Hydroponics: A Review on Applications Beyond Conventional Crop Production

Abstract

Hydroponics is widely recognised as a soilless cultivation approach in which plant growth is supported through controlled nutrient solutions and environmental management. Although traditionally associated with food production, its capacity for precise control of the root zone, nutrient supply and water recirculation enables applications across several non-conventional domains. This review synthesises the broader functional uses of hydroponic technology in environmental remediation, plant biomanufacturing, urban heat mitigation, propagation, agronomic biofortification, plant research, vertical farming and extraterrestrial agriculture. In wastewater treatment, hydroponic systems can support phytoremediation through plant uptake and associated rhizosphere processes. Controlled hydroponic environments can also be used to manipulate secondary metabolite production in medicinal plants and to produce planting material under regulated conditions. Hydroponic green roofs contribute to thermal buffering, while nutrient management enables targeted enrichment of edible crops with essential micronutrients. In plant research, hydroponics provides reproducible conditions for studying nutrient responses and abiotic stress, and its integration with vertical farming supports intensive production within spatial constraints. Space-oriented systems further demonstrate the value of controlled water and nutrient delivery where gravity and resource availability are limiting. Across these applications, performance depends on appropriate system design, sanitation, energy input, nutrient-solution management and reliable water and power supplies. Hydroponics therefore represents a versatile technological platform whose value extends beyond conventional crop production.