R O O T S
the soil ’ s ability to hold oxygen , thus providing the plant ’ s root system with all the oxygen it needs to grow and flourish . Second , well-aerated soil will need to be watered more frequently , which gives the indoor horticulturist the opportunity to implement a more aggressive feeding regiment . A good rule of thumb is to mix three to four parts prepackaged soil to one part perlite or other aerating amendment . This ratio will create a fast-draining soil that can hold a high amount of oxygen .
How to Increase Oxygen for the Root System in a Hydroponic System It is crucial in hydroponic systems to focus on the temperature of the nutrient solution and mechanical aeration . The nutrient solution is usually contained in a reservoir , which needs to be mechanically aerated . Submersible pumps or air pumps that inject air into the reservoir are the best ways to replenish dissolved oxygen . Temperature is another crucial factor affecting the dissolved oxygen content of the nutrient solution . The ideal temperature for most hydroponic systems falls in the 65-70 ° F range . As the water temperature creeps above 75 ° F , its ability to hold oxygen diminishes . This is why water chillers are an essential piece of hardware for any hydroponic system where the roots are fully submersed . In other hydroponic systems , the plant ’ s root system will be contained within some sort of inert medium . There are many different hydroponic specific media available and they all have one thing in common : the ability to hold a good amount of oxygen .
NUTRIENTS
Aside from increasing the amount of oxygen provided to a plant ’ s root system , a grower can pay attention to the nutrients that will play a role in root health . A good blooming fertilizer will usually contain the nutrients needed for healthy root growth . Phosphorus and potassium are the two
main nutrients associated with root growth . Many horticulturists like to use a blooming base fertilizer in the clone and early growth stages . A blooming base fertilizer is likely to contain a higher ratio of phosphorus and potassium to nitrogen than a vegetative base fertilizer . Phosphorus and potassium encourage plants to put out new root shoots and help to strengthen existing roots as they continue to develop . A diluted bloom fertilizer ( one-quarter normal strength ) makes a great nutrient solution for aerobic clone machines or for conditioning stone wool or other clone media .
ROOT STIMULATORS ( HORMONES )
Plant hormones , known as auxins , can also be used to stimulate root growth . A couple of hormones commonly found in rooting gels are indole butyric acid and naphthylacetic acid . These two hormones are considered root stimulators . Although some growers will use these hormones to stimulate root growth in early vegetative stages , I have only used them to stimulate new roots on cuttings . Auxins are known to promote lateral root development so they are more suitable for cuttings versus seeds .
BENEFICIAL MICROORGANISMS
There is a vast invisible world living in and around the root system of virtually every plant on the planet . This microscopic world is made up of millions of bacteria and fungi that have evolved to have synergistic relationships with plants . Beneficial microorganisms are associated with root enhancement and overall plant growth
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