Prevent Nutrient Problems In Your Hydroponic Garden

Prevent nutrient problems in your hydroponic garden? There is nothing worse for a hydroponic gardener than to see yellowing, curled edges and burned tips on your leaves. Each is a sign that your plants are not getting the correct amount of nutrients. Even when you have a properly balanced nutrient solution there are other factors that can prevent proper nutrient uptake.

Luckily there are a few really important steps that you can take to ensure that your plants dont suffer from a nutrient deficiency.

Check pH Levels There are a lot of reasons why a nutrient solution might tend to drift beyond an otherwise ideal range of about 5.6. Sometimes if the solution is left without being monitored for too long it can begin to become too dense in raw, unused nutrients. At other times, it can swing towards being too acid or too alkaline when you when you add fresh or different hydroponic nutrients or sometimes when you transfer your plants to a different medium.

Because pH levels can change very quickly it really is important to check them every day. Some growers check them several times every day. The longer your pH is out of range the more change there is that your plants will suffer a deficiency. Use a quality pH adjustment product that is designed for hydroponic use when you make any adjustments. Be careful not to over compensate.

Temperature Levels Are Important Always keep your nutrient solution in the cool to temperate range. Somewhere between sixty six and seventy one degrees Fahrenheit. To far above or below can result in bacterial infections. If your floor is concrete or very cold then avoid placing your reservoir directly on the floor. Also avoid placing plant pots directly onto a cold floor.

Watch Out For Phosphorus Overload - Although phosphorus is one of the most essential nutrients in the nutrient solution it is very easy to have your plants suffering from excess amounts. Too much phosphorus can cause a deficiency in other nutrients such as iron. Correct ratios of phosphorus and potassium are important so try to stay away from products where the levels are P13 K14 because the phosphorus levels are too high in relation to the potassium levels. This can create the type of phosphorus build up that is very detrimental to your plants.

Humates Fulvic and Humic acid are a great way to make sure your plants have every chance of absorbing the nutrients you make available to them. Fulvic and Humic acids are naturally occurring organic materials which chelate nutrients into being bio-available to your plants.

So in general, the key to avoiding deficiencies with nutrients is to take accurate measurements on a consistent and frequent basis. Measure the conductivity (EC) of your nutrient solution, the pH levels and the temperatures. By doing this at least once a day youll have time to react to any changes before your plants suffer damage.