Which farming practice refers to growing plants without soil?

The farming practice that refers to growing plants without soil is hydroponics. This method involves cultivating plants in a nutrient-rich water solution, providing them with necessary minerals and nutrients directly through their root systems. Hydroponics allows for greater control over the growing environment and can lead to faster growth rates and higher yields compared to traditional soil farming. Additionally, it can be conducted indoors or in controlled environments, making it a versatile option for various settings, including urban areas where soil quality may be poor or limited.

In contrast, organic gardening primarily focuses on growing plants using natural methods and materials, emphasizing soil health and the avoidance of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, but it still relies on soil as a growing medium. Aquaponics combines hydroponics with aquaculture, integrating fish farming and plant cultivation in a symbiotic environment where fish waste provides nutrients for plants, and plants help purify the water for fish. While sustainable farming promotes eco-friendly practices and may incorporate various techniques, it typically includes soil-based cultivation. Thus, hydroponics is the specific practice dedicated to soil-less cultivation.