FEED YOUR PLANTS
This is one reason why using reverse osmosis
water for influent can be such a benefit in areas
where the influent ppm is high. Some charts
will state in the feeding tips area that the ppm
recommendation is based on influent water of
50 ppm. (In this case, 50 is only an example).
There should be recommendations as to where
to attempt to keep the pH level. Keeping your pH
within the guidelines for nearly any feeding chart
is going to be critical. You will need to be able
to measure pH and have a good strategy
as to how to keep the pH within the
appropriate range.
“By controlling the hours of
illumination more accurately, you
can help the plants mature and
produce more quickly.”
Depending on plant type, the concentration of
any formula may need to be different or altered for
various growth phases. Check to see the chart you
use is reflecting the type of plant being grown. For
example, plants that produce edible fruits (squash
or tomatoes) compared those that produce an
edible leaf (spinach or cabbage) should
have different formulas.
Another warning often
included in a feeding chart is:
“Do not pre-mix nutrients”. If you
intend to use two different types of
nutrient formulas, the chart for either one
of these is going to be off because it does not
contemplate the concentrations or quantities of
nutrients being supplied from the other formula. To
add a micronutrient formula to a macronutrient-only
formula would most likely not be problematic, but
mixing two different formulas containing the same
nutrient is most likely going to cause complications.
Charts are intended to be easy to understand and
follow. In the case of recommending how much
nutrient to add to a nutrient reservoir, the factors of pH
and influent TDS must be considered and acted upon.
SIGNS OF TROUBLE
Troubleshooting is often included in charts because
there are signs the plant will give when the nutrient
solution is either too strong or too weak. This is a
very important observation as with each grow so
many things can happen that will affect nutrient
uptake. Inadvertent nutrient mixing errors, over- or
under watering and pH issues are a few reasons.
Watching for signs of trouble can help keep these
things from ruining your crop.
For additional tips on nutrients and understanding feeding
charts, scan the QR code to view
the references for this article.
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Maximum Yield USA | December 2016