Organic nutrients for hydroponics
Organic nutrients for hydroponics are probably what you are looking into if you want your crops to be fully organic. Although it has its challenges in hydroponic systems, we are here to explore the topic, covering the following aspects:
- Organic nutrients for hydroponics – what are they?
- Organic nutrients for hydroponics – benefits and challenges
- Organic nutrients for hydroponics – professional advice
Organic nutrients for hydroponics – what are they?
Organic nutrients for hydroponics are a fairly controversial topic among growers. Before we dive into the nits and grits of the topic, firstly let´s discuss the basics. There are two main types of nutrient solutions – mineral and organic ones. Both contain naturally occurring chemical elements that any plant needs to grow and flourish. There are three main macronutrients that all plants need in substantial amounts: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). All of the following micronutrients are needed, too: calcium, magnesium, sulphur, boron, chlorine, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, and zinc. A good nutrient solution, both organic and mineral, will be a well-balanced mix of those elements. The difference between the two is the source and the process of extraction of those nutrients. In the case of mineral nutrient solutions, the elements are extracted from natural sources using chemical processes. On the other hand, organic nutrients for hydroponics come directly from animal or plant products.
Organic nutrients for hydroponics – benefits and challenges
Using organic nutrients for hydroponics has its indisputable advantages, but there is a handful of challenges to face down this path, too. It has been proven that organically grown plants have lower nitrate levels as well as less toxic residues. It is also worth noting that beneficial microbes introduced with organic nutrients induce resistance against air-borne diseases. However, using organic nutrients for hydroponics proves to be challenging. Organic nutrients are more complex than pure, chemically extracted mineral nutrients, and in traditional farming, the soil microorganisms help to decompose them first before they can be consumed by the plants. In hydroponics, where the roots are placed directly into the water or an inert medium, this process cannot happen in the same way. Furthermore, organic hydroponic growing systems are more prone to significant pH fluctuations, with limited organic products that could balance it out. Some studies show a drop in yields as well as the smaller size of the plants fed with organic nutrient solution. Although the gains of using organic nutrients for hydroponics are of great value, the challenges are significant. Click here to learn more about the topic.
Organic nutrients for hydroponics – professional advice
Organic nutrients for hydroponics can be tricky. Organic hydroponics requires a lot of knowledge, experience, as well as a significant investment. If you feel like it is something you would like to do, try reaching out for professional advice. BAC professionals can answer your questions and help you choose the best products for your system. Click here to contact them. By clicking here you can check their offer of organic nutrients. You can also find their products designed for hydroponics here.
