Soil less agriculture

The crop culture without soil is called soil less agriculture. Nutrient solution for plant growth is formulated and made available to the crops. There are three types of soil less agriculture system.

a) Hydroponic system: Cultivation of crop in water is called hydroponic. In this system the roots of plants are continuously or intermittently submerged in nutrient solution and aerial parts are supported at the base with cardboard, plastic or wires. The continuous submergence limits the oxygen supply and thus an aeration pumping system has to be provided for the growth of plants.

b) Aeroponic: Cultivation of crop in air is called aeroponic. In this system the plants are grown in holes in panels of expanded polystyrene or foam plastic with roots suspended in midair beneath the panel and enclosed in a spraying box. Plant roots continuously or intermittently saturated with a mist of nutrient solution.

c) Sand culture: Plants are grown in inorganic media like sand, gravel or in organic media like coconut coir dust, saw dust etc. and nutrient solution is given for plant growth.