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Think Ahead, Stay Ahead... Unfortunately, even in a
controlled environment there can still be a problem with deficiencies.
Fortunately, there are ways to overcome these deficiencies with the proper use
of certain products. Below are a few things you can do to help prevent
deficiencies. For more tips and ideas, please contact us and one of our
knowledgeable staff members will be able to help you.
Nutrients, on the other hand, can get a little tricky,
especially if you're trying to mimic the natural nutrient intake that a plant
gets in a hydroponic system. Hydroponics vegetable gardening nutrients are
amongst the hardest parts of a system to choose, because they need to be
"optimized" for the particular plants that you're growing.
One of the best ways to prevent problems before they happen
is to talk to knowledgeable people that understand hydroponics. We can explain
all of the do's and don'ts before you start, thus giving your plants a better
chance to succeed and prevent any unnecessary problems.
** Monitor pH Levels: There are lots of things that can cause
a hydroponic nutrient solution to drift outside of the ideal range of about 5.5
- 6.5. Usually, if a nutrient solution is left unmonitored for too long, it can
start drifting outside of this range because of bacterial populations. Aerated
water at good temperatures (71 degrees or below) will increase in aerobic
bacteria, and pH goes up. Even though the pH needs to be adjusted, aerobic
bacteria are good for plants. If water temperatures get too warm, anaerobic
bacteria will cause pH to drop. Anaerobic bacteria are the microbes that cause
root rot.
Since pH levels can change very rapidly, it is important to
check your pH level daily. The longer your nutrient solution spends outside of
this ideal range, the greater the chance that your flowers or vegetables will
suffer a plant deficiency. Use a pharmaceutical grade pH adjustment product
designed specifically for hydroponics to make the necessary adjustments.
** Keep Temperature Levels Stable: Your nutrient solution
should be fairly cool to temperate, somewhere in the range of sixty six to
seventy one degrees Fahrenheit. You should be particularly aware of this if you
happen to live in an unusually warm or cold part of the world. If you feel it
is necessary to prevent plant deficiency, take extra steps to insulate your
grow room against outside elements. You should also try placing your reservoir
directly on the floor, as the floor can be very cool, which can keep the
reservoir cool in a warm grow room.
** Use Supplements: The most common deficiencies can be cured
by adding a Calcium Magnesium supplement and an organic micronutrient
supplement such as seaweed extract.
There are several additional products that can increase the
availability of nutrients for your plants. Beneficial Bacteria are extremely
important to keep roots healthy and clean. Beneficial Fungus will increase root
growth. Enzymes clear out any dead root cells. All three of those biological
additives can assist in breaking down nutrients for easier uptake by the roots
and ensure a large, healthy root zone. Large roots have an easier time
absorbing nutrients.
Humic Acid, Fulvic Acid, and B Vitamins can all increase
plant metabolism and/or nutrient uptake.