Hydroponics is a technology of agriculture that is becoming into big business. It is a process used by people, farmers and even governments, and hydroponic supply companies are springing up everywhere to keep up with the demand. However, what is hydroponics exactly? And what purpose does it serve?

In simpler terms, hydroponics is about growing plants without the help of soil or soil particles. The word "hydroponics" literally means "water working." The idea behind this process is that it is actually the water that carries nutrients to the plant roots, not the soil itself; soil merely serves as an anchor for the roots. If you find an alternate anchor method and provide adequate lighting, you can grow plants by applying a nutrient-solution directly to the plant roots-hence, "water working." It enables people grow plants virtually anywhere, without the need for soil. The techniques and setups for hydroponic gardens vary greatly, but the basic idea is the identical: plants are anchored by a method or substance other than soil, under proper lighting (often artificially produced by grow lights) while a water-nutrient solution is regularly provided to the roots.

Some people question the purpose of using hydroponics for raising crops when it is much easier to just put the seeds in the soil. in some cases, yes. But then once again, growing in the soil have some restrictions. In instances where there is soil contamination or in cases where the soil does not contain any nutrients then one can conclude that it is not ideal for growing crops. In addition to that, growing crops outdoors has to depend on the seasons as well as the climate. Hydroponics, while a little more complex, eliminates these restrictions. As long as you can provide light, nutrition, and some way to hold plants in place, you can grow plants with hydroponics anywhere, and anytime-in the dead of winter, in barren places, in extended darkness, and even potentially in space.
A few mistakenly believe that hydroponic growing is artificial, or inorganic. But, crops that are grown through hydroponics is still organic and is the same with crops grown in soil. Hydroponics does not tamper with genetics, nor does it need artificial chemicals. The procedure by which plants grow is the same, whether in soil or in a hydroponic tray: plants require light, water, nutrients and a root anchor. Hydroponics do not alter this whole process instead it only provides these elements in a different way. Of course, with the use organic ingredients you can conclude that hydroponic growing is natural and healthy. In fact, when the right combinations of light and nutrients are utilized, plants grown using hydroponics can grow even stronger and healthier, and produce more fruit, than if they were planted in soil.

Hydroponics isn't a thing of the 21st century because there is proof that can prove that ancient civilizations were already using this type of agriculture. Today, however, people can purchase hydroponic kits for growing herbs and vegetables in the home; some farmers run hydroponic greenhouses; and some governments are using it as a means of mass food production.