Many amateur hydroponic growers, especially beginners, might have faced some problem-causing symptoms like yellowing of leaves, burnt edges and curled leaves in their plants. You always keep wondering why is it happening and by the time you realize the real cause, it's too late! The real trouble lies in your hydroponic nutrient quality or quantity that you supply to your plants. Plants are usually prone to nutrient deficiencies especially in homemade hydroponics system built by amateurs. There are chances of over-looking minute but important details like pH level, temperature, and nutrient concentration. Plants are sensitive and in a closed system of hydroponics, a mild fluctuation can disrupt the whole balance of the system.
Myths that if you supply all the micro and macro elements in yourhydroponic nutrients, your plants will never suffer from nutrient deficiency, is quite popular amongst beginners. However, professionals are familiar with the fact that deficiencies can hit your plants anytime and can even reoccur. Something might go wrong in the plant's mechanism or factors that influence nutrient uptake.
From your side as a responsible grower you can check the plant for nutrient deficiencies in your hydroponic garden. Here are a few factors which you need to pay attention to:
pH is a vital factor for plant's survival. Make sure you do a thorough pH check of your nutrient reservoir every day. Plants generally grow at well at a pH 5.6. If the hydroponic nutrient solution gets too acidic or basic then plants will suffer from nutrient deficiency.
Maintain the temperature of your nutrient solution between 60-70 degree F. Extreme high temperatures can burn your plant leaves and severe chilling temperatures can lead to cold shocks that will hamper nutrient uptake from the roots. Keep your grow lights at a distance from the plants to avoid burning. Lift the grow beds from the floor during winters.
Phosphorus, iron and other trace elements should be present in your hydroponic nutrient solution. Remember these are to be added to the nutrient solution. This will prevent most of the plant deficiencies.
Use of fulvic acid and humic acid will definitely increase the nutrient uptake by plants by chelating with other hydroponic nutrients. This increases the root efficiency. It ultimately leads to healthier plants when you have healthy plant roots.
With all these tips, you can definitely monitor most of the plant deficiencies and help your plants thrive in a healthy environment.
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