Can plants survive without soil

Answer 1

Most plants can only survive for very short periods without soil - although this is determined by the type of plant. Without soil for protection the roots would dry very quickly and die; even a short period out of the soil is enough to damage the root system.

If the plant was removed (carefully) from the soil and placed on the ground with some soil covering the roots it could survive for a brief period.

Some species, mainly deciduous can be removed from the soil while they are dormant, this is a common practice with some species (like certain fruit), where they are removed, sold and transported "bare rooted".

The other obvious issues are hydroponics and aeroponics; these are two artificial systems where the flow of water (or the nutrient solution) is constantly cycled or sprayed over the roots providing the oxygen and nutrients required.