FEED YOUR PLANTS
G
ardeners know they need to feed
their plants, not just water them.
What to feed, how much, and how often
are answers that ultimately must come
from the feeding chart for the type of
nutrients they buy. When looking over
the nutrient aisle, there are a vast
number of products to choose from,
and just as varied are the directions
for feeding. Be sure to find the feeding
chart for your nutrient of choice so that
you know what will be involved.
Avoid overfeeding or underfeeding. Each
different type of crop will have different
nutrient requirements based on the genus
and species of plant, plant size, phase of
growth, and a number of important parameters of current growth characteristics.
The better informed the grower is of these
aspects and how they affect nutrient
requirements, the better choice they can
make toward optimal feeding practice.
HOW MUCH NUTRIENT TO ADD
If we were only talking about balanced
and complete nutrient formulas, this
question would be less complex.
Balanced nutrient formulas refer to the
macronutrients and are not common in
the hydroponic field because ‘balanced’
specifies that each of these nutrients
are in equal proportions. Fertilizers
formulated for hydroponics will generally vary the different formulas as the
growth cycle matures. There are actually
many reasons for varying the per cent
of concentration for the many nutrients
required. So, where might we start?
Let’s take a look at a sample chart you might find provided by a manufacturer.
Monitor the pH of your solution and grow media. Maintain a pH of between 6.0 and 6.8 to maximize nutrient uptake and prevent nutrient-lock.
Some plants prefer different pH ranges. Check to see what your crop wants. Watch for signs of plant stress. Do not pre-mix other nutrients.
Rinse periodically to prevent nutrient build-up and the over-fertilization that is likely to accompany this.
Weeks 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
12 12 12 12 12
RINSE
12 12 12
RINSE
RINSE
Light Hrs 18 18 18 18 18
EC
0.2 - 0.4 0.4 - 0.6 2.0 - 2.3 2.2 - 2.5 2.5 - 2.8 2.7 - 3.0 2.0 - 2.2 2.8 - 3.2
2.8 - 3.2 1.8 - 2.1 2.8 - 3.2 0.4 - 0.6 0.2 - 0.5
PPM
140 - 280 280 - 420 1400 - 1610 1540 - 1750 1750 - 1960 1890 - 2100 1400 - 1540 1960 - 2290
1960 - 2290 1260 - 1470 1960 - 2290
280-420 140 - 280
Formula A
0
0
10
15
15
10
0
10
10
0
10
0
0
Formula B
30
30
30
30
15
15
15
15
15
15
15
15
15
Formula C
5
10
20
20
20
10
10
10
10
10
0
0
0
Foliar Feed
0
0
0
10
15
5
10
5
10
5
5
0
0
Formula D
0
0
0
0
0
30
30
20
20
20
10
5
0
Dosages are in milliliters. Feed this amount two times per week. EC or ppm readings based on Influent PPM of 50.
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Maximum Yield USA | December 2016