3 Essential Hydroponic Nutrients and Why they Work so Well
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By Steve Habib
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The hydroponic nutrient solutions are formulated based on the plant’s need. The 3 common formulas are the Grow and Bloom Base, Hydroponics Enrichment, and Hydroponics Fortifiers.
The base nutrients are the most important nutrients. Thus in Grow and Bloom Base, the base nutrients can either be one-part or 2-part formulas depending on the plant’s requirements. In one-part formula, many of the agents cause build up which can lead to clogged tubing in hydroponics.
In 2-part formula, the agents are removed because they are not essential, hence, the nutrients are more readily available for absorption. Also, some nutrient solutions contain dyes or additives, which can be harmful to the plants and if the crops are edible, the use of nutrient solutions with additives is not advised.
In Enrichment formula, the nutrient solutions consist of additives such as fulvic acid, humic acid, and green formula. They also contain clearing solutions and bio stimulants.The fulvic acid additives are instrumental in increasing the nutrient absorption capacity of plants, enriching their growth. The humic acid is regarded as the ‘black nectar from the gods’ because it promotes vigor, root development in agricultural crops in particular, and disease resistance.
The green additives, on the other hand, improve the development of healthy and strong roots especially during cuttings. Likewise, they protect the leaves of young cuttings from yellowing, increasing their survival rate.
To provide for effective water treatment for hydroponic gardening, the clearing solutions can dissolve any accumulated mineral salts in plants, thereby, improving the flavor of vegetables and fruits.
And to cultivate robust plant growth that is more tolerant to environmental changes, the bio stimulants are also added as ingredients in hydroponic nutrient. They can also lower the vulnerability of plants to diseases caused by insect infestation.Experts provide that there are 20 mineral elements essential for plant growth. The carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen are supplied by water and oxygen.
Of the 20 mineral elements, 6 of them are macronutrients and which are the nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sulphur. Plants need these macronutrients in large quantity.The other trace mineral elements are micronutrients including the boron, chloride, copper, iron, manganese, sodium, zinc, molybdenum, and nickel. They are required in trace amounts.
In addition, the beneficial mineral elements are the silicon and cobalt. These 2 trace elements are essential only in some plants. For example, the cobalt is essential in legumes for nitrogen fixation. It may also extend the life of cut roses by inhibiting ethylene formation. Silicon, which is deposited in cell walls can improve heat and drought tolerance and improve resistance against insects and fungal infections.
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Author Bio Box: Steve Habib
Steve Habib is an author and online researcher on the subject of growing and caring for a variety of plants. For a FREE EBOOK that reveals how to avoid problems and disease while growing more of your favorite plants, flowers and veggies – visit today the Plant and Gardening Blog
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