All living things need space in which to live, grow and reproduce and plants are no exception to this rule. But unlike other living things that can move from place to place to make the best use of other available essentials like water, air and light, plants have to get these from the limited space in which they grow. Plants are therefore more vulnerable to deprivation of essentials if they are not provided enough living space. Therefore it is important in hydroponics cultivation as in conventional cultivation to carefully assess the space your plants will need and plan ahead keeping in mind their increasing space requirements as they grow.
Spacing of plants is an important aspect that needs to be carefully considered and properly addressed for successful hydroponics cultivation. In the event of plants being grown too close to one another, they will most likely receive less than the required amount of light. Depending on how close they are grown they may even receive less air than they require for normal growth.
Space Requirements
When the plants are just seedlings or cuttings they can be grown in close proximity, but as they grow their space requirements will increase and they will need to be moved or thinned out. In farms and gardens, this is achieved by “culling” the smaller or weaker plants thus making space for the stronger and more aggressive plants to thrive in. With more “living space” now available for the remaining plants, they can more intensively utilize the available area for healthy growth. More area for growth means more air flow to prevent mildew and more light for photosynthesis.
Benefits of Spacing
A number of studies conducted in India on flower yielding plants grown for essential oils such as Rosa Damascena have demonstrably established the growth enhancing benefits of spacing, pruning and growth hormones. The results of these tests conducted in the 1980s have shown that pruning and spacing can substantially boost flower yield; 18% to 37% increase was recorded in the experiments. It was also observed that plants treated with a low dose (50ppm) with some type of hormone solution containing auxins or cytokinins
also responded with higher total yields.
This study has demonstrated that yields can be increased with proper spacing and use of some type of growth promoter. But how much space should be allowed between plants for the best results? The rule of thumb is that for plants less than three feet tall, each plant should be minimum 18 inches apart and a maximum of 30 inches apart. For anything more than this amount of space, the law of diminishing returns sets in.
Tips for Starting out Plants
The following are some tips for preparing and planting your crop:
1. Plant cuttings right away on arrival. Plan ahead; don’t wait for the cuttings to arrive and then prepare for transplanting. You will waste valuable time getting things into place; meanwhile the plants and the cuttings will begin to loose vigor and wilt. Keep your soil, growing media, etc. ready at hand.
2. Smokers would do well to thoroughly wash their hands or use latex gloves.
3. Make sure your plants are adequately spaced. Plants grown too close to one another are weaker and more likely to fall prey to a host of diseases besides being less resistant to pests. Weaker plants are slower to grow and reach maturity; they yield less fruit or flowers.
4. Cuttings should be exposed to weak or diffused light before being introduced to full HID lighting. The lights should also be positioned not less than 3-4 feet above the new plants or seedlings.
5. Begin on a regular feed program at the earliest and keep to the manufacturer’s recommended level for new cuttings. Formulas used should contain the nitrogen (N) as the nitrate form of nitrogen and not urea or ammonia.
6. Night temperatures should ideally be maintained between 68 deg F (20 deg. F) to 80 deg F during the day. Extremes of temperature cause much harm to plants especially at the starting phase.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Water Quality Considerations in Hydroponics
Water quality is an important determinative factor in hydroponics cultivation. Water is the basic ‘carrier’ in hydroponics as it dissolves and transports nutrients for plants. However, water also dissolves a lot of impurities that can be harmful to plants. These impurities cannot be easily detected visually, and it is all too easy to be misled into making wrong assumptions about the purity of water from the clarity of a sample.
Fortunately, solutions to water quality problems, in the majority of cases, are simple and do not involve complicated methods and techniques. Even small growers can use some simple and proven techniques to effectively solve their water quality problems. The types of water quality problems that growers will likely face depends on the water source from which they draw water for their hydroponics garden.
Poor water quality can lead to a number of plant growth problems including stunted growth, mineral toxicity or deficiency symptoms, build up of unwanted elements in plant tissue, bacterial contamination, etc. Though causes of poor water quality are numerous and varied some of the more frequently encountered of these are
1. Chlorination
Chlorination is the most extensively adopted measure to control bacterial contamination of water supplies in cities, towns and other urban centers. In hydroponics cultivation, the use of chlorine by growers to kill pathogens in their water has caused problems in a number of instances. It was found that this happened due high levels of active chlorine in the water used to make nutrient solution. Chlorinated water sources need to be aerated in a ‘holding tank’ for 48-72 hours (depending on the initial concentration), with good ventilation during which time the active chlorine levels fall to below 1ppm, a safe level for the plant’s root systems. Chlorine in nutrient solution water is known to cause damage to several crops especially to sensitive crops such as lettuce, salad greens, strawberries and others.
2. Unwanted minerals
Water being an excellent solvent dissolves a large number of substances including minerals. While some of these are beneficial, others like sodium, for instance, are quite harmful. Plants do not require sodium and sodium chloride if present in water can cause problems even in small quantities. Sodium can be very harmful especially in re-circulating systems. Plants differ widely in their sensitivity to sodium; some plants like tomatoes can tolerate much higher levels of sodium than other plants such as lettuce. Sodium needs to be kept below 80 ppm for healthy growth of most plants, but below 30 ppm for plants such as lettuce.
Magnesium, calcium, potassium, sulfur, nitrates and trace elements such as boron, copper, manganese and zinc may be present in water from various water sources. This can be taken care of in most cases by suitably adjusting the nutrient formulas to factor in the presence of these elements thus preventing accumulation and toxicities in the water supply. The presence of trace elements can be more troublesome and may require demineralization and dilution of the water source with pure water supply when using in nutrient solutions.
3. Microbial or pathogen contamination
Water from sources such as wells, ponds streams etc. often contains organisms that should be removed before the water can be used in nutrient formulations. The most common of these ‘pathogens’ is Pythium, which can attack plants when present in sufficient spore concentration. Growers have successfully used chlorination as a line of defense against these pathogens, but it requires that the chlorinated water be held for a few days to allow to the concentration of chlorine to drop to levels tolerable to plants. Hydrogen Peroxide can also be used to kill pathogens such as Fusarium wilt and Pythium in water and nutrient solutions.
4. Iron and Iron bacteria
Iron in the form of iron hydroxide is usually present in water from ground water sources near areas with deposits of iron sand or iron ores. The iron hydroxide in water, though not directly harmful to plants presents a number of problems due to the blockages it causes in various components of the system. These blockages if not removed, from an ideal medium for growth of iron bacteria, which consume a variety of elements that are provided for plant growth in hydroponics systems. Iron hydroxide removal methods include aeration and settling or flocculation with different agents. Iron bacteria can be removed by sterilization of the water or nutrient solution.
5. Hard water sources
Water is termed ‘hard’ when it contains substantial amounts dissolved calcium bicarbonate and other elements. When in contact with pipes and equipment the calcium bicarbonate changes to insoluble calcium carbonate also known as lime scale. Hard water forms scale in irrigation pipes, heating elements and pumps causing severe blockages. Computerized water conditioner units similar to the ones used in domestic water supplies can be used to eliminate scaling problems in hydroponics systems.
6. Herbicides
Cases of herbicide contamination of ground water sources and even municipal water supplies are not unknown. Herbicide contamination manifests as damage to sensitive crops such as tomatoes. Activated carbon filtration can help reduce damage but care must be taken to replace the carbon often enough to enable it to retain its efficiency.
Summary
Pure, clean water is essential for healthy plant growth and growers can give the best start to their plants by investing some time and effort in ensuring water quality. Water quality problems are often easy to solve provided they are properly identified. The best approach is to be proactive about water quality as assumptions based on water clarity, absence of visible contamination etc. may be quite misleading.
Fortunately, solutions to water quality problems, in the majority of cases, are simple and do not involve complicated methods and techniques. Even small growers can use some simple and proven techniques to effectively solve their water quality problems. The types of water quality problems that growers will likely face depends on the water source from which they draw water for their hydroponics garden.
Poor water quality can lead to a number of plant growth problems including stunted growth, mineral toxicity or deficiency symptoms, build up of unwanted elements in plant tissue, bacterial contamination, etc. Though causes of poor water quality are numerous and varied some of the more frequently encountered of these are
1. Chlorination
Chlorination is the most extensively adopted measure to control bacterial contamination of water supplies in cities, towns and other urban centers. In hydroponics cultivation, the use of chlorine by growers to kill pathogens in their water has caused problems in a number of instances. It was found that this happened due high levels of active chlorine in the water used to make nutrient solution. Chlorinated water sources need to be aerated in a ‘holding tank’ for 48-72 hours (depending on the initial concentration), with good ventilation during which time the active chlorine levels fall to below 1ppm, a safe level for the plant’s root systems. Chlorine in nutrient solution water is known to cause damage to several crops especially to sensitive crops such as lettuce, salad greens, strawberries and others.
2. Unwanted minerals
Water being an excellent solvent dissolves a large number of substances including minerals. While some of these are beneficial, others like sodium, for instance, are quite harmful. Plants do not require sodium and sodium chloride if present in water can cause problems even in small quantities. Sodium can be very harmful especially in re-circulating systems. Plants differ widely in their sensitivity to sodium; some plants like tomatoes can tolerate much higher levels of sodium than other plants such as lettuce. Sodium needs to be kept below 80 ppm for healthy growth of most plants, but below 30 ppm for plants such as lettuce.
Magnesium, calcium, potassium, sulfur, nitrates and trace elements such as boron, copper, manganese and zinc may be present in water from various water sources. This can be taken care of in most cases by suitably adjusting the nutrient formulas to factor in the presence of these elements thus preventing accumulation and toxicities in the water supply. The presence of trace elements can be more troublesome and may require demineralization and dilution of the water source with pure water supply when using in nutrient solutions.
3. Microbial or pathogen contamination
Water from sources such as wells, ponds streams etc. often contains organisms that should be removed before the water can be used in nutrient formulations. The most common of these ‘pathogens’ is Pythium, which can attack plants when present in sufficient spore concentration. Growers have successfully used chlorination as a line of defense against these pathogens, but it requires that the chlorinated water be held for a few days to allow to the concentration of chlorine to drop to levels tolerable to plants. Hydrogen Peroxide can also be used to kill pathogens such as Fusarium wilt and Pythium in water and nutrient solutions.
4. Iron and Iron bacteria
Iron in the form of iron hydroxide is usually present in water from ground water sources near areas with deposits of iron sand or iron ores. The iron hydroxide in water, though not directly harmful to plants presents a number of problems due to the blockages it causes in various components of the system. These blockages if not removed, from an ideal medium for growth of iron bacteria, which consume a variety of elements that are provided for plant growth in hydroponics systems. Iron hydroxide removal methods include aeration and settling or flocculation with different agents. Iron bacteria can be removed by sterilization of the water or nutrient solution.
5. Hard water sources
Water is termed ‘hard’ when it contains substantial amounts dissolved calcium bicarbonate and other elements. When in contact with pipes and equipment the calcium bicarbonate changes to insoluble calcium carbonate also known as lime scale. Hard water forms scale in irrigation pipes, heating elements and pumps causing severe blockages. Computerized water conditioner units similar to the ones used in domestic water supplies can be used to eliminate scaling problems in hydroponics systems.
6. Herbicides
Cases of herbicide contamination of ground water sources and even municipal water supplies are not unknown. Herbicide contamination manifests as damage to sensitive crops such as tomatoes. Activated carbon filtration can help reduce damage but care must be taken to replace the carbon often enough to enable it to retain its efficiency.
Summary
Pure, clean water is essential for healthy plant growth and growers can give the best start to their plants by investing some time and effort in ensuring water quality. Water quality problems are often easy to solve provided they are properly identified. The best approach is to be proactive about water quality as assumptions based on water clarity, absence of visible contamination etc. may be quite misleading.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
The Role & Measures of Nutrients in Plant Growth
Environment plays a very important role in plant growth upto a point. Once optimal environmental levels have been achieved in the hydroponics grow room, however, it is the quality of nutrition that determines crop quality and output. The following background information will be useful in understanding of the role of nutrients in hydroponics cultivation.
Nitrogen
Plants absorb nitrogen from fertilizers in both Nitrate (NO3) and ammonium (NH4) forms. Both ammonium and nitrate forms are available in the standard fertilizer mix supplied. It should be noted however, that ammonium levels should be significantly lower than nitrate levels with a safe level being 10 to 20 times nitrogen available in the Nitrate form vis-à-vis the Ammonium form.
Ammonium is readily available to plants and can build up to toxic levels in plant tissue if it is not assimilated for growth. Besides, the Nitrogen from Ammonium is difficult to leach away once it is in plant tissue. It is therefore important too ensure that ammonium content in the nutrients is carefully regulated.
Over supply of fertilizers with high levels of Ammonium nitrogen manifests as distorted and dark growth starting at the plant’s growing tip. The imbalance may also lead to symptoms of other nutrient deficiencies despite these nutrients being supplied in the correct amounts. This is because of the nutrient imbalance that is created. Higher nitrogen levels are required during vegetative/green growth phases. After proper rooting of cuttings, nitrogen levels can be increased from ¼ strength to full strength over 10 to 14 days. Over application of nitrogen causes delayed flower and fruit development. Nitrogen levels at the time of rooting of cuttings should be around 100 ppm and may be increased to +250 ppm for aggressive growth under optimal conditions. Light conditions can make a difference to the Nitrogen to Potassium ratio, which can be about 1:1 under higher light conditions, while under low light conditions it may be as high as 1:5.
Phosphorus
Plants require the phosphorus content of the nutrient mix to be high during the flowering/fruiting phase of their life cycle. At other times amounts between 15 to 30 ppm are quite adequate for most crops. Over supply of phosphorus will be harmful during these stages as it will lead to imbalances of iron and calcium and even zinc. Iron and zinc have an association with the greenness of plants, phosphorus levels should therefore be increased only with corresponding increases in levels of calcium, iron and zinc. Calcium levels should be maintained at 1.5:1 ratio with phosphorus. Most commercial calcium nutrient formulations include the right proportions of trace elements to cover flowering/fruiting requirements. Phosphorous levels may be increased to 250 ppm during the peak phase maintaining important ratios such as calcium and micro-nutrients.
Potassium
Potassium is required in root development and also for the ripening process of flowers, fruits, and seeds. Potassium levels can be increased during the flowering/fruiting phase to harvest a heavy, colorful and firm produce. High potassium levels in some crops help increase resistance foliar diseases such as powdery mildew.
Under low lighting growth conditions higher potassium to nitrogen ratios in the range of 3:1 helps healthy vegetative growth. Under brighter the same nutrient proportion may be closer to 1:1 to stimulate vigorous green growth. Most plants do well on potassium levels in the range of 100 to +400 ppm.
Calcium
Calcium is an important component of the cell walls of plants and is also plays an important role in the processes of cell division. It requires to be maintained in a ratio to phosphorus and is best applied in greater amounts 1.5X the level of potassium. The calcium magnesium ratio is also important and should be maintained at 3:1. For instance with 150 ppm calcium levels in a nutrient solution, magnesium levels should be maintained at around 50 ppm.
Magnesium
Magnesium is associated with keeping the plant “green” and is a carrier molecule for certain plant processes. Indoor crops will generally benefit from elevated magnesium levels. Reports on the use of elevated levels of Magnesium have been positive with growers harvesting firmer flowers and fruits. Hydroponics calcium formulations often contain additional amounts of magnesium. It should be noted however, that magnesium levels should be maintained around 1:3 ratio to calcium.
Other Nutrients
In addition to the above nutrients, that constitute the main macro-nutrients that plants need to obtain from the nutrient formulations, there are other macro and micro-nutrients that are vital to various plant processes. While plants use macro-nutrients in large or appreciable quantities, the micro-nutrients are required in trace amounts Plants absorb carbon, hydrogen and oxygen from the air and water. The following table lists various nutrients essential for plant nutrition and the different plant processes they serve.
Macronutrients
Carbon--> Organic compounds formation
Oxygen--> Energy release
Hydrogen--> Water formation
Nitrogen--> Chlorophyll, Proteins formation
Phosphorus--> Photosynthesis
Potassium--> Enzyme activity, starch formation, sugar formation
Calcium--> Cell growth, component of cell wall
Magnesium--> Enzyme activation
Sulfur--> Amino acids and proteins formation
Micronutrients
Boron--> Reproduction
Chlorine--> Root growth
Copper--> Enzyme activation
Iron--> Photosynthesis
Manganese--> Enzyme activation
Sodium--> Water movement
Zinc--> Enzymes and auxins component
Molybdenum--> Nitrogen Fixation
Nickel--> Nitrogen Liberation
Cobalt--> Nitrogen Fixation
Silicon--> Cell wall toughnening
Nitrogen
Plants absorb nitrogen from fertilizers in both Nitrate (NO3) and ammonium (NH4) forms. Both ammonium and nitrate forms are available in the standard fertilizer mix supplied. It should be noted however, that ammonium levels should be significantly lower than nitrate levels with a safe level being 10 to 20 times nitrogen available in the Nitrate form vis-à-vis the Ammonium form.
Ammonium is readily available to plants and can build up to toxic levels in plant tissue if it is not assimilated for growth. Besides, the Nitrogen from Ammonium is difficult to leach away once it is in plant tissue. It is therefore important too ensure that ammonium content in the nutrients is carefully regulated.
Over supply of fertilizers with high levels of Ammonium nitrogen manifests as distorted and dark growth starting at the plant’s growing tip. The imbalance may also lead to symptoms of other nutrient deficiencies despite these nutrients being supplied in the correct amounts. This is because of the nutrient imbalance that is created. Higher nitrogen levels are required during vegetative/green growth phases. After proper rooting of cuttings, nitrogen levels can be increased from ¼ strength to full strength over 10 to 14 days. Over application of nitrogen causes delayed flower and fruit development. Nitrogen levels at the time of rooting of cuttings should be around 100 ppm and may be increased to +250 ppm for aggressive growth under optimal conditions. Light conditions can make a difference to the Nitrogen to Potassium ratio, which can be about 1:1 under higher light conditions, while under low light conditions it may be as high as 1:5.
Phosphorus
Plants require the phosphorus content of the nutrient mix to be high during the flowering/fruiting phase of their life cycle. At other times amounts between 15 to 30 ppm are quite adequate for most crops. Over supply of phosphorus will be harmful during these stages as it will lead to imbalances of iron and calcium and even zinc. Iron and zinc have an association with the greenness of plants, phosphorus levels should therefore be increased only with corresponding increases in levels of calcium, iron and zinc. Calcium levels should be maintained at 1.5:1 ratio with phosphorus. Most commercial calcium nutrient formulations include the right proportions of trace elements to cover flowering/fruiting requirements. Phosphorous levels may be increased to 250 ppm during the peak phase maintaining important ratios such as calcium and micro-nutrients.
Potassium
Potassium is required in root development and also for the ripening process of flowers, fruits, and seeds. Potassium levels can be increased during the flowering/fruiting phase to harvest a heavy, colorful and firm produce. High potassium levels in some crops help increase resistance foliar diseases such as powdery mildew.
Under low lighting growth conditions higher potassium to nitrogen ratios in the range of 3:1 helps healthy vegetative growth. Under brighter the same nutrient proportion may be closer to 1:1 to stimulate vigorous green growth. Most plants do well on potassium levels in the range of 100 to +400 ppm.
Calcium
Calcium is an important component of the cell walls of plants and is also plays an important role in the processes of cell division. It requires to be maintained in a ratio to phosphorus and is best applied in greater amounts 1.5X the level of potassium. The calcium magnesium ratio is also important and should be maintained at 3:1. For instance with 150 ppm calcium levels in a nutrient solution, magnesium levels should be maintained at around 50 ppm.
Magnesium
Magnesium is associated with keeping the plant “green” and is a carrier molecule for certain plant processes. Indoor crops will generally benefit from elevated magnesium levels. Reports on the use of elevated levels of Magnesium have been positive with growers harvesting firmer flowers and fruits. Hydroponics calcium formulations often contain additional amounts of magnesium. It should be noted however, that magnesium levels should be maintained around 1:3 ratio to calcium.
Other Nutrients
In addition to the above nutrients, that constitute the main macro-nutrients that plants need to obtain from the nutrient formulations, there are other macro and micro-nutrients that are vital to various plant processes. While plants use macro-nutrients in large or appreciable quantities, the micro-nutrients are required in trace amounts Plants absorb carbon, hydrogen and oxygen from the air and water. The following table lists various nutrients essential for plant nutrition and the different plant processes they serve.
Macronutrients
Carbon--> Organic compounds formation
Oxygen--> Energy release
Hydrogen--> Water formation
Nitrogen--> Chlorophyll, Proteins formation
Phosphorus--> Photosynthesis
Potassium--> Enzyme activity, starch formation, sugar formation
Calcium--> Cell growth, component of cell wall
Magnesium--> Enzyme activation
Sulfur--> Amino acids and proteins formation
Micronutrients
Boron--> Reproduction
Chlorine--> Root growth
Copper--> Enzyme activation
Iron--> Photosynthesis
Manganese--> Enzyme activation
Sodium--> Water movement
Zinc--> Enzymes and auxins component
Molybdenum--> Nitrogen Fixation
Nickel--> Nitrogen Liberation
Cobalt--> Nitrogen Fixation
Silicon--> Cell wall toughnening
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Hydroponics Myths & Reality
Though, hydroponics is now an established method of plant cultivation certain misconceptions about it have worked against its wider acceptance among laypeople as well as gardening enthusiasts. Though associations and bodies representing concerned professionals, enthusiasts etc. have sought to dispel these myths, many of these have persisted through the decades and continue to bedevil the hydroponics industry. With the growth of the Internet and the easy availability of specialized information on the subject, however, one can expect much improvement in public perception of hydroponics. Here is a sampling of the more persistent myths, some amusing, some fanciful, but all of these are grounded basically in ignorance of the subject.
Hydroponics Isn’t Simple, It Requires Special Expertise
It is quite true that once upon a time, hydroponics wasn’t quite as simple as it is now.
This was especially so with regard to nutrient preparations that had to be mixed meticulously to ensure the nutritional requirements of the plants were met. The easy availability of pre-mixed nutrients that require only to be mixed in the right amounts of water has now simplified matters. Growers need only to add water and use grow lights.
You Need to be a Scientist
This one probably originates from the association of hydroponics with tubes, troughs, meters, gauges etc. Additionally since much scientific material is available in the form of lab reports, experiments etc. it creates a false impression of complicated lab procedures etc. Actually you don’t need to be a scientist, nor do you need to have a lab in the house to grow plants indoors, all you need is interest and dedication.
You Don’t Get the Taste, besides its all Water
With the right kind of nutrition that plants get in hydroponics they grow to their fullest genetic potential. They usually grow much faster, mature quicker and give higher yields but they taste just the same as normally grown produce. It is not possible to tell a lettuce grown hydroponically from on grown the normal way only by taste. Taste is basically determined by the nutrient elements plants absorb and as long as they get all the nutrient elements taste is not affected.
You get to eat Mouthfuls of Chemicals
The chemicals that a plant absorbs when grown in soil are not different from the ones that are used in hydroponics. With the rights amounts of chemicals it uses, hydroponics leaves nothing to chance, unlike conventional cultivation in which there is always a chance of under nutrition, nutritional deficiencies or uptake of harmful chemicals like lead that may be present in the soil. The chemicals used in both normal cultivation and hydroponics end up in the plant tissue as beneficial compounds and not as toxic or harmful chemicals.
Hydroponically Grown Plants Don’t Taste Great Like Organically Grown Plants
Taste and flavor have much to do with our first impressions when we first tasted the plant. If the plant gets the all the elements it needs, it will taste great. The rest has much to do with other extraneous factors and subjective experiences. With the precise control over the nutrition that hydroponics offers, hydoponics growers have much better control over the flavor and nutritional value of the produce.
Hydroponics Doesn’t Work Outdoors
Hydroponics is all about growing plants in a controlled environment. In the outdoors, growing plants in greenhouses offers a way to control the growth environment and even extend day length. Commercial hydroponics, which requires large areas for commercial scale production is best done in greenhouses. Greenhouse production allows year long growth and also helps control pest damage without the use of pesticides. With grow lights greenhouse production can be extended across seasons for best plant performance.
Grow Lights Ratchet Up Power Bill
Power is billed on kilowatt hours, which is1000 watts for one hour. Though power rates vary from state to state, in many parts of the U.S. a 1000 watt light will run for less than ten cents per hour. A 250 watt light will run for four hours on 10 cents. High intensity grow lights are exceedingly cost efficient lights as they give much higher illumination per watt of power consumed. High pressure sodium grow lights put out almost 10 times the light that incandescent grow bulbs produce, that is 10 times the efficiency of incandescent bulbs.
Grow lights must run 24x7
Plants adjust their growth cycle in response to the length of light and dark on which they determine the season. During fall, plants accelerate flower and fruit production to prepare for winter. Grow lights enable control over the light available to plants irrespective of the seasons outside. This makes it is possible to have long, long days in the winter and fall.
High intensity lights harm the eyes
While it is true that looking at a bright object will cause distress and even harm the eyes, and grow lights are no exception in this respect, would be indoor gardeners need not worry overmuch as simple precautions are quite adequate. Indoor gardeners learn quickly not to look directly at the lights, which suffices in most cases.
High Intensity Lights Tan the Skin
High intensity garden lights do not give off much light in the ultra-violet range, which is what causes burning of the skin. Plants do not need much light in the ultra-violet spectrum and with good quality grow lights there is no need to worry about getting a tan.
Hydroponics Isn’t Simple, It Requires Special Expertise
It is quite true that once upon a time, hydroponics wasn’t quite as simple as it is now.
This was especially so with regard to nutrient preparations that had to be mixed meticulously to ensure the nutritional requirements of the plants were met. The easy availability of pre-mixed nutrients that require only to be mixed in the right amounts of water has now simplified matters. Growers need only to add water and use grow lights.
You Need to be a Scientist
This one probably originates from the association of hydroponics with tubes, troughs, meters, gauges etc. Additionally since much scientific material is available in the form of lab reports, experiments etc. it creates a false impression of complicated lab procedures etc. Actually you don’t need to be a scientist, nor do you need to have a lab in the house to grow plants indoors, all you need is interest and dedication.
You Don’t Get the Taste, besides its all Water
With the right kind of nutrition that plants get in hydroponics they grow to their fullest genetic potential. They usually grow much faster, mature quicker and give higher yields but they taste just the same as normally grown produce. It is not possible to tell a lettuce grown hydroponically from on grown the normal way only by taste. Taste is basically determined by the nutrient elements plants absorb and as long as they get all the nutrient elements taste is not affected.
You get to eat Mouthfuls of Chemicals
The chemicals that a plant absorbs when grown in soil are not different from the ones that are used in hydroponics. With the rights amounts of chemicals it uses, hydroponics leaves nothing to chance, unlike conventional cultivation in which there is always a chance of under nutrition, nutritional deficiencies or uptake of harmful chemicals like lead that may be present in the soil. The chemicals used in both normal cultivation and hydroponics end up in the plant tissue as beneficial compounds and not as toxic or harmful chemicals.
Hydroponically Grown Plants Don’t Taste Great Like Organically Grown Plants
Taste and flavor have much to do with our first impressions when we first tasted the plant. If the plant gets the all the elements it needs, it will taste great. The rest has much to do with other extraneous factors and subjective experiences. With the precise control over the nutrition that hydroponics offers, hydoponics growers have much better control over the flavor and nutritional value of the produce.
Hydroponics Doesn’t Work Outdoors
Hydroponics is all about growing plants in a controlled environment. In the outdoors, growing plants in greenhouses offers a way to control the growth environment and even extend day length. Commercial hydroponics, which requires large areas for commercial scale production is best done in greenhouses. Greenhouse production allows year long growth and also helps control pest damage without the use of pesticides. With grow lights greenhouse production can be extended across seasons for best plant performance.
Grow Lights Ratchet Up Power Bill
Power is billed on kilowatt hours, which is1000 watts for one hour. Though power rates vary from state to state, in many parts of the U.S. a 1000 watt light will run for less than ten cents per hour. A 250 watt light will run for four hours on 10 cents. High intensity grow lights are exceedingly cost efficient lights as they give much higher illumination per watt of power consumed. High pressure sodium grow lights put out almost 10 times the light that incandescent grow bulbs produce, that is 10 times the efficiency of incandescent bulbs.
Grow lights must run 24x7
Plants adjust their growth cycle in response to the length of light and dark on which they determine the season. During fall, plants accelerate flower and fruit production to prepare for winter. Grow lights enable control over the light available to plants irrespective of the seasons outside. This makes it is possible to have long, long days in the winter and fall.
High intensity lights harm the eyes
While it is true that looking at a bright object will cause distress and even harm the eyes, and grow lights are no exception in this respect, would be indoor gardeners need not worry overmuch as simple precautions are quite adequate. Indoor gardeners learn quickly not to look directly at the lights, which suffices in most cases.
High Intensity Lights Tan the Skin
High intensity garden lights do not give off much light in the ultra-violet range, which is what causes burning of the skin. Plants do not need much light in the ultra-violet spectrum and with good quality grow lights there is no need to worry about getting a tan.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Plant Nutrition in Hydroponics
Hydroponics cultivation is considered to be superior to conventional cultivation because of the numerous advantages it offers. Both commercial scale production and small scale crop cultivation using hydroponics techniques have proved to be advantageous in many respects. One of the advantages of hydroponics is its simplicity. However, what is essentially a fairly simple, straight forward technique may at times seem complicated, especially to the newly initiated. This is particularly so regarding issues such as plant nutrition in hydroponics. Given the plethora of tonics, additives, growth enhancers and other concoctions, that promise accelerated growth, bigger yields and so on, one of the basic aspects of hydroponics viz. plant nutrition may seem frustratingly complicated. It isn’t though.
Nutrient Formulations
All plants, whether they are grown in soil or with hydroponics require a balance of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium (N-P-K) and trace elements to grow properly. These nutrients are available to plants in soil in small amounts, but over time they get depleted and need to be supplied separately to make up the deficit. In hydroponics, it is all the more important to ensure that plants get the right nutrients in the right amounts.
Hydroponics formulations are structured for specific stages of plant life cycle. A plant's nutritional requirements vary according to the stages of its life cycle. When plants are in the vegetative stage, they require greater amounts of nitrogen, which is the key element in development of leaves and stems. Deficiency of nitrogen during the growth period leads to stunted growth with yellowing of leaves. This is the most commonly seen deficiency in plants. During the flowering cycle, the ratio of nitrogen, the plant requires less nitrogen more phosphorus and potassium.
Using good quality formulations that contain the vital elements for plant growth should be the first consideration in providing for plant nutrition in hydroponics.
Keep it Simple
Following a good nutrient regime and keeping it simple will go a long way to ensure adequate uptake of all the essential nutrients. It is advisable not to use too many formulations as it may be very difficult to trace the exact cause of the problem if there are many additives and supplements in the nutrient mix.
Growth Enhancers, Boosters and Fortifiers
Certain commercial products have been developed that can stimulate faster nutrient uptake and speed up stem and leaf growth. Many of these products are best left to the advanced and experienced growers. Novice hydroponics enthusiasts should approach such products like growth boosters with caution. Also, there are several products available in the market that claim to work as bloom fortifiers. These formulations act to stimulate flowering and increase essential oils in plants. While selecting a bloom fortifier, the best thing to do is to select one with an NPK ratio of 0-50-30. Such fortifiers have no nitrogen and are rich in Phosphorus and Potassium. These essential minerals stimulate the formation of super blooms.
Organic Formulations
Organic gardening has caught on in recent years and the hydroponics industry has sought to integrate organic growing practices in hydroponics cultivation. Several organic formulations have been successfully developed, tested and marketed. Organic formulas for use in hydroponics should be soluble, stand-alone products that leave no sediment in the container. Make sure the organic formula does not require shaking prior to use as any sediment is likely to clog lines and pumps. Also take note that organic formulations meant for soil cultivated plants are not suitable for use in hydroponics as these will clog the pumps and lines resulting in burning of plants.
Other Considerations
Plants need to have fresh nutrients available for healthy growth. Ensuring regular reservoir changes every week is essential. pH and electro conductivity should be checked while mixing the nutrient solution. While the electro conductivity reading will help determine the amount of dissolved nutrients, the pH reading will help in maintaining pH values at levels that will enable plants to absorb the nutrients.
Leaching or rinsing should be carried out one week prior to harvest. This can be done using regular tap water through the system to wash out excess salts that remain in the growing medium.
Keeping a gardening journal will help in avoiding mistakes and establish pointers to the right course of action. Making journal entries regularly will, in course of time, help build up a veritable treasure trove of valuable information on various aspects of nutrition, pH, EC etc.
Appendix
Plants require two types of nutrients for healthy growth- macro-nutrients and micro-nutrients. Plants use macro-nutrients in large amounts while micro-nutrients are required in trace amounts. Following is a list of Macro and Micro- Nutrients and their functional importance in plant growth:
Macro-nutrients and their role plant growth
• Carbon – Formation of organic compounds
• Oxygen- Release of energy from sugar
• Hydrogen- Water formation
• Nitrogen- Chlorophyll, amino acids, proteins synthesis
• Phosphorus- Vital for photosynthesis and growth
• Potassium- Enzyme activity, Sugar and starch formation
• Calcium- Cell growth and division, component of cell wall
• Magnesium-Component of chlorophyll, enzyme activation
• Sulfur- Formation of amino acids and proteins
Micro- nutrients and their role in plant growth
• Boron – Vital for reproduction
• Chlorine - Helps root growth
• Copper- Enzyme activation
• Iron- Used in Photosynthesis
• Manganese- Component of chlorophyll, Enzyme activation
• Sodium- Vital for water movement
• Zinc- Component of enzymes and auxins
• Molybdenum- Nitrogen Fixation
• Nickel- Nitrogen Liberation
• Cobalt- Nitrogen Fixation
• Silicon- Cell wall toughness
Nutrient Formulations
All plants, whether they are grown in soil or with hydroponics require a balance of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium (N-P-K) and trace elements to grow properly. These nutrients are available to plants in soil in small amounts, but over time they get depleted and need to be supplied separately to make up the deficit. In hydroponics, it is all the more important to ensure that plants get the right nutrients in the right amounts.
Hydroponics formulations are structured for specific stages of plant life cycle. A plant's nutritional requirements vary according to the stages of its life cycle. When plants are in the vegetative stage, they require greater amounts of nitrogen, which is the key element in development of leaves and stems. Deficiency of nitrogen during the growth period leads to stunted growth with yellowing of leaves. This is the most commonly seen deficiency in plants. During the flowering cycle, the ratio of nitrogen, the plant requires less nitrogen more phosphorus and potassium.
Using good quality formulations that contain the vital elements for plant growth should be the first consideration in providing for plant nutrition in hydroponics.
Keep it Simple
Following a good nutrient regime and keeping it simple will go a long way to ensure adequate uptake of all the essential nutrients. It is advisable not to use too many formulations as it may be very difficult to trace the exact cause of the problem if there are many additives and supplements in the nutrient mix.
Growth Enhancers, Boosters and Fortifiers
Certain commercial products have been developed that can stimulate faster nutrient uptake and speed up stem and leaf growth. Many of these products are best left to the advanced and experienced growers. Novice hydroponics enthusiasts should approach such products like growth boosters with caution. Also, there are several products available in the market that claim to work as bloom fortifiers. These formulations act to stimulate flowering and increase essential oils in plants. While selecting a bloom fortifier, the best thing to do is to select one with an NPK ratio of 0-50-30. Such fortifiers have no nitrogen and are rich in Phosphorus and Potassium. These essential minerals stimulate the formation of super blooms.
Organic Formulations
Organic gardening has caught on in recent years and the hydroponics industry has sought to integrate organic growing practices in hydroponics cultivation. Several organic formulations have been successfully developed, tested and marketed. Organic formulas for use in hydroponics should be soluble, stand-alone products that leave no sediment in the container. Make sure the organic formula does not require shaking prior to use as any sediment is likely to clog lines and pumps. Also take note that organic formulations meant for soil cultivated plants are not suitable for use in hydroponics as these will clog the pumps and lines resulting in burning of plants.
Other Considerations
Plants need to have fresh nutrients available for healthy growth. Ensuring regular reservoir changes every week is essential. pH and electro conductivity should be checked while mixing the nutrient solution. While the electro conductivity reading will help determine the amount of dissolved nutrients, the pH reading will help in maintaining pH values at levels that will enable plants to absorb the nutrients.
Leaching or rinsing should be carried out one week prior to harvest. This can be done using regular tap water through the system to wash out excess salts that remain in the growing medium.
Keeping a gardening journal will help in avoiding mistakes and establish pointers to the right course of action. Making journal entries regularly will, in course of time, help build up a veritable treasure trove of valuable information on various aspects of nutrition, pH, EC etc.
Appendix
Plants require two types of nutrients for healthy growth- macro-nutrients and micro-nutrients. Plants use macro-nutrients in large amounts while micro-nutrients are required in trace amounts. Following is a list of Macro and Micro- Nutrients and their functional importance in plant growth:
Macro-nutrients and their role plant growth
• Carbon – Formation of organic compounds
• Oxygen- Release of energy from sugar
• Hydrogen- Water formation
• Nitrogen- Chlorophyll, amino acids, proteins synthesis
• Phosphorus- Vital for photosynthesis and growth
• Potassium- Enzyme activity, Sugar and starch formation
• Calcium- Cell growth and division, component of cell wall
• Magnesium-Component of chlorophyll, enzyme activation
• Sulfur- Formation of amino acids and proteins
Micro- nutrients and their role in plant growth
• Boron – Vital for reproduction
• Chlorine - Helps root growth
• Copper- Enzyme activation
• Iron- Used in Photosynthesis
• Manganese- Component of chlorophyll, Enzyme activation
• Sodium- Vital for water movement
• Zinc- Component of enzymes and auxins
• Molybdenum- Nitrogen Fixation
• Nickel- Nitrogen Liberation
• Cobalt- Nitrogen Fixation
• Silicon- Cell wall toughness
Friday, September 28, 2007
Hydroponics in Commercial Food Production
Commercial Hydroponics
With the first successful application of hydroponics techniques in the 1930s the stage was set for a paradigm shift in crop production from conventional geoponics or cultivation in soil to hydroponics or soil less cultivation. The first crops to be commercially harvested with hydroponics included tomatoes and peppers, but the techniques were soon successfully extended to other crops such as lettuce, cucumbers and others. It was not long before hydroponics techniques were successfully adapted even to cut flowers production; in fact any plant can today be grown hyrdroponically.
Commercial Systems Overview
Commercial hydroponics systems can be classified into bare root systems comprising nutrient film technique (NFT), deep flow and aeroponics systems and substrate systems.
Bare root systems do not use media to anchor the plant roots; the roots are left bare while in substrate systems plant roots are anchored in media such as perlite, vermiculite, sawdust, peat etc. Hydroponics is basically all about growing plants in a controlled environment and this is best provided outdoors in greenhouses that can incorporate several means to monitor, regulate and control the environment inside them. For instance, the air entering the greenhouse can be filtered to exclude entry to pests and parasites that can harm plant growth. Such means help provide optimal conditions for plant growth both in and out of season. In fact, hydroponics allows cultivation throughout the year which makes for year round availability of hydroponically grown produce at all major supermarkets across North America. Valued at 2.4 billion dollars the hydroponic greenhouse vegetable industry has a growth rate of 10 percent per year and accounts for nearly 95 percent of the greenhouse vegetables produced in North America.
Hydroponics Advantages
The extension of the growing season is not the only advantage contributing to the growing popularity of hydroponics production with both growers and consumers. There are several additional advantages as well including nutritious, healthy and clean produce, improved and consistent vegetable quality and elimination of the use of pesticides and herbicides. Pesticides and other chemicals used in conventional agriculture have an adverse environmental impact; the run off from these chemicals contaminate groundwater supplies. Commercial hydroponics systems eliminate these toxic chemicals and contribute substantially to keeping the groundwater free from contamination.
Yields
Commercial hydroponics systems have proved more productive than conventional systems of agriculture not only in the laboratory but even in actual practice. Most commercial hydroponics greenhouse facilities are built large to take advantage of economies of scale; typically these cover areas more than 10 acres while smaller ones measure around two acres. In the research greenhouse, yields with hydroponics techniques have averaged around 20 to 25% higher than in conventional soil cultivation. In actual commercial practice, however, over a number of years, the yield of hydroponically grown tomatoes can be more than double that of soil based systems due to the reduced turnover time between crops, better nutrition and crop management. Additionally commercial hydroponics growing techniques are also less demanding of chemicals for root zone sterilization and control of pests, weeds etc.
The dramatic increase in yields with hydroponics is best illustrated if we consider the actual production figures of soil grown and hydroponically grown produce. Field grown tomatoes average yields ranging between 40,000 to 60, 000 pounds per acre; on the other hand top growing hydroponics facilities in the US and Canada report average yields of more than 650,000 pounds of tomatoes per acre. Additionally, given the fact that only 10 years ago top hydroponics producers were producing around 400,000 pounds per acre, the increase in yields with improvements in growing practices has been truly phenomenal. Similar production figures can be quoted for other agricultural produce like cucumbers with 10,000 pounds per acre for field production and 200,000 per acre for hydroponic greenhouse yields. Hydroponics lettuce and pepper yields too average around four times the corresponding yields of agricultural production.
Global Trends
Given the number of advantages of hydroponics it is not surprising that hydroponics techniques are increasingly finding favor for commercial food production in many countries all over the world. According to recent estimates countries having substantial commercial hydroponics production include Israel – 30,000 acres, Holland 10,000 acres, England 4,200 acres and Australia and New Zealand around 8,000 acres between them. The fastest growing area for commercial vegetable greenhouses is Mexico. There are several reasons for this including free trade and favorable winter conditions that attract vegetable growers in large numbers. Mexico has summers that are considered hot in the summer, but with greenhouses located at the right altitudes vegetables can be grown in the hot summers as well as the cold winters. Though much of the produce comes from low tech plastic houses, many of these greenhouses use hydroponics technology, which indicates the growing popularity of hydroponics in commercial food production.
With the first successful application of hydroponics techniques in the 1930s the stage was set for a paradigm shift in crop production from conventional geoponics or cultivation in soil to hydroponics or soil less cultivation. The first crops to be commercially harvested with hydroponics included tomatoes and peppers, but the techniques were soon successfully extended to other crops such as lettuce, cucumbers and others. It was not long before hydroponics techniques were successfully adapted even to cut flowers production; in fact any plant can today be grown hyrdroponically.
Commercial Systems Overview
Commercial hydroponics systems can be classified into bare root systems comprising nutrient film technique (NFT), deep flow and aeroponics systems and substrate systems.
Bare root systems do not use media to anchor the plant roots; the roots are left bare while in substrate systems plant roots are anchored in media such as perlite, vermiculite, sawdust, peat etc. Hydroponics is basically all about growing plants in a controlled environment and this is best provided outdoors in greenhouses that can incorporate several means to monitor, regulate and control the environment inside them. For instance, the air entering the greenhouse can be filtered to exclude entry to pests and parasites that can harm plant growth. Such means help provide optimal conditions for plant growth both in and out of season. In fact, hydroponics allows cultivation throughout the year which makes for year round availability of hydroponically grown produce at all major supermarkets across North America. Valued at 2.4 billion dollars the hydroponic greenhouse vegetable industry has a growth rate of 10 percent per year and accounts for nearly 95 percent of the greenhouse vegetables produced in North America.
Hydroponics Advantages
The extension of the growing season is not the only advantage contributing to the growing popularity of hydroponics production with both growers and consumers. There are several additional advantages as well including nutritious, healthy and clean produce, improved and consistent vegetable quality and elimination of the use of pesticides and herbicides. Pesticides and other chemicals used in conventional agriculture have an adverse environmental impact; the run off from these chemicals contaminate groundwater supplies. Commercial hydroponics systems eliminate these toxic chemicals and contribute substantially to keeping the groundwater free from contamination.
Yields
Commercial hydroponics systems have proved more productive than conventional systems of agriculture not only in the laboratory but even in actual practice. Most commercial hydroponics greenhouse facilities are built large to take advantage of economies of scale; typically these cover areas more than 10 acres while smaller ones measure around two acres. In the research greenhouse, yields with hydroponics techniques have averaged around 20 to 25% higher than in conventional soil cultivation. In actual commercial practice, however, over a number of years, the yield of hydroponically grown tomatoes can be more than double that of soil based systems due to the reduced turnover time between crops, better nutrition and crop management. Additionally commercial hydroponics growing techniques are also less demanding of chemicals for root zone sterilization and control of pests, weeds etc.
The dramatic increase in yields with hydroponics is best illustrated if we consider the actual production figures of soil grown and hydroponically grown produce. Field grown tomatoes average yields ranging between 40,000 to 60, 000 pounds per acre; on the other hand top growing hydroponics facilities in the US and Canada report average yields of more than 650,000 pounds of tomatoes per acre. Additionally, given the fact that only 10 years ago top hydroponics producers were producing around 400,000 pounds per acre, the increase in yields with improvements in growing practices has been truly phenomenal. Similar production figures can be quoted for other agricultural produce like cucumbers with 10,000 pounds per acre for field production and 200,000 per acre for hydroponic greenhouse yields. Hydroponics lettuce and pepper yields too average around four times the corresponding yields of agricultural production.
Global Trends
Given the number of advantages of hydroponics it is not surprising that hydroponics techniques are increasingly finding favor for commercial food production in many countries all over the world. According to recent estimates countries having substantial commercial hydroponics production include Israel – 30,000 acres, Holland 10,000 acres, England 4,200 acres and Australia and New Zealand around 8,000 acres between them. The fastest growing area for commercial vegetable greenhouses is Mexico. There are several reasons for this including free trade and favorable winter conditions that attract vegetable growers in large numbers. Mexico has summers that are considered hot in the summer, but with greenhouses located at the right altitudes vegetables can be grown in the hot summers as well as the cold winters. Though much of the produce comes from low tech plastic houses, many of these greenhouses use hydroponics technology, which indicates the growing popularity of hydroponics in commercial food production.
Friday, September 7, 2007
Indoor Hydroponics Systems
Though plants have been traditionally grown outdoors in soil, with the use of hydroponics techniques, it is possible to grow plants indoors, in fact in any place.
Hydroponics techniques have been successfully used to cultivate a wide variety of plants even in places with climates that do not support plant growth like deserts and Polar Regions.
Controlled Environment
Growing plants indoors with hydroponics is basically all about simulating the natural growth environment indoors, usually in specially designed grow rooms or grow chambers. The plants can then be supplied with the essential growth inputs in a controlled manner to stimulate and regulate growth. Hydroponics often gives results far superior to conventional cultivation due the fact that it offers a measure of control over factors like nutrition, lighting etc.
Unlike conventional cultivation, hydroponics cultivation does not use soil, instead it uses other grow media to serve the same purpose. The material may be water, gravel, sand or vermiculite; even bran and coconut fiber can be used. The medium serves to hold the plant and also facilitates the supply of nutrients in the form of a solution. The solution is then added to the grow media; the plant roots are thus bathed in a solution which is rich in nutrients like phosphorus, nitrogen, potassium and trace minerals. Additionally, since the medium is highly porous, it is ideally suited to ensure the supply of oxygen to the roots.
Energy Requirements
Plants make their own food and for this they need energy, which they get from the sun’s radiation. Instead of sunlight, indoor hydroponics systems make use of the radiation from grow lights that are artificial light sources. These can be incorporated in the grow chamber and controlled with suitable control systems to provide the type and pattern of lighting in line with the plant’s requirements. The energy requirements of plants are not constant; they differ at different points of the plant growth cycle. Artificial lighting and control systems offer optimal usage of energy which enhances growth to the plant’s full potential.
Hydroponics Techniques
Plants also need air and carbon dioxide and these are supplied in various ways using oscillating, fans, pumps, cylinders etc. With the basic systems in place the indoor grow room provides all the essential growth factors needed to support plant growth. There are several systems that are all essentially based on the same basic considerations but differ in some respects of detail. In some systems, the plant roots are constantly in contact with the nutrient solution while in other systems the solution is supplied and drained at intervals. In some systems the roots are not bathed in solution, but are held exposed to air and the nutrient solution is misted around them. In some systems growing trays are used to support plants while in others the plants are supported in tubes.
Four Season Crops
Hydroponics systems can be built using commercially available components or they can be built using available material; they can also be obtained as kits from the market. With several options now available to him, the gardening enthusiast can put his ingenuity and imagination to good use for growing plants all the year round rain, hail or snow.
Hydroponics techniques have been successfully used to cultivate a wide variety of plants even in places with climates that do not support plant growth like deserts and Polar Regions.
Controlled Environment
Growing plants indoors with hydroponics is basically all about simulating the natural growth environment indoors, usually in specially designed grow rooms or grow chambers. The plants can then be supplied with the essential growth inputs in a controlled manner to stimulate and regulate growth. Hydroponics often gives results far superior to conventional cultivation due the fact that it offers a measure of control over factors like nutrition, lighting etc.
Unlike conventional cultivation, hydroponics cultivation does not use soil, instead it uses other grow media to serve the same purpose. The material may be water, gravel, sand or vermiculite; even bran and coconut fiber can be used. The medium serves to hold the plant and also facilitates the supply of nutrients in the form of a solution. The solution is then added to the grow media; the plant roots are thus bathed in a solution which is rich in nutrients like phosphorus, nitrogen, potassium and trace minerals. Additionally, since the medium is highly porous, it is ideally suited to ensure the supply of oxygen to the roots.
Energy Requirements
Plants make their own food and for this they need energy, which they get from the sun’s radiation. Instead of sunlight, indoor hydroponics systems make use of the radiation from grow lights that are artificial light sources. These can be incorporated in the grow chamber and controlled with suitable control systems to provide the type and pattern of lighting in line with the plant’s requirements. The energy requirements of plants are not constant; they differ at different points of the plant growth cycle. Artificial lighting and control systems offer optimal usage of energy which enhances growth to the plant’s full potential.
Hydroponics Techniques
Plants also need air and carbon dioxide and these are supplied in various ways using oscillating, fans, pumps, cylinders etc. With the basic systems in place the indoor grow room provides all the essential growth factors needed to support plant growth. There are several systems that are all essentially based on the same basic considerations but differ in some respects of detail. In some systems, the plant roots are constantly in contact with the nutrient solution while in other systems the solution is supplied and drained at intervals. In some systems the roots are not bathed in solution, but are held exposed to air and the nutrient solution is misted around them. In some systems growing trays are used to support plants while in others the plants are supported in tubes.
Four Season Crops
Hydroponics systems can be built using commercially available components or they can be built using available material; they can also be obtained as kits from the market. With several options now available to him, the gardening enthusiast can put his ingenuity and imagination to good use for growing plants all the year round rain, hail or snow.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
All about Indoor Gardening
Modern scientific techniques make it possible for people to grow plants, vegetables and even fruit right in their drawing room in indoor gardens. With the some effort and knowledge you can now grow a variety of plants indoors, either with hydroponics, which is a soilless growing technique or by using suitable techniques for conventional geoponics (growing in soil). Irrespective of the method you choose, you can even make your indoor garden yield better results than a comparable conventional outdoor garden with less effort and in less time.
For successfully using indoor gardening techniques you need to understand five essential aspects of plant growth such as lighting, nutrition etc. These need to be considered and properly provided for during the planning stage, if you want to ensure adequate returns on the time and effort you put in. The five essentials are:
Lighting
Environmental Control
Propagation
Cultivation
Nutrition
Lighting
In the majority of cases, while gardening outdoors, you don’t have to consider lighting because the proper light balance and intensity for healthy growth is taken care of by the natural patterns of seasonal and diurnal changes. Your plants sense and respond to these changes and grow in accordance with the natural life cycle progression. When growing indoors you need to properly design the lighting system to provide this vital input for accomplishing the same task.
Environmental Control – Air Circulation
If you want to grow healthy indoor plants you can’t afford to neglect air circulation. An adequate supply of fresh air is vital for plant growth as important plant processes depend on exchange of gases between the leaves and the atmosphere. These processes will be impeded in the absence of fresh air. A continual supply of fresh air will help your plants grow strong and healthy.
Propagation - Starting Stages
Provided you have got all support systems in place, you can start off with seed, a cutting from an existing plant or a pre-started plant. If you plan your garden keeping in mind the stage of the plant life cycle you want to start with, you will be in a better position to take care of all the inputs your plants will need at different times in its life cycle.
Cultivation - Hydroponics or Soil?
In hydroponics or soil-less gardening, the plant is supplied nutrients mixed with water. With these nutrients the plant grows much faster resulting in larger yields than in conventional gardening. Plants grown in soil need to be provided a container that is large enough to sustain growth. The rule of thumb is to provide for the larger of the two -one gallon of soil per foot of plant growth or one gallon per month of growth. You may need to do a little research to decide which method will best suit your preferences considering your budget, the amount of time and effort you can devote etc.
Nutrition
Providing the right nutrients at different stages of the plant life-cycle is important. During the vegetative phase, plants that put out heavy vegetation need larger amounts of nitrogen. On the other hand, during fruiting time they need a high phosphorous mix. An abundant supply of trace elements is vital for plant growth in indoor gardening. Select trace elements rich nutrients to meet the unique demands of plants grown in containers.
For successfully using indoor gardening techniques you need to understand five essential aspects of plant growth such as lighting, nutrition etc. These need to be considered and properly provided for during the planning stage, if you want to ensure adequate returns on the time and effort you put in. The five essentials are:
Lighting
Environmental Control
Propagation
Cultivation
Nutrition
Lighting
In the majority of cases, while gardening outdoors, you don’t have to consider lighting because the proper light balance and intensity for healthy growth is taken care of by the natural patterns of seasonal and diurnal changes. Your plants sense and respond to these changes and grow in accordance with the natural life cycle progression. When growing indoors you need to properly design the lighting system to provide this vital input for accomplishing the same task.
Environmental Control – Air Circulation
If you want to grow healthy indoor plants you can’t afford to neglect air circulation. An adequate supply of fresh air is vital for plant growth as important plant processes depend on exchange of gases between the leaves and the atmosphere. These processes will be impeded in the absence of fresh air. A continual supply of fresh air will help your plants grow strong and healthy.
Propagation - Starting Stages
Provided you have got all support systems in place, you can start off with seed, a cutting from an existing plant or a pre-started plant. If you plan your garden keeping in mind the stage of the plant life cycle you want to start with, you will be in a better position to take care of all the inputs your plants will need at different times in its life cycle.
Cultivation - Hydroponics or Soil?
In hydroponics or soil-less gardening, the plant is supplied nutrients mixed with water. With these nutrients the plant grows much faster resulting in larger yields than in conventional gardening. Plants grown in soil need to be provided a container that is large enough to sustain growth. The rule of thumb is to provide for the larger of the two -one gallon of soil per foot of plant growth or one gallon per month of growth. You may need to do a little research to decide which method will best suit your preferences considering your budget, the amount of time and effort you can devote etc.
Nutrition
Providing the right nutrients at different stages of the plant life-cycle is important. During the vegetative phase, plants that put out heavy vegetation need larger amounts of nitrogen. On the other hand, during fruiting time they need a high phosphorous mix. An abundant supply of trace elements is vital for plant growth in indoor gardening. Select trace elements rich nutrients to meet the unique demands of plants grown in containers.
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