Which farming method grows plants without soil by using mineral nutrient solutions in an aqueous solvent?

• A. Hydroponics
• B. Integrated Pest Management
• C. Genetic Engineering
• D. Cover Cropping

Answer: (A)

Growing plants without soil by dissolving mineral nutrients in water is hydroponics. In this method, roots get a precisely balanced nutrient solution, often supported by an inert medium, which allows exact control of nutrients, pH, and oxygen at the root zone. This setup can accelerate growth and enable farming in places without fertile soil, such as greenhouses or urban environments, using systems like nutrient film, deep water culture, or aeroponics. Other approaches focus on pest control, gene modification, or soil management, which do not describe growing plants solely from a mineral nutrient solution in water.