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Want to know more about how hydroponics work?
Want to know more about how hydroponics work?
You can watch the following videos.
You can watch the following videos.
Nutrient Solution:
Nutrient Solution:
For a plant to grow and thrive, it needs a number of different chemical elements. The most important are: Carbon, Hydrogen and Oxygen - Available from air and water. There are 13 mineral nutrients (Like potassium, calcium, magnesium, etc.), which normally come from the soil. But, in the hydroponics system, these nutrients will be dissolved in water and plants will absorb the nutrients through the roots.
For a plant to grow and thrive, it needs a number of different chemical elements. The most important are: Carbon, Hydrogen and Oxygen - Available from air and water. There are 13 mineral nutrients (Like potassium, calcium, magnesium, etc.), which normally come from the soil. But, in the hydroponics system, these nutrients will be dissolved in water and plants will absorb the nutrients through the roots.
There are two types of nutrients:
There are two types of nutrients:
1. Macronutrients (Absolutely Needed): Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), and Sulfur (S).
1. Macronutrients (Absolutely Needed): Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), and Sulfur (S).
2. Micronutrients (Needed in a very small amount): Boron (B), Copper (Cu), Iron(Fe), Chloride (Cl), Manganese (Mn), Molybdenum (Mo) and Zinc(Zn).
2. Micronutrients (Needed in a very small amount): Boron (B), Copper (Cu), Iron(Fe), Chloride (Cl), Manganese (Mn), Molybdenum (Mo) and Zinc(Zn).
Signs of Nutrient Problems:
Signs of Nutrient Problems:
Figure Source: https://bit.ly/2XzS8tD
Electric Conductance and Nutrient Solution:
Electric Conductance and Nutrient Solution:
Amounts of nutrients present in the water can be guessed by measuring the electrical conductivity (EC) of the water. Nutrients are mostly salts, which break into positive and negative parts when mixed with water. Pure water is a poor conductor of electricity, but when salt is mixed to water, emergence of the positive and negative parts increase the electrical conductivity of the solution. Thus, from EC values, we can guess whether we have mixed correct amount of nutrients (salts) to water or not.
Lower EC value means that the amount of salts (nutrients) is lower than expected. On the other hand, higher EC value means that the amount of salts is more than the optimum level, which may reduce the availability of water to the plants. Also, high level of nutrients can cause toxic effects on the plants.
Lower EC = Less salts = Bad
Higher EC = More salts = Also bad
You can find more information from this link.
Amounts of nutrients present in the water can be guessed by measuring the electrical conductivity (EC) of the water. Nutrients are mostly salts, which break into positive and negative parts when mixed with water. Pure water is a poor conductor of electricity, but when salt is mixed to water, emergence of the positive and negative parts increase the electrical conductivity of the solution. Thus, from EC values, we can guess whether we have mixed correct amount of nutrients (salts) to water or not.
Lower EC value means that the amount of salts (nutrients) is lower than expected. On the other hand, higher EC value means that the amount of salts is more than the optimum level, which may reduce the availability of water to the plants. Also, high level of nutrients can cause toxic effects on the plants.
Lower EC = Less salts = Bad
Higher EC = More salts = Also bad
You can find more information from this link.
Figure: Problem of salinity
Frequently Asked Questions:
Frequently Asked Questions:
Why doesn't over-watering of the plants in hydroponics system harm them?
Why doesn't over-watering of the plants in hydroponics system harm them?
Yes, permanently submerging roots in water is a bad thing for all but aquatic plants. But, it turns out that if you bubble enough air into the water and keep it at the right temperature, roots will thrive. Add some mineral-based nutrients and you have a powerhouse hydroponic growing method!
How much of the plant should be submerged in the hydroponics systems?
How much of the plant should be submerged in the hydroponics systems?
Only bare roots should be submersed, up to the base of the rooted stalk. Do not allow the stem to become submerged.
Are there any specific problems or issues that one should be aware of?
Are there any specific problems or issues that one should be aware of?
Yes, root diseases are one of the major problems that you may face. If you see the roots start to turn dark brown/black. Warm water, high nutrient strengths and dirty growing conditions are the culprits.
Do plants in hydroponics systems grow faster or slower?
Do plants in hydroponics systems grow faster or slower?
A well-hydrated plant typically grows incredibly fast and growers should adapt by shortening vegetative times by around 15-25%.
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