Preventive Measures
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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 vegetables
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.
Helpful Steps and Tips
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 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.
Lets Talk
One of the best was to prevent
problems before they happen is to talk to
knowledgeable people the understand hydroponics. We
can explain all of the do's and don'ts before your
you start, thus giving your plants a better chance
to succeed and prevent any unnecessary problems.