With all that we hear about using up natural resources and drought conditions affecting food supplies, it begs the question – do we really need dirt? The answer, surprisingly, is no – at least not for growing plants.

Hydroponics is a system for growing plants and such using only mineral and nutrient-rich liquids rather than soil. It was determined in the mid nineteenth century that dirt or soil was not really necessary to grow plants. Since that time, extensive research has been done about the composition of the nutrient rich liquids, the types of plants, the equipment, such as grow lights and irrigation tubing, that is required and more.

The growth of plants without soil has become a booming industry. It has developed into both a field of study and field of commercialism that will continue to grow well into the future. We are constantly seeking out new means to support ourselves and avoid contamination by contact with pesticides and other unhealthy elements of the world around us. The booming industry with organic foods is another indication of society’s growing interest in preserving not only our health, but the most natural ways of creating and consuming produce.

Hydroponics definitely does not stop at the greenhouse or the grocery store. The concept is useful in many other places as well including in our immediate future. Is it possible we might see hydroponics in deserts or islands without the correct soil composition to grow food otherwise? Perhaps we might even see a hydroponics lab on the space station or a future settlement on Mars or the moon. Anything is possible.