Hydroponics Nutrients

In a traditionally grown plant, It gets its nutrients from the soil. The soil holds nutrients that are leached from rocks and minerals in the soil, as well as minerals from animal waste, and decomposed plant and animal matter. These minerals are then transferred into water in the soil, and the water is absorbed by the plant roots. For hydroponics this concept is the same, only the execution is different. Rather than soil holding nutrient-rich moisture, a Nutrient-rich solution is applied to the roots either directly, or by means of a growing medium.

A drawback to this type of system is that there is no buffer to the plants, so if there is something wrong with the nutrient solution, the plants will be affected. Also in a system where no growing medium is used, if the nutrient solution is interrupted (power outage, pump failure, clogged lines etc) the roots of the plant can dry out very quickly causing damage to the plant.

In the last few decades different nutrient solutions for different types of plants have been developed. Some focus on the needs of a specific type of plant, while others are a more general purpose solution. A gardener can purchase minerals separately and mix their own hydroponic fertilizer. Unfortunately, the fertilizers that make up a hydroponic formula aren’t sold as pure nitrogen or pure potassium, so it gets more complex. They are sold as chemical compounds, such as calcium nitrate, potassium nitrate, magnesium sulfate, potassium sulfate and mono potassium phosphate.

Since there are many dependable pre-mix hydroponic formulas available, it is generally more efficient and more economical to use a proven formula that contains all of the above mentioned nutrients in the correct quantities for plant growth. one that you simply add to water.

Some hydroponics systems use what is known as “Aquaculture” where a fish tank is attached to the hydroponics system. The fish are fed normally, and the water from the fish tank circulates through the hydroponics system, where the fish waste is absorbed by the plants and used for food, and at the same time cleaning the water making it suitable for the fish.

Whether you are using a pre-mixed formula or creating your own it is important to follow these guidelines:

1. Weigh or measure the nutrients carefully.
2. Place the nutrients in separate piles or containers to be sure the proportions make sense.
3. Be sure no components are left out or measured twice.
4. Accuracy should be within 5 percent.
5. When you are sure the proportions are correct, pour your nutrients into the water in the mixing containers
and stir vigorously. Nutrients will dissolve best in warm water.
6. Measure the nutrient concentration level and record it.