Hydroponics is the science of growing plants without soil. Plants need nutrient elements such as Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Copper, Iron, Boron, etc. to grow properly. Plants use water to transport the required nutrient elements through their roots to feed the rest of the plant. These nutrients are traditionally obtained from the soil. The plant roots grow out searching for nutrients and the water to take them up. Soil typically does not include the proper balance of optimum nutrients and moisture levels. Hydroponics is all about enriching water by creating and maintaining a "nutrient solution" that is perfectly balanced for the plant. When the plant gets exactly what it wants all the time, it will grow as fast, and provide the best flavor and nutritional value, that it possibly can. Absolutlelt anything that can be grown in soil can be grown hydroponically. The key is determining the the precise, ideal, nutrient solution for the specific plant, and consistently providing it to the roots. Typically, by using a general purpose hydroponic nutrient, plants will outperform soil grown plants in the same environment.

Some of the benefits of hydroponics include:

• Healthier Plants- Plants grown hydroponically are generally healthier than their soil grown counterparts, since they receive a near-perfectly balanced diet. Additionally, the plants rarley come in contact with soil-borne pests and diseases.

• Healthier Consumers- Without the use of herbicides, fungicides, and pesticides, the resulting produce is healthier to eat. Additionally, agricultural workers are not exposed to toxic chemials, and labor costs are reduced.

• Higher Yields- Since hydroponic systems reduce water and nutrient stress to the plants, crops grow faster and can be grown closer together without starving each other. Perfect plant conditions results in perfect plant production.

• Conservation- Hydroponic systems conserve water by preventing evaporation and runoff. Losses due to drought and flooding are significantly reduced as well. regions where water is scarce, or without adequate soil conditions, can grow crops hydroponically.