Can You Grow Plants Using Paper Instead Of Soil?

I posed this question last January 5, 2008. Today is January 9, 208 and it's been 4 days after that query was submitted. As of to date, the plants I've grown on paper last December 22, 2007 are still alive and I observe new sprouts. I'm convinced that we can really grow plants using paper instead of soil. The only thing we have to consider are the nutrients, but I suppose I'll try to compensate the deficiency with the application of organic fertilizers. This is an experiment though so expert opinions are very much welcome.

A long time ago I had an old friend that used newspaper to plant seeds in. He would gather up all the paper he could and pile it really thick, when it began to rot he would take his tiller and grind up all the paper rot and then he would plant tomato's. I was small then but I do remember this and it worked for me. I guess he fertilized them also.

Yes. Paper can be a good substitute for soil. Paper also absorbs water so there's not much worry if you forget to water your plants for a week. Using paper is also recycling and if you observe it, there are no insects or pests that infest your plant which are normally found in soil. The disadvantage there is you have to apply good fertilizer. When you plant on paper you can feel the difference in weight...paper is lighter than soil and when it happens you drop your pot, paper isn't that messy to clean up as in a spilled pot of plant with soil. Good luck to your creation.