Why is it in the news?

• Researchers have developed ‘electronic soil’ (e-Soil), a low-power bioelectronic growth substrate designed for hydroponic cultivation.
• e-Soil can electrically stimulate the root system and growth environment of plants.

About Hydroponics

• Hydroponics is a system of agriculture that utilizes nutrient-laden water rather than soil for plant nourishment.
• The re-use of nutrient water supplies makes process-induced eutrophication (excessive plant growth due to overabundant nutrients) and general pollution of land and water unlikely, since runoff in weather-independent facilities is not a concern.

Benefits of Hydroponics

• Ensures precise control of nutrients, leading to faster growth, higher yields, and superior quality produce.
• Enables vertical cultivation in large towers, maximizing space efficiency.
• Dramatically reduces water usage compared to conventionally grown plants.
• Plants grown through hydroponics experience significantly fewer pests.