Most of us grow plants using soil. That’s the conventional way of growing plants and it is being used by the majority of planters all over the world. However, little did many of us know, we can actually grow a plant without planting them in a soil. How? By implementing a system called hydroponics. Hydroponic system also known as plain hydroponics allows plants to grow and survive in mineral nutrients alone in the absence of soil. Hydroponic system traces its root back in the 19^th century although the idea of gardening without soil has been mentioned way back in 1627, in Sir Francis Bacon’s book Sylva Sylvarum.

Researchers have discovered that plants take in essential mineral nutrients in a form of inorganic ions present in water. It goes without saying that soil is actually a nutrient receptacle and is really not necessary for a plan to survive. The nutrients soil is holding in can only be absorbed by the plants as soon as they dissolved in water. The soil then becomes useless when the right nutrient has already been absorbed by the plants. Hydroponic system is suitable to almost any kind of terrestrial plants. Through hydroponics, terrestrial plants can grow with their roots just planted in the mineral solution only. In order to support the plants, medium could be used. Examples of mediums include coconut husk and gravel.

Hydroponic systems come with many benefits. The technology makes it possible for people who don’t have suitable soil to grow their plants. Hydroponic plants grow up 50% faster than those plants in soil. This is not surprising since plants growth is only put at risk to diseases, pests, salinity or poor soil structure by the soil itself. Hydroponic plants easily absorbed the proper nutrients they need. No risk of plants over absorbing nutrients. Hydroponic system is a very nature friendly system too as it promotes the proper use of water and fertilizer. Fertilizers are recycled and can be used by another set of crops. Pollution caused by pesticides is lessened since the usage of pesticides is reduced as well.

While hydroponic system seem to be a perfect system for growing plants, it is actually not. Beginners may find the system a bit costly. It would require a lot of work too. The environment that the system requires is known to be stimulating for salmonella growth. Pathogen attacks have also been reported. Plants’ roots are at risk of burning when the solution used is too concentrated. Hydroponic system is not for everyone to use. Before the possible gain could be harvested, the hydroponics knowledge should be applied first accordingly. Rushing into it will only lead to waste of time, effort and money so proper consultation as well as in depth research is needed.

With the bad sides that come with hydroponic system, one should think it over before attempting to get to know the system. Needless to say, the system’s advantages is a far cry from its pitfalls. These drawbacks are actually avoidable if in depth research and strict planning are conducted. Hydroponics would only work to people who are disciplined and are willing to sweat so much by working hard. Whereas, those who are not willing to make an investment, both financial and time, should definitely not try the system as their effort would just definitely go to waste.