What method does hydroponics use to grow plants?

Hydroponics is a method that allows plants to grow without soil, using nutrient-rich water solutions instead. This approach provides the essential nutrients directly to the plant's roots, which can promote faster growth and higher yields compared to traditional soil-based methods. Since the plants receive nutrients in a water medium, they can absorb them more efficiently, which is one of the key advantages of hydroponics. Additionally, this technique minimizes the risks associated with soil-borne diseases and pests, allowing for a more controlled growing environment.

Other options, such as soil-based growth and traditional farming techniques, emphasize the use of soil and conventional agricultural practices, which do not apply to hydroponics. The option referring to air only without any medium, while similar to certain aeroponic techniques, does not accurately describe hydroponics, where water solutions play a critical role. Thus, nutrient-rich water solutions are essential to the hydroponics method.