The nutrients the plants need are provided by the nutrient solution, and is what the growing media is watered and moistened with. Some of the most widely used growing media's include Rockwool, Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate (called, Hydrocorn or Grow Rock), Coconut Fiber/Coconut chips, and Perlite or Vermiculite.
Furthermore, do you need soil for hydroponics?
The keys to plant growth are a variety of mineral nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. If you can add these necessary mineral nutrients into a plant's water supply, you no longer need soil for the plant to grow. Just about any plant can be grown with hydroponics.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of hydroponics?
Advantages:
- You can grow anywhere.
- Uses 20 times less water than soil based gardening.
- Your environment is sterile, which means no pesticides.
- You'll use 20% less space for growing.
- The system water can be reused, allowing you to conserve water.