Hydroponics involves gardening without the use of soil. The name was derived from the Greek words 'hydro' meaning water and 'ponics' meaning labour. The main advantage to hydroponics is the increased growth rate and of plants compared to soil plants. Naturally, ease of access to oxygen makes this possible; however, hydroponic nutrients are also essential, as water does not contain all the nutrients the plants need for growth.
Here are some of the hydroponic nutrients required to ensure that your hydroponic garden flourishes.
Nitrogen
This is essential for new cell growth in the plant once converted to proteins. It enables the growth of the plant.
Phosphorous
Phosphorus enables photosynthesis and is a catalyst that impels energy transfer. The plants have stronger roots when these hydroponic plant nutrients are used.
Potassium
This is essential in starch and sugar manufacture in plants and is necessary for all stages of a plant's growth. It also enables fruit production.
Magnesium
Magnesium helps in light energy absorption and aids the utilisation of nutrients by the plant via neutralising toxic compounds and acid hat the plant may produce.
Calcium
These hydroponic plant nutrients aid in growth and cell manufacture. Gardeners who use Rockwool growth medium use calcium to control excess nutrients. Fundamentally, in hydroponic gardening, calcium will concentrate on older growth and roots.
Sulphur
A major component of plant proteins, it aids chlorophyll supply and root growth in hydroponic gardening. It is distributed evenly and found in high amounts in the leaves; it affects the odour and flavour in plants.
Iron
This hydroponic nutrient promotes chlorophyll production and is necessary for photosynthesis. Lack of iron turns the leaves white or pale yellow. It moves slowly up the plant, as its absorption is rather difficult. However, it is necessary for the overall growth of hydroponic gardening in plants.
Manganese
These hydroponic nutrients work with enzymes to reduce the nitrates produced by nitrogen prior to producing proteins.
Zinc
For adequate plant growth, this nutrient is essential in small amounts to prevent stunting. A large amount of zinc in your hydroponic growth medium is toxic and may lead to the death of your plants.
Copper
Copper works as a catalyst for enzymes in the plant in addition to working as a fungicide and helping fight disease and insects in your hydroponic plants.
The hydroponic plant nutrients listed above are essential for your hydroponic gardening success. Nonetheless, you need to know what growth medium you use for your hydroponic garden before considering the nutrients. Each nutrient is essential, as it is not normally present in the growth medium you use. Once well utilised, you can be sure that you are no longer a novice at hydroponic gardening and will produce great crops.
