What is hydroponics?

The correct answer is Plant without soil enrichment.

Key Points

•  Plant without soil enrichment:
  • This option accurately describes hydroponics.
  • It is a method of growing plants using mineral nutrient solutions in water, without soil.
  • Terrestrial plants may be grown with their roots exposed to the nutrient liquid or in an inert medium, such as perlite, gravel, or mineral wool, which provides mechanical support for the plant and retains the nutrient solution.
  • Hydroponics offers several advantages, including faster growth rates, higher yields, reduced water consumption compared to traditional soil-based agriculture, and the ability to grow crops in areas with poor soil conditions or limited space.
  • The nutrient solutions are carefully formulated to provide the exact balance of essential elements required for optimal plant growth.
  • This controlled environment can also minimize the risk of soilborne diseases and pests, potentially reducing the need for pesticides.

Additional Information

• Study of soil:
  • This option describes the field of soil science, also known as pedology.
  • Soil science is a branch of natural science that focuses on the formation, classification, mapping, physical, chemical, biological, and fertility properties of soils.
  • It encompasses the study of how soils interact with the environment, including the atmosphere, water, and living organisms.
  • Soil scientists play a crucial role in understanding soil degradation, nutrient cycling, water retention, and the impact of land management practices on soil health.
  • This knowledge is fundamental for sustainable agriculture, environmental conservation, and land-use planning.
  • The study of soil is essential for maintaining healthy ecosystems and ensuring food security through informed agricultural practices.
• Soil Conservation:
  • Soil conservation refers to the prevention of soil loss or degradation.
  • It involves implementing various techniques and practices to protect soil from erosion caused by wind and water, as well as to maintain and improve soil fertility and health.
  • These practices can include terracing, contour farming, cover cropping, no-till farming, and windbreaks.
  • Soil conservation is crucial for maintaining agricultural productivity, preventing sedimentation in waterways, reducing dust storms, and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
  • Healthy soils support biodiversity, regulate water cycles, and store carbon, making soil conservation an essential aspect of environmental sustainability.
  • Effective soil conservation practices help to ensure long-term food security and the health of our ecosystems.
• Plant with vegetables:
  • This option is too broad and doesn't represent a specific scientific or agricultural term.
  • While it's true that vegetables are plants, and they are grown, this phrase doesn't define a particular method or study.
  • Vegetables are edible parts of plants, such as roots, stems, leaves, flowers, or fruits, and they are cultivated for human consumption.
  • They can be grown using various methods, including traditional soil-based agriculture, hydroponics, and other soilless techniques.
  • The term "plant with vegetables" lacks the specificity to be considered a defined agricultural or scientific concept.
  • It simply describes the act of growing vegetable plants, which is a fundamental aspect of horticulture and agriculture.