Concept:
Aeroponics is a method of growing plants in a soilless environment with very little water. Aeroponic growth refers to growth achieved in an air culture.For example, in tropical climates orchids develop and grow freely in trees. Laboratory research on air culture began in the mid-1940s.
Aeroponic growing is considered to be safe and ecologically friendly for producing natural, healthy plants and crops. The main ecological advantages of aeroponics are the conservation of water and energy. Ideally, the environment is kept free from pests and disease so that the plants may grow healthier and quicker than plants grown in a medium. Today aeroponics is used in agriculture around the globe.
Soil provides plants with stability, warmth, and an easy way to distribute nutrients and water. But soil is also stingy, especially when it comes to allowing plants oxygen. More oxygen equals more plant growth, and plants receive more oxygen under aeroponic conditions, with their roots exposed to air and unencumbered by dense soil.
Aeroponic environment can be kept free from pests and
disease so that the plants may grow healthier and quicker than plants grown in a medium. There's an abundance of anecdotal evidence supporting the idea that aeroponic growing may be superior to growing in natural conditions.
Aeroponics' use of water, in an enclosed system that recirculates it, drastically cuts down on water consumption by as much as 98 percent [source: NASA].
Aeroponic systems cut costs like water, fertilizer and soil: Ultimately, all you need is the nutrient solution and the water required to mix it. It also reduces space requirements.
Plenty of people are using aeroponics right now. Growers who use the technology aren't just on the cutting edge;
their combined efforts may end up saving humanity from packing up to find another home.