Hydroculture/Nutrition

Following pertains to plant minerals and pH levels. Dilute 1 tablespoon of fertilizer in a gallon container with water at a time before adding to system. (Adding too little is safer than adding too much). For non-hydroponic fertilizers use 1/10 of the dosing on the label, with the amount of water in the container in mind. The hoagland solution provides a basic reference point. (Please do more research on this).

Essential elements

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Calcium, carbon, hydrogen, magnesium, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, potassium, and sulfur are essential macro-elements. Oxygen, hydrogen, and carbon are obtained from water and air.[1]

Nitrogen, phosphorus and sulfur can be fixed by certain endophyte bacteria.

Boron, chlorine, copper, iron, magnesium, molybdenum, zinc and possibly nickel are essential micro-nutrients.[1]

Hard tap water contains many plant nutrients.[1]

Nonessential minerals

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There are other minerals used or taken up by plants, but they are not considered essential.[1] Some nonessential minerals are contaminants to plant or human health.[1]

Sodium bicarbonate helps buffer pH levels, and fortunately some may already be present in tap water.[1]

Testing

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Measuring the conductivity of the water (using a multimeter) is a way of analyzing the total dissolved solids. This indicates whether the water solution is within range, but this method doesn't test for nutrient imbalances. Test paper, or a pH and nutrient meter is required for more testing.[1]

Formulations

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  • 1 ppm=1 mg/l [1]

The weight ratio of an essential element within a nutrient compound needs to be found, and the atomic weight of these elements and a chart is helpful to solve this.[1]

Hoagland solution

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w:Hoagland solution

Advisories

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Do not add mineral tablets (except calcium?) not made for fertilizer purposes to the nutrient solution. The nutrient solution should be clear when the system is set up.

References

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  1. a b c d e f g h i Resh, Howard (1998). Hydroponics: Questions and Answers for successful growing. Mahwah, New Jersey: New Concept Press. ISBN 0-931231-96-5.