Hydroponics is best described in simple language as a method to grow plants in a soil-less environment using Hydroponics systems that use mineral nutrient solution to grow both terrestrial as well as crop plants. The word Hydroponics is derived from Greek roots, ‘Hydro’ meaning water and ‘ponos’ implying labor. It is noteworthy that Hydroponic gardening dates back to 3000 years and examples of this type of farming can well be seen in these two wonders: Hanging gardens of Babylon and Floating garden of the Aztecs of Mexico.
The modern history of Hydroponics can be traced back to a book “Sylva Sylvarum” by Sir. Francis Bacon in 1627. But the use of mineral solutions as hydroponic nutrients was not developed till 1800. This culture was then first perfected by Julius Von Sachs and Wilhelm Knop. It should be remembered that solution culture is a type of hydroponics systems and soilless culture is used in a broader sense.
Hydroponics growing was also used during the two World Wars to provide fresh vegetables to the troops that are stationed in non-arable places. NASA is integrating hydroponics growing into their sustainability plan of their different space programs.
