It's All About The Nutrients... Following a good nutrient regime and keeping it simple will go a long way to ensure adequate uptake of all the essential nutrients. It is advisable not to use too many formulations, as it may be very difficult to trace the exact cause of the problem if there are many additives and supplements in the nutrient mix.
Nutrient Formulations
All
plants, whether they are grown in soil or with hydroponics, require
a balance of nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium (N-P-K), and trace
elements to grow properly. These nutrients are available to
plants in soil in small amounts, but over time they get depleted and
need to be supplied separately to make up the deficit. In
hydroponics, it is all the more important to ensure that plants get
the right nutrients in the right amounts.
Hydroponics formulations are structured for specific stages of a
plants life cycle. A plants nutrients requirements vary according to
the stages of its life cycle. When plants are in the vegetative
stage, they require greater amounts of nitrogen, which is the key
element in development of leaves and stems. Deficiency of nitrogen
during the growth period leads to stunted growth with yellowing of
leaves. This is the most commonly seen deficiency in plants. During
the flowering cycle the plant requires less nitrogen and more
phosphorus and potassium.
Nitrogen
Nitrogen is essential for plant growth. Nitrogen
is a part of every living cell. The two forms of nitrogen which
plants take up are in the ammonia (NH4) and nitrate (N03) ion forms.
Most agronomic crops take up most of their nitrogen in the nitrate
ion form. Plants will utilize N in the (NH4) ion form if present and
available to the plant. Lack of nitrogen and chlorophyll means that
plants cannot utilize sunlight as an energy source to carry on
essential functions such as nutrient uptake. Research has proven
that foliar, or leaf applications of nitrogen, is one form of
application that can supplement a plants nitrogen requirements
during the growing cycle.
» Nitrogen is necessary for chlorophyll
synthesis, and as a part of the chlorophyll molecule, is involved in
photosynthesis.
» Nitrogen is also a component of amino acids.
» Nitrogen is needed for growth of plants.
Phosphorus
Phosphate is a very important
plant nutrient (macro-nutrient) needed for the plant to complete its
normal production cycle. The highest level of P in young
plants is found in tissue at the growing stage. As plants mature
most of the P moves into the flower and then to the seed or fruit.
» Phosphorus is needed for photosynthesis.
» Phosphorus is necessary for plant respiration.
» Phosphorus is essential for energy storage and transfer.
» Phosphorus is needed for cell division.
» Phosphorus is necessary for cell enlargement.
» Phosphorus is essential for several other plant processes.
Potassium
An important function of Potassium is its
influence in efficient water use . Potassium helps in the
process of opening and the closing of plant leaf pores, called the
stomata. Potassium is found in cell walls which surround stomata.
Adequate amounts of Potassium can increase stress conditions on
plants during drought conditions. Potassium is also responsible for
producing quality crops.
» Potassium is essential for protein synthesis.
» Potassium is important in the breakdown of carbohydrates,
providing energy for plants.
» Potassium helps to control ionic balance.
» Potassium is important in the translocation of minerals.
» Potassium helps plants to overcome effects of disease.
» Potassium is essential in the fruit formation stage.
» Potassium helps improve shelf life of fruits and vegetables.
» Potassium helps improve shelf life of fruits and vegetables.
» Potassium is involved in the activation of more than 60 enzymes
which regulate the rates of major plant growth reactions.