| The roots of all plants require nutrients and water. They also require oxygen. There are many different ways of growing plants hydroponically but whatever system is used it must provide food, water and air to the roots. The different methods are described under Hydroponic Systems. |
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Some methods require an inert growing medium to support the plants. This may be based on perlite, vermiculite, clay aggregate or even gravel or sand. Almost any solid material may be used as long as it is inert (ie it does not have soluble elements in it which could contaminate the nutrient solution) and allows air to diffuse in and out. A growing medium protects the roots from drying out if there is an interruption in the flow of nutrient (eg power failure, pump failure, pipes blocking). |
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