing fish or other aquatic life to supply nutrients for plants grown hydroponically.
The most common types of hydroponic systems include:
Water Culture Systems:
- Nutrient Film Technique (NFT)
- Deep Water Culture (DWC)
- Aeroponics System or Root Mist
Substrate Culture Systems:
- Ebb-and-Flow subirrigation / Flood-Floor
- Drip System
- Wick System
Nutrient solutions are typically derived from mineral salts, however, organic nutrient solutions are also available.