Skip to main content

Posts

Showing posts with the label EC in hydroponics

Guide to Hydroponic Nutrient Solution

In hydroponic systems, without soil, plant growth is dependent on a nutrient solution being able to directly supply all mineral requirements via the water. There needs to be the proper blend of macronutrients—for example, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K)—for overall plant development, flowering, and root establishment. It must also contain secondary nutrients such as calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and sulfur (S), in addition to trace elements including iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and boron (B).  The nutrients have to be dissolved in water in appropriate quantities and properly controlled so that the plants get the best uptake. pH and EC (electrical conductivity) are two parameters of paramount importance that decide the efficacy of a nutrient solution. The optimal pH level for the majority of hydroponic crops is between 5.5 and 6.5, which provides maximum availability of nutrients.  EC, expressed in mS/cm, is a measure of dissolved salts co...