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Hydroponics cultivation is considered to be
superior to conventional cultivation because of the
numerous advantages it offers. Both commercial scale
production and small scale crop cultivation using
hydroponics techniques have proved to be
advantageous in many respects. One of the advantages
of hydroponics is its simplicity. However, what is
essentially a fairly simple, straight forward
technique may at times seem complicated, especially
to the newly initiated. This is particularly so
regarding issues such as plant nutrition in
hydroponics. Given the plethora of tonics,
additives, growth enhancers and other concoctions,
that promise accelerated growth, bigger yields and
so on, one of the basic aspects of hydroponics viz.
plant nutrition may seem frustratingly complicated.
It isn’t though.
Nutrient Formulations
All plants, whether they are grown in soil or with
hydroponics require a balance of nitrogen,
phosphorous and potassium (N-P-K) and trace elements
to grow properly. These nutrients are available to
plants in soil in small amounts, but over time they
get depleted and need to be supplied separately to
make up the deficit. In hydroponics, it is all the
more important to ensure that plants get the right
nutrients in the right amounts.
Hydroponics formulations are structured for specific
stages of plant life cycle. A plant's nutritional
requirements vary according to the stages of its
life cycle. When plants are in the vegetative stage,
they require greater amounts of nitrogen, which is
the key element in development of leaves and stems.
Deficiency of nitrogen during the growth period
leads to stunted growth with yellowing of leaves.
This is the most commonly seen deficiency in plants.
During the flowering cycle, the ratio of nitrogen,
the plant requires less nitrogen more phosphorus and
potassium.
Using good quality formulations that contain the
vital elements for plant growth should be the first
consideration in providing for
plant nutrition in
hydroponics.
Keep it Simple
Following a good nutrient regime and keeping it
simple will go a long way to ensure adequate uptake
of all the essential nutrients. It is advisable not
to use too many formulations as it may be very
difficult to trace the exact cause of the problem if
there are many additives and supplements in the
nutrient mix.
Growth Enhancers, Boosters and Fortifiers
Certain commercial products have been developed
that can stimulate faster nutrient uptake and speed
up stem and leaf growth. Many of these products are
best left to the advanced and experienced growers.
Novice hydroponics enthusiasts should approach such
products like
growth boosters
with caution. Also,
there are several products available in the market
that claim to work as bloom fortifiers. These
formulations act to stimulate flowering and increase
essential oils in plants. While selecting a bloom
fortifier, the best thing to do is to select one
with an NPK ratio of 0-50-30. Such fortifiers have
no nitrogen and are rich in Phosphorus and
Potassium. These essential minerals stimulate the
formation of super blooms.
Organic Formulations
Organic gardening has caught on in recent
years and the hydroponics industry has sought to
integrate organic growing practices in hydroponics
cultivation. Several organic formulations have been
successfully developed, tested and marketed. Organic
formulas for use in hydroponics should be soluble,
stand-alone products that leave no sediment in the
container. Make sure the organic formula does not
require shaking prior to use as any sediment is
likely to clog lines and pumps. Also take note that
organic formulations meant for soil cultivated
plants are not suitable for use in hydroponics as
these will clog the pumps and lines resulting in
burning of plants.
Other Considerations
Plants need to have fresh nutrients available
for healthy growth. Ensuring regular reservoir
changes every week is essential. pH and electro
conductivity should be checked while mixing the
nutrient solution. While the electro conductivity
reading will help determine the amount of dissolved
nutrients, the pH reading will help in maintaining
pH values at levels that will enable plants to
absorb the nutrients.
Leaching or rinsing should be carried out one
week prior to harvest. This can be done using
regular tap water through the system to wash out
excess salts that remain in the growing medium.
Keeping a gardening journal will help in avoiding
mistakes and establish pointers to the right course
of action. Making journal entries regularly will, in
course of time, help build up a veritable treasure
trove of valuable information on various aspects of
nutrition, pH, EC etc.
Appendix
Plants require two types of nutrients for
healthy growth- macro-nutrients and micro-nutrients.
Plants use macro-nutrients in large amounts while
micro-nutrients are required in trace amounts.
Following is a list of Macro and Micro- Nutrients
and their functional importance in plant growth:
Macro-nutrients and their role plant growth
• Carbon- Formation of organic compounds
• Oxygen- Release of energy from sugar
• Hydrogen- Water formation
• Nitrogen- Chlorophyll, amino acids, proteins
synthesis
• Phosphorus- Vital for photosynthesis and growth
• Potassium- Enzyme activity, Sugar and starch
formation
• Calcium- Cell growth and division, component of
cell wall
• Magnesium-Component of chlorophyll, enzyme
activation
• Sulfur- Formation of amino acids and proteins
Micro- nutrients and their role in plant growth
• Boron – Vital for reproduction
• Chlorine - Helps root growth
• Copper- Enzyme activation
• Iron- Used in Photosynthesis
• Manganese- Component of chlorophyll, Enzyme
activation
• Sodium- Vital for water movement
• Zinc- Component of enzymes and auxins
• Molybdenum- Nitrogen Fixation
• Nickel- Nitrogen Liberation
• Cobalt- Nitrogen Fixation
• Silicon- Cell wall toughness
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