What is hydroponics?

Hydroponics is defined specifically as a method of growing plants in a nutrient-rich water solution without the use of soil. This cultivation technique allows for precise control over nutrient delivery, which can enhance plant growth and yield. By bypassing soil, hydroponics minimizes the risk of soil-borne diseases and pests, and it can also facilitate growth in areas where traditional farming is challenging due to soil quality or availability.

The benefits of hydroponics include efficient water usage, as the closed system often recycles water, and the ability to grow plants in a variety of environments, including urban settings and controlled environments like greenhouses. This method is particularly valuable as it can produce food in locations with limited arable land and can yield significantly more produce per square foot than traditional farming.

The other options describe different forms of agriculture or farming that do not accurately reflect the hydroponics method. Traditional farming methods typically rely on soil, making them fundamentally different from hydroponics. Animal husbandry pertains specifically to the breeding and care of animals, which is unrelated to plant cultivation. Lastly, while sunlight is essential for the growth of plants in hydroponics, the method itself is defined by the nutrient solution, rather than solely by the light sources used.