Role of Grow Nutrients in Hydroponics

Hydroponics is the latest technology where plants use nutrient solutions i.e. a mixture of water and fertilizers to grow. In this process, sometimes artificial mediums like rock wool, sand, sawdust, gravel, coir, etc. can be used to provide mechanical support. The liquid hydroponic system does not use any solid medium to support the plant roots. Here, it is the hydroponic grow nutrients that provide required support to the plant roots. The definition of hydroponics is basically confined only to liquid systems.

The Hydroponics nutrients system

In a hydroponic system, the nutrients are one of the basics elements. But to be a part of the hydroponic system, this nutrient needs to be water-soluble. This is the basic criterion for the plant to access it. In hydroponics, the grower has complete control over the type of fertilizer to be used, its concentration and its application. Basically, there are more than 20 different elements required to grow a plant. Hydrogen, oxygen, and carbon are absorbed from the atmosphere around and water.

The different nutrients

The hydroponic grow nutrients that are dissolved in the water to form a nutrient solution should be in the correct ratio. A good hydroponic nutrient solution must contain the elements like Nitrogen (N), Calcium (Ca), Potassium (K), Copper (Cu), Phosphorous (P), Boron (B), Magnesium (Mg), Sulphur (S), Iron (Fe), Zinc (Zn), Molybdenum (Mo), Manganese (Mn) and Chlorine (Cl).

To ensure the correct ratio you should trust a pre-formulated commercial hydroponic nutrient that would ensure vegetative or fruiting and flowering in different crops. If you are a beginner, then you should strictly follow any given instructions and not try to change the ratios.

Be careful with the nutrients used

Before purchasing the nutrients for hydroponic growth you should be well-aware that the composition of the nutrients manufactured to be used in the soil is entirely different from the ones produced to be used in the hydroponics system. The reason behind this is the plants that grow in the soil derive most of the nutrients from the soil which is not possible in the case of the hydroponic system. So, the soil nutrients are not the complete plant food and may not be soluble in water.

Urea, which contains Nitrogen is not soluble in water. Hence, in the case of a plant in hydroponics Nitrogen should be delivered in the form of Nitrate so that the plants can absorb the same.

One vital thing that is mostly overlooked when it comes to hydroponic grow nutrients is the nutrient solution temperature. The plant roots grow normally underground so, in order to replicate that it is very important to keep the root zone temperature around 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit. By chance, if the temperature of the nutrient temp reaches 73 or 74 degrees Fahrenheit, the plants will die. Some of the other problems that you can face are the flowers would turn yellow and fall off, the fruits might get damaged and there would be no new growth.

Hence, you should buy the hydroponic grow nutrients from any of the trusted physical stores or a reputed online store.