Modern hydroponics began in the 1860s. Plants were found to thrive, provided they received all the needed macro and micro nutrients from inorganic salts in solutions. Water economy is an attractive feature for arid areas because, in hydroponic systems, precious water can be recirculated. A large volume of hydroponic food can be grown rapidly in a small area. The technique has been suggested to raise a weekly crop of grass as cattle feed.
Hydroponic techniques vary.
In water culture, the roots of the plants are held in a large waterproof tank. The plants are supported by mesh or string. A solution containing all the essential nutrients required by the plant is pumped into the gravel from a holding tank. When the bench is full of the solution, the pump is turned off and the solution drains back to the holding tank. The solution is replenished periodically.