Definition of Hydroponics

Hydroponics is an intensive form of agriculture that brings essential nutrients directly into contact with the growing plant as an aqueous solution; hydroponics therefore operates without the presence of soil. Hydroponics and greenhouse technologies are integral to each other in both the commercial and home gardening market.Where space is limited, backyard sheds and grow rooms are popular among home gardeners. For commercial and hobby growers, environmental control is an essential component in hydroponic plant production.

The benefits of hydroponics production are greatly increased crop yields that arise from the more efficient utilisation of nutrients by plants and more efficient and sustainable cropping practices.Hydroponic crops have a market advantage through consumer perceptions of a "cleaner, greener" product that often translates into a price premium. These benefits have had their greatest impact in agricultural land close to major urban centres where the greater market returns and reduced environmental problems provide viability for continued industry development. The increasinginvolvementofsupermarkets in the marketing of hydroponics crops and the development of export markets has provided additional incentives for hydroponics facilities to be located close to urban centres and international airports.