Direct Antonyms:
* Soil-based: This is the most direct opposite of hydroponic, as it describes traditional methods of growing plants in soil.
* Traditional: This refers to any method of plant cultivation that is not hydroponic, including soil-based, aeroponic, and other methods.
Other Alternatives:
* Land-based: This emphasizes the location where the plants are grown, contrasting with hydroponic systems which can be located indoors or in controlled environments.
* In-soil: This specifically emphasizes the use of soil in plant cultivation.
Contextual Alternatives:
The best antonym will depend on the specific context. For example, if you're discussing the efficiency of different growing methods, you might use:
* Inefficient: This contrasts with the perceived efficiency of hydroponics.
Ultimately, the best antonym will depend on the specific context and the desired emphasis.