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Origins -

Soilless agriculture is definitely not a new invention. In fact, some of the most primitive examples of such techniques were discovered at the Floating Gardens in China and the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. There are three primary methods of soilless farming–let’s discuss them!

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Hydroponics -

Hydroponics uses a water-based system to grow plants, and requires leaving the roots in nutrient-rich water solutions. Sometimes, additional substrates like clay balls or rocks can be added to provide a solid foundation to which the roots can cling.

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Aeroponics -

Aeroponics involves suspending plants in the air and leaving the roots exposed, which are then continuously misted with water and nutrients.

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Aquaponics - Aquaponics is a combination of aquaculture (raising fish) and hydroponics, where plants and fish form a symbiotic relationship with each other. Fish provide fertilizer to the plants via their excrement, while the plant roots filter the water for the fish.

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Vertical farming -

The three techniques we mentioned are used to varying degrees depending on the plants and the method. In some cases, vertical farming can use these techniques to grow gardens, which involves growing plants upwards in stacked layers on walls or shelving units. This is ideal for urban environments or small living spaces.

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Tower garden -

Another soilless structure that can be used to grow plants in small spaces is a tower garden, a hollowed-out formation that usually automatically provides much-needed nutrients and water to your plants.

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Drip systems -

A drip system uses a pump on a timer to provide precise amounts of water directly to the base of each plant. If done correctly, it can be a very low maintenance technique with incredible results.

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Ebb and flow -

Ebb and flow systems can be very simple or incredibly complex, but the purpose always remains the same. It involves flooding a container with a water and nutrient solution, and then draining it to aerate plant roots. This method is usually reserved for fruiting crops.

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Deep water culture -

In a deep water culture system, plants are suspended on the surface of a water-nutrient solution that is constantly being aerated by a pump. This technique is quite ideal for leafy greens and herbs.

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Nutrient film technique -

We should warn you that the nutrient film technique (NFT) is a bit more complicated than your usual soil-based gardening. It involves growing plants in a thin layer of nutrient-rich water that is continuously drained and replaced thanks to a pump. This ensures that plants obtain essential nutrients constantly, and that the water doesn’t stagnate.

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Wicking systems -

This is actually one of the most simplistic and passive growing techniques listed here, and it is a great starting point for beginner gardeners. A wicking system involves connecting wicks (such as those used in candles) to the root structures of plants and then submerging the ends in water. Over time, the wicks will soak up the water and deliver nutrients to the plants.

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Bioponics -

Bioponics combines hydroponics with organic principles by using organic nutrient solutions derived from natural sources such as compost tea. This approach prioritizes sustainability while still harnessing the benefits of soilless cultivation.

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Coconut coir -

Another soilless gardening technique is to grow plants directly in coconut husks (known as coir), which are excellent at retaining water and saturating plant roots.

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Perlite -

Perlite is a type of lightweight and porous volcanic glass that can be used as a replacement for soil. Gardeners often use perlite for their crops because of its incredible drainage capabilities that can deter root rot.

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Rockwool -

Rockwool is one of the most popular mediums for hydroponic gardening. It is basically manufactured by melting rock and then spinning it into fibers, which are then compressed into slabs. Rockwool has incredibly good aeration and moisture retention, which is why gardeners love it.

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Gravel -

Containers or plant beds can also be filled with gravel, which not only provides support for plant roots, but also keeps them sufficiently drained and aerated. Gravel is typically used in conjunction with drip irrigation or ebb and flow systems, and is also mainly used for arid plants like cacti and succulents.

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Water conservation -

Although soil is an obvious place to grow plants, there are a lot of benefits to using soilless methods in agriculture. Soilless techniques use significantly less water than traditional gardening, which is especially important in countries with limited water access or restrictions.

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Diseases -

Another benefit is that soil-borne diseases are minimized, and sometimes eliminated. This leads to healthier plants and, in the case of crops, higher yields.

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Faster growth -

Soilless techniques allow plants to absorb nutrients quicker and more efficiently, which means that they grow faster. Fruits and vegetables also have more nutrients compared to their soil-bound cousins!

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Control -

Gardeners who use soilless farming methods have greater control over their gardening environment, which can include factors such as pH and nutrient levels. By maintaining this control, they can optimize their plant growth.

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A world without seasons -

Since this type of gardening calls for indoor supervision, year-round gardening is possible. Plants remain independent from outdoor weather conditions and are not subject to extreme climate and temperature changes.

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Pesticides -

Soilless agriculture also reduces the need for pesticides and herbicides due to controlled environments. This is also beneficial for the environment and other people living in close proximity.

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Weeds -

Soilless farming means that there is virtually zero chance that your plants will be decimated by weeds and other invasive plants.

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Accessibility -

Soilless gardening is far more accessible to people with physical limitations and disabilities, since it can be done at waist height or higher.

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To scale -

Growing crops without soil can be done in small-scale home gardens and also in large commercial operations. In fact, recent years have seen an uptrend in the number of businesses being developed for the purposes of soilless agriculture.

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Computerization -

Since this type of farming tends to require little maintenance and is mostly governed by timers and sensors, there is huge potential for these systems to be controlled by computers. This would minimize labor requirements, help grow more crops, and reduce waste.

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Hostile places -

Since soilless farming doesn’t require physical earth to thrive, it means that gardeners can utilize unused or contaminated land for their agriculture. Even warehouses are viable places to grow crops.

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A benefit for all -

In recent years, many scientists have placed massive emphasis on soilless gardening, due to its sustainable and innovative approach to food production. As populations grow worldwide, this method of farming could prove fruitful in helping humanity while supporting the environment.

Sources: (National Agricultural Library) (Agritecture) (ForFarming) (Louis Bonduelle Foundation) (Britannica)

See also: The fascinating world of guerilla gardening

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