The process of growing plants in water containing dissolved nutrients without soil is called?

• A. Xeriscaping
• B. Aquaculture
• C. Olericulture
• D. Hydroponics

Answer: (D)

Growing plants in a nutrient-rich water solution with no soil is hydroponics. This method delivers minerals dissolved in water directly to the roots, allowing precise control of nutrients, pH, and oxygen levels. Because soil isn’t used to hold nutrients, the grower manages the solution and can use inert media just for support. Hydroponics often enables faster growth and higher yields with efficient water use, and it’s especially popular in greenhouses, urban farming, and areas with poor soil.

Other terms refer to different practices: xeriscaping focuses on landscape design that minimizes water use, aquaculture is the farming of fish or other aquatic organisms, and olericulture is the cultivation of vegetables (typically in soil).