Nutrients and Fertilizers


Application of nutrients in a hydroponic system 


In a Hydroponics system nutrients and the application of it is of vital importance. In normal growing conditions the plant can extract nutrient from soil. Thus, the absence of soil means that you are responsible to ensure that all the necessary nutrients is given to the plant.
These nutrients or fertilizers must be soluble in water, to ensure that you can circle it through your hydroponic system. The plant can then extract these nutrients from the water. This system allows you to control the concentration of each nutrient that your plants receive and gives you more control.
A plant typically needs macro- and micronutrients. Macro nutrients are needed in larger concentrations.

Macro Nutrients:

·         Carbon (C)
·         Hydrogen (H) – available from water
·         Oxygen (O) – available from water
source: The best hydroponic systems 
·         Nitrogen
·         Potassium
·         Phosphorous
·         Calcium
·         Sulphur
·         Magnesium

Micro Nutrients:

·         Iron (Fe)
·         Manganese (Mn)
·         Copper (Cu)
·         Zink (Zn)
·         Molybdenum (Mo)
·         Boron (B)
·         Chlorine (Cl)
·         Nickel (Ni)

You can buy premixed nutrients with the optimum concentrations. An important consideration when choosing such a premix is to take into consideration that these mixes are for a specific growth state, ex. vegetative or reproductive growth. You should use a mixture for vegetative growth, as you want the plants to grow and establish themselves rather than reproduce. 
Also take the temperature of the water into consideration. Roots are usually underground and exposed to certain temperatures. Controlling the water temperature can ensure optimal conditions for your roots and nutrient uptake. This is referred to as the Nutrient solution temperature and is around 20oC to 22oC.

Source: The Plant Guide

How is it possible for a plant to survive without any soil?

Research shows that roots absorb minerals and nutrients from water, rather than the soil itself. The minerals get dissolved in the water and can be take up though the roots and transported to the rest of the plant body. The soil is only there to store these minerals and water in a natural growing system.
A very important factor that should be included into the hydroponic system as well is air. By bubbling air into the water, you supply oxygen as well.

For more information on this topic, watch this video:A beginners guide to hydroponic nutrients


Nutrient application in a hydroponic system has a very high correlation with the management of water and your water system, for more information on that, be sure to read our post on hydroponics and water saving.

Cecile Bester
20899629

Sources: http://www.simplyhydro.com/nutrients.htm
https://www.maximumyield.com/how-to-make-the-perfect-hydroponic-nutrient-solution/2/3239




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