What is Hydroponics?

Basics

Plant roots appear in three different forms:

1. Supporting roots

    Supporting roots are more pronounced in larger plants, shrubs and trees and the name itself explains the function.

2. Nurturing Roots

    These are responsible for the supply of nutrients and fluid intake. In hydroponic systems, these are more pronounced, which in turn is reflected in faster and stronger growth.

3. Aerial roots

    They serve to absorb moisture from the air. They have developed a special tissue for this purpose, the so-called velamen radicum. Some aerial roots also possess chloroplasts for photosynthesis.

In hydroponics, the roots are alternately supplied with air and a nutrient solution. An adjusted PH value (~PH5.5 - 6.5) and an appropriate water temperature prevent root rot here. Likewise the right dosage and an interval control. In the water, the plants are supplied with exactly the right nutrients and salts that they need for their growth and phase. Only the components of the solution that are actually needed are removed, "overfeeding" is almost impossible if the EC value has been adjusted . This results in stronger root growth which results in faster growth and a stronger plant as a result. The water consumption, compared to normal agricultural technology, is reduced to 20%.

Implementation

The basics already showed that only water, nutrients and air are used in hydroponics.
This is accomplished with submersible pumps, sprinkler or sprinkler systems, air compressors, and aquarium air stones.

Air compressors are used in almost all systems to additionally enrich the nutrient solution with oxygen. Exceptions are Aeroponics, VerticalGrowTowers, Wick System and Kratki-DWC.

Submersible pumps are used in every system except Kratki DWC and wick systems.

Chemistry

Of course, it is not enough to just supply the plants with tap water, you need a small chemical mix for this.
This "chemistry" consists of common salts and essential substances.
These can be purchased ready-made or, with a little diligence, can also be produced naturally. The substances are also contained in many kitchen leftovers.
Egg shells are eg. a perfect supplier of calcium and magnesium. Potassium is found in carrots and banana peels.

Nutrients for hydroponics consist of the following:

The required mixture consists of NPK, secondary nutrients and micronutrients. NPK consists of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) in %). In addition, CalMag (calcium-magnesium), Epson salt,

Secondary nutrients such as calcium Ca, magnesium Mg and sulfur S, and micronutrients such as iron Fe, copper Cu, zinc Zn, manganese Mn, boron B, molybdenum Mo, chlorine Cl, silicon Si.

So far, the tomato master blend 4-18-38 has turned out to be a perfect mixture. In addition to the Epson salt and a PH regulation, you have a simple and effective solution that works perfectly for almost all plants.

A high nitrogen and nitrate content promotes leaf growth, while a high phosphorus content in turn promotes stronger root growth.

Various information can be found in the download area.