| What is Simplified Hydroponics? Hydroponics is a method of growing plants in water instead of soil. This technique can help people of the world while protecting the environment. Using simplified hydroponics, energy and resources are conserved compared to traditional agricultural methods. In simplified hydroponics, no mechanical or electrical devices are needed because plants are watered by hand or through gravity-fed drip irrigation systems. Because hydroponic agriculture can recycle nutrient solution in the watering process, it needs about 1/20th the water while producing up to six times the yield in less than 1/3 the space and does not require soil or contribute to soil erosion. Where water is scarce and hand carried or arable soil is not available, hydroponics can provide fresh food to sustain children and families. While hydroponics can be used with inorganic nutrients and chemical fertilizers, organic nutrients such as worm castings and composted bat guano are readily available in many developing countries. Simplified hydroponics also uses other locally-available materials such as bamboo, coconut fiber and sand for building materials and growing media. About the ISH |