This is a system in which crops are planted on solid substrate rather than on soil and nutrient solution is applied to the media. Both inorganic and organic media are used. Inorganic media are classified according to their shape into particles, foam, fiber and others. Particle media culture include sand culture, gravel culture, expanded clay culture and Kuntan culture. Sand having a diameter less than 3 mm is used as media.
Nutrient solution is supplied by the dripping method in general.
In most cases, nutrient solution is applied and discharged periodically. This method is mainly employed for the cultivation of ornamental plants. The size of particles is varied. In many cases, nutrient solution is supplied from the bottom. Nutrient solution is applied by the dripping method.