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Hydroponics has become the main driver of modern farming because plants are grown without soil. This method uses nutrient enhanced water solution to provide all the necessary nutrients to plants and trees. But the feeding of the plants in hydroponics is one of the most efficient factors that help in the growth and production of the plants. Lack of balance and proper supervision may lead to plants being lacking in one or many Nutrient management in hydroponics and this results to the plant being unhealthy and yielding low.

This guide will outline the handling of nutrient solutions in hydroponics, how to adjust nutrients for plants and problems such as nutrient deficiencies in hydroponics. In this article, whether you are a first time or a regular hydroponic farmer, you will learn about feeding plants in hydroponics and the right nutrient concentration of the plants.

Understanding Hydroponic Nutrient Solutions

Hydroponics is a method of growing plants in nutrient solution with out any soil as the medium for growing the plant. Hydroponic farming care is relatively complex and the one thing that has to be provided is nutrient solution. The solution typically contains essential macro and micronutrients, including:

• Macronutrients: Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium and sulfur.
• Micronutrients: These include, Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Boron (B), Molybdenum (Mo), Copper (Cu) and Zinc (Zn).

These are needed in many functions of plant cells inclusive of the photosynthesis process, root development and growth. A good hydroponic nutrient solution provides these nutrients to the plants at all times and this enhances growth and high yields.

Balanced Nutrients for Plants: The Key to Healthy Growth

Nutrient management is one of the factors that define the yields in hydroponic farming and it is the focus of this paper. It also important to note that plants need different nutrients at the various development stages that they are in. For example, in the vegetative stage, the plant needs more nitrogen with the intention of developing leaves and stems. Whereas during the vegetative growth stage more nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium is required to for the formation of flower buds and fruits.

For a good nutrient balancing for plants, hydroponic farmers have to change the nutrient solution according to the growth of the plant. It will also help avoid instances where nutrient levels are high or low to allow plants get the correct nutrients.

Feeding Plants in Hydroponics: Best Practices

In hydroponics nutrient solutions need to be changed often and the pH and electrical conductivity of water should be checked often. The nutrient in the water is determined by EC and the appropriate nutrient concentration is essential for plant growth. If EC is either high or low, then the nutrient stress, or the failure to assimilate the nutrients is most probable.

Some best practices for feeding plants in hydroponics include:

• Monitor pH Levels: Nutrient uptake is however not independent of the pH of the nutrient solution. Most of the hydroponic plants require the plants to be grown at a pH of 5.5 to 6.5.

• Adjust EC Regularly: This work further suggests that EC should be changed with the growth phase of the plant. High EC should be used during the flowering period of the plant while a low EC is appropriate during the growth period of the plant.

• Use Quality Nutrients: The plants should always be supplied with high quality hydroponic nutrient solutions to enable them supply all the required nutrients in the right proportions.

• Hydroponic System Maintenance: It is important to wash the hydroponic system often so that no salt or algae form at the base of the nutrient solution.

Identifying and Addressing Nutrient Deficiency in Hydroponics

Nutrient deficiency is one of the most common problems that occur in hydroponics. As the plants depend solely on the nutrient solution for their nutrients, any irregularity or lack of any nutrient causes poor growth, discolouration or even death of the plant. Symptoms of nutrient deficiency include:

• Yellowing leaves: An indication of nitrogen or iron deficiency.
• Leaf curling or browning: Can suggest that the body is low in potassium or calcium.
• Stunted growth: This is mostly due to a deficiency of phosphorus or magnesium.

To overcome the nutrient deficiencies in hydroponics it is mandatory to adjust the nutrient solution concentration and the pH and EC values and then alter them if necessary. Furthermore, the right quantity of each nutrient will be applied on a plant depending with the plant’s requirement so that the plant will not be weak and hungry for the nutrients.

Hydroponic Farming Care: Tips for Optimal Nutrient Management

Hydroponic farming care entails that growers pay close attention to the nutrients that are being used in the growing process. Here are some tips for maintaining optimal nutrient levels and promoting healthy plant growth:

• Keep a Nutrient Schedule: The nutrient solution should be checked and altered on a fixed regimen. This means that your plants are always in the right nutrient composition at every stage of development.

• Use Automated Systems: There are packaged nutrient control systems that can be used to regulate nutrient and PH and this is likely to reduce cases of human interferences that may hinder productivity.

• Test Nutrient Solution Regularly: Purchase a good quality pH and EC meter to measure the nutrient solution at least once a day. This will enable you to correct any nutrient problem before it occurs hence meeting the nutrient needs of the crop.

• Provide Adequate Oxygenation: Hydrogen is a vital nutrient in hydroponics with special emphasis on the growth of the roots. Substrate should be aerated by means of air stones or a good aeration system so that the roots get enough oxygen to help in the absorption of nutrients.

• Rotate Crops and Change Nutrient Solutions: Switch between the crops being grown in the system and change the nutrient solution after some time so as to avoid build up of salts as well as any other hindrances to plant growth.

Conclusion

Hydroponics farming is another method of farming and nutrient management is critical to hydroponic farming. When you know how to prepare hydroponic nutrient solutions, how to balance nutrients for plants, and some of the common problems such as nutrient deficiency in hydroponics, you can optimize for plant growth and success. Hydroponics feeding and hydroponic farming care will help you to get good yields and quality crops in your farm and home.