Described is a hydroponic system wherein a feed formulation comprising a plant's nutritionally effective amount of at least one amino acid, which upon uptake, becomes a substantial source of nitrogen for said plant, is applied to the foliage of the plant, and the roots of the plant are in contact with an incomplete water solution that comprises less than the plant's nutritional nitrogen requirements. The feed formulation, methods of feeding a plant or plant seed, and plants produced thereby are also described.
