Paul Fowler - Indoor Hydroponics | Nutrient Solutions | | Introduction | In a good growing environment the quantity and quality of growth and yield will primarily depend on how well the nutrient solution is maintained. There are two methods that can be followed for nutrient solution maintenance, one basic, the other more advanced. The maintenance level you choose to adopt will depend on the amount of time, effort and money you are willing to spend.
BASIC.
In order to maintain a basic nutrient solution, all you really need is a basic understanding of pH levels.
Plants will take up nutrients from the solution more easily when the pH is kept within a certain range. Maintaining the pH level within this range, along with regular renewal and checking of the nutrient solution will produce healthy plants with good yields, higher than those grown conventionally in soil.
ADVANCED.
The more advanced approach to nutrient solution maintenance involves measuring the conductivity level of the solution alongside the pH level.
The conductivity level indicates the strength of the nutrient solution, that is, how much food there is in it. This means that you can feed your plants much more accurately.
This method is more time consuming, as you will have to check the nutrient solution more regularly and renew it more often to ensure that both the pH and conductivity levels are maintained at the optimum levels. However, this should produce the highest quality produce with maximum yields.
It should be noted that f the nutrient solution is well maintained, your plants should not experience any difficulties due to deficiencies etc. Good management of the nutrient solution is the key to successful hydroponics. Put simply, the better you manage the nutrient solution the higher and better quality your yield will be. |
SectionsSection 1 - A Basic Nutrient Solution
Maintaining a basic nutrient solution requires only a basic understanding of pH (potential of Hydrogen), as it is this which effects how easily the plant can take in the nutrient solution.
There are two main steps to basic nutrient solution maintenance.
• On a regular basis (ideally weekly) the old nutrient solution needs to be removed and replaced with new nutrient solution.
• Between these feeds the tank needs to be kept as topped up as possible and the pH level kept within a certain range.
Click on the links below to find out more information or click here to download the full document PDF (5.5MB)
PH.
Measuring pH.
Correcting the pH level.
Making up a basic nutrient solution.
Maintaining a basic nutrient solution.
Section 2 - An Advanced Nutrient Solution
The more advanced system of nutrient solution maintenance involves measuring both the pH and conductivity of the solution. This means that feeding plants can be much more accurate, as any guess work of the solution strength is avoided.
Maintaining the conductivity level is slightly more involved than pH maintenance as plants have different requirements at each stage of growth.
Click on the links below to find out more information or click here to download the full document PDF (5.5MB)
PH.
Conductivity.
Measuring conductivity.
Conductivity levels of different plants.
Conductivity levels for different stages of growth.
Conductivity levels for different hydroponic systems.
Conductivity levels in soft water areas.
Availability and ratios of nutrients within the nutrient solution.
Making up an advanced nutrient solution.
Maintaining an advanced nutrient solution.
Section 3 - Additional Information
The following information will be useful in understanding the properties of your nutrient solution and how to successfully maintain it.
Click on the links below to find out more information or click here to download the full document PDF (5.5MB)
Lock-out.
Salinity.
Temperature.
Flushing.
Transpiration.
Water quality.
Nutrients.
Extreme rises in pH and/or conductivity levels.
Nutrient concentrates and additives.
Maintenance schedule.
PH and conductivity levels of some specific plants.
Section 4 - Product Information
Hydroponic gardening is a specialist hobby and therefore requires specialist equipment and materials. Most of these products are not available in conventional garden centres.
Click on the links below to find out more information or click here to download the full document PDF (5.5MB)
Nutrient solution concentrates.
Nutrient additives.
Liquid pH test kits.
PH meters.
PH buffers.
PH solutions.
Conductivity meters.
Conductivity standards.
Measuring equipment.
Air diffusers.
Tank heaters.
|
|
| | | Newsletter Sign-up | | If you would like to be sent a newsletter, please put your email address below | | | Privacy Policy |
| Payment & Security | 
We accept most major debit
and credit cards | |  Safe Shopping | 128-bit SSL security.
Your card details will be securely encrypted |
NEW!!
We now except
 |
|
