What does hydroponics allow for?

Hydroponics involves a method of growing plants without soil, using nutrient-rich water instead. This approach allows for precise control over the nutrients that plants receive, which can lead to faster growth rates and higher yields compared to traditional soil-based methods.

In hydroponic systems, the plants are often supported in a growing medium like rock wool or clay pellets, but the primary source of nutrients comes directly from the water solution, which can be finely tuned to meet the specific requirements of the plants being grown. This method also enables cultivation in environments where soil quality is poor or where space is limited, such as urban areas or greenhouses.

The other methods listed in the question focus on traditional growing practices that rely on soil, conventional farming systems, and standard irrigation techniques, which do not incorporate the specialized benefits of hydroponic systems that emphasize water-based nutrient solutions.