Aeroponics
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Aeroponics is the process of cultivating plants in an air or mist environment, eliminating the need for soil or an aggregate medium. The term "aeroponic" originates from the ancient Greek: aer (air) and ponos. It falls under the category of hydroponics, as water is employed in aeroponics to deliver nutrients to the plants.
Close-up of the first patented aeroponic plant support structure (1983). Its unrestricted support of the plant allows for normal growth in the air/moisture environment, and is still in use today.
Roots inside a High-pressure Aeroponics System
GTi's Genesis Rooting System, 1983
Hydroponics
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Hydroponics is a type of horticulture and a subset of hydroculture which involves growing plants, usually crops or medicinal plants, without soil, by using water-based mineral nutrient solutions in an artificial environment. Terrestrial or aquatic plants may grow freely with their roots exposed to the nutritious liquid or the roots may be mechanically supported by an inert medium such as perlite, gravel, or other substrates.
NASA researcher Ray Wheeler checking hydroponic onions (center), Bibb lettuces (left), and radishes (right)
Inside an ebb-and-flow hydroponic system employing individual buckets connected by fill/drain hoses.
The deep water raft tank at the Crop Diversification Centre (CDC) South Aquaponics greenhouse in Brooks, Alberta
The nutrient film technique (NFT) being used to grow various salad greens