Hydroponics- Your Answer for Top Plant Growth

In hydroponics, there are thirteen mineral nutrients that have to be there for the plants to be able to grow and thrive as they are meant to. Some elements that are needed in huge amounts are macro-elements like potassium, nitrogen, calcium, magnesium, sulfur and phosphor.

Micro nutrients are also needed for successful hydroponics growth and these are things like chlorine, boron, zinc, copper, iron, and manganese. Each of these nutrients must b there in the solution of nutrients, and also in the right quantities to see the ultimate growth rates and crop yields.

Without the proper concentrations of every nutrient, the other nutrients that are in the solution will not be able to make up for the ones that are missing, leading to plant decay and often, death. Other times, it can just cause the plants to not produce as much as they could, or be lacking in specific nutrition.

Magnesium and calcium are almost always found in the water used for the nutrient solution, and is usually enough for plant growth, particularly if the water comes from a well. However, if you test the water and see that the concentration is too high, then the water will need to be treated prior to use.

Sulfur is usually found in many different water types, and most plants that are grown using hydroponics can handle quite a bit of sulfur without ill effects. In some cases, too much sulfur in the source water could cause undesired results or inhibit the uptake of nitrogen.

Some micro nutrients can be supplied via sulfuric form for hydroponics, but these nutrients are greatly reduced in a ph that is higher than 6.5. You can get a vaster array of these forms when using the chelated type, allowing you a wider ph range to work with. EDTA has been thought by some to actually harm plants, so many growers avoid its use altogether.

You can use boric acid or solubor to get the boron your plants require. While boron does have some sodium, it is usually not an issue, since the amounts do not harm the hydroponics solution, or adversely effect plant growth and development.

When you have everything you need for hydroponics, doors will begin to open that will allow you to grow whatever you want at anytime of the year. No more worrying about what pesticides or chemicals are present on the foods you eat. You control the hydroponics process, so you get control over all of the aspects.