Lush flowering and fruiting is an indicator of the health and rapid growth of a plant. Flora grown in soil can take nutrients from the soil. And for hydroponic systems special fertilizers have been created that are involved in creating a nutrient solution.
The editors of the site "bestx.htgetrid.com/en/" made an overview of fertilizers that are produced by the best manufacturers, according to buyers. I figured out the questions: what is hydroponics and additives for hydroponics, what are they and how much they cost. The article describes the selection criteria, what to look for when buying.
Content
What is hydroponics?
Hydroponics means creating an artificial environment without soil for growing flowers, vegetables and fruits. This approach allows you to organize the necessary conditions and diet. Provide nutrients, saturate the air with carbon dioxide, create the best environment for photosynthesis. Air temperature, humidity and lighting are controlled. The created conditions lead to a high quality harvest.
A bit of history
The method is based on the study of the root system. For decades, scientists have been trying to understand what substances the root extracts from the soil, how they affect growth and development. This was helped by growing on water. The experiments consisted of dissolving nutrients in distilled liquid.
Experimentally, it was possible to find out that the presence of potassium, sulfur, iron, magnesium, calcium, nitrogen and phosphorus in water leads to full development and rapid growth. The lack of potassium causes the plant to stop growing. Calcium is responsible for the development of the root system. Chlorophyll is formed from iron and magnesium. After some time, scientists learned that these substances are not enough, there are other elements that are present in small quantities, but have a beneficial effect on all vital processes.
In Russia, in the 19th century, Timiryazev immersed plants in aqueous solutions. Knop did this in Germany. The method got its name in 1936 in the USA. The word was put into use by Gerikke. The first studies were carried out only on water, without using a substrate. In this case, some plants died. They began to develop other methods of hydroponics. An inert substrate immersed in the nutrient composition was used. Empirically, it was possible to create an ideal environment for growing a high-quality crop in a short time.
Basic hydroponic systems
Hydroponic systems fall into two categories:
- passive (wick),
- active.
In the first case, nutrients are extracted by capillary forces, there is no mechanical action. The second uses a pump to circulate the elements. Currently, a huge number of hydroponic modifications have been created.
Basic types:
- wick;
- floating platform;
- a system in which periodic flooding occurs;
- NFT - Nutrient Layer Technique;
- drip irrigation;
- aeroponics.
Fertilizers for hydroponics
Mineral
The popularity of mineral fertilizer models is due to the fact that this species contains a whole range of nutrients. Used in classic hydroponics and aeroponics. It is important to observe the proportion and frequency of use of the complexes in order not to cause salinization of the substrates.
Answering the question - which fertilizer company is better, we can single out General Hydroponics Europe, which has developed a unique formula for Flora Series. The care can also be used for crops grown on soil.
Organic
The composition of organic fertilizers includes substances that are of plant and animal origin. Decomposition produces minerals. Slowly but gently act on the root system without burning it.
An approach based on the decomposition of organics into easily digestible elements is called bioponics.
Liquid - ETISSO
Liquid fertilizers are usually used to feed indoor plants. This is a homogeneous solution that is diluted in water, since the concentration of trace elements is very high. There are: mineral and organic.
Solid
The name implies that the nutrients are contained in solid form. There are: fertilizers in granules and candles. Round small granules support indoor flowers well. They are spread over the soil and sprinkled with a small layer of soil. The "balls" get wet and gradually spread useful substances.
Candles are placed vertically around the perimeter of the pot. Suitable for large tubs, as in this case the substances do not come into contact with the root.
Soluble
Soluble species are released in the form of a concentrated powder, which is diluted with water. On the one hand, the user only purchases fertilizer, does not overpay for water, on the other hand, fertilizers in the form of a powder, after a while, cake.
Why is it important to use fertilizers?
The benefits of complementary foods can be compared to the effects of vitamins on humans.
They provide:
- full vegetation;
- stimulation of photosynthesis;
- ovary formation and lush flowering;
- seed and fruit formation;
- are used for the treatment and prevention of diseases.
Advantages and disadvantages of the hydroponic growing method
Like any other type of growing, the hydroponic method has several advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages:
- the yield is growing, there is a positive dynamics in development, the growth of plants is faster than in the soil;
- fruits do not accumulate harmful substances that are in the soil: nitrates, radionuclides, heavy metals;
- no need to water the crop daily;
- plants do not dry out or waterlogged;
- easy to transplant and care for;
- there is no need to use pesticides for pest control.
Disadvantages:
- the cost of the system is higher than the price of soil and capacity;
- installation of the system requires a waste of time and effort, the finished system will cost even more;
- it is believed that the hydroponic method is associated with artificial cultivation based on chemical fertilizers.
DIY hydroponic system
Below is a quick guide on how to build a complex yourself at home.
The organization of the system begins with the choice of capacity. To do this, you need to determine the size of the future plant. The size of the root system is directly proportional to the amount of nutrient needed. For example, parsley or strawberries will work in a small pot. If the crop grows, it can always be transplanted into another container. But the tomato is best planted immediately in a large bowl.
The container is covered with a lid, in which a hole is drilled for the pot and for servicing the complex. The size is selected so that it is convenient to add water and measure the pH level.The bowl is isolated from light to prevent the formation of algae, which will rob the plant of nutrients.
For plants, use small pots, you can use ordinary plastic ones. Holes are drilled on the sides and in the bottom. The substrate is placed in the pots. It maintains roots and stores moisture. You can take expanded clay, perlite. Suitable coconut fiber, mineral wool. It's best to familiarize yourself with the pros and cons of each before deciding which filler to use.
The compressor plays a significant role. It supplies the solution with air. It can be ordered online. The main thing is that the mechanism is powerful and quiet. At the pet store, you need to purchase taps that will regulate the air outlet on the stones. You will also need a spray bottle.
The solution level is set a few centimeters below the bottom of the pot. To prevent the roots from suffocating, it is very important to control the level of the composition, it should not be high. The compressor can be monitored using a timer.
Thoroughly approach the choice of fertilizers. It is necessary to learn how to prepare the nutrient solution, how to apply it.
There are alternative solutions for organizing hydroponic systems. With experience comes an understanding of how to make the system as efficient as possible, which type of fertilizer is better to buy, what mistakes in choosing can be and how to avoid them.
Care Tips
Care nuances:
- do-it-yourself feeding using an external method is not done in daylight: leaves moistened in the sun can get burned;
- it is worth choosing the best nutritional products from trusted manufacturers.
It is better to buy fertilizers in large shopping centers; you can order them in the online store. In small private kiosks there is a chance to purchase low-quality products. Feedback from users and ratings will help to place an order on the Internet.
Rating of quality fertilizers for hydroponic systems for 2020
Below is a rating that details the characteristics of the fertilizers. Both inexpensive and expensive drugs are presented. Review based on customer reviews.
Mineral fertilizer Etisso
Etisso is a liquid containing potassium, phosphorus and nitrogen. The composition is enriched with vitamins and minerals that have a beneficial effect on plants both during the growing season and during the flowering process. The manufacturer claims that beautiful inflorescences and fruits are formed, the foliage acquires a juicy green color.
Recommendations for use:
- the nutrient solution is changed once a week;
- pH and EC are measured periodically.
Average price: 414 rubles.
| Specifications | Value |
|---|---|
| Volume and weight | 250 ml, 340 g. |
| Application | Vegetation and flowering |
| N - P2O5 - K2O | 5.2-5.0-5.6 |
| Growing type | Hydroponics |
| Dosage | 6.7 ml. 1 liter. water |
Advantages:
- nutrient-rich composition;
- beautiful, long-flowering plants.
Disadvantages:
- the cost is above average, since the volume is 250 ml.
Advanced Hydroponics Grow
Complex for rapid growth during the growing season. Advanced Hydroponics has developed and patented the unique Dutch Formula Plant Healthy Growth Kit. Grow is one of three ingredients. Suitable for all crops.
Average price: 554 rubles.
| Specifications | Value |
|---|---|
| Volume and weight | 500 ml., 600 g. |
| Application | Vegetation and flowering |
| N - P2O5 - K2O | 2.5 - 1.2 - 5.0 |
| Growing type | Hydroponics |
| Dosage | 1-2 ml. 1 liter. water |
| Based | Bloom - Grow - Micro |
| Types of stimulants | Enzymes - Final Solution - Grow-Bloom Excellerator - Root Stimulator |
Advantages:
- versatility: suitable for any crops during the growing season;
- the increased content of potassium and nitrogen provides a "building material", strengthens the immune system, prepares for the transition to the flowering phase.
Disadvantages:
- the cost is above average.
Hydro vital, with vitamins and pH adjustment, ETISSO
Feeding aquatic plants. Also used for hydroponic cultivation. It is worth hiding the bottle from children and pets. Avoid freezing or hypothermia.
Average price: 350 rubles.
| Specifications | Value |
|---|---|
| Volume | 500 ml |
| Application | Suitable for feeding all aquatic plants |
| Growing type | Hydroponics |
| Dosage | 10 ml. 3 liters. water |
| The percentage of substances in the composition | Nitrogen - 5.2%; water-soluble phosphates 5.0% P2O5, water-soluble potassium oxides - 6.6% K2O5, 0.03% boron. It also contains trace elements and vitamin B1. |
Advantages:
- low cost;
- convenient use: the bottle is equipped with a dosing cylinder;
- the container must be recycled or incinerated after use.
Users write that they have not found any flaws.
Hesi + PowerZyme + RootComplex
Complex for lush flowering. Supplemented with stimulants that increase the effectiveness of the drug.
Consists of five elements:
- Hesi Hydro Growth is a basic feed with a high concentration of nutrients. It is used during the growing season. It not only supplies the plant with useful components, but also stimulates their development.
- Hesi Hydro Bloom - Supports during flowering. Best used with Hesi PK 13/14.
- Hesi PK 13/14 is a phosphorus-potassium supplement, due to which large inflorescences are formed in large quantities.
- Hesi PowerZyme - Contains nutrients required for all developmental cycles. Accelerates metabolism, enhances immunity, strengthens roots, leaves and stems.
- Hesi Root Complex is a stimulant containing amino acids, vitamins and enzymes. Designed for young plants for fast growth. Supports adult culture after transplant and other stress.
Average price: 7 288 rubles.
| Specifications | Value |
|---|---|
| Volume | 1000 ml. each bottle |
| Application | Vegetation and flowering |
| Growing type | Hydroponics |
| Kit Contents | Mineral fertilizers: Hesi Hydro Growth, Hesi Hydro Bloom, Hesi PK 13/14. Hesi PowerZyme enzyme extract. Hesi Root Complex - stimulates root growth. |
Advantages:
- economical use;
- additives perform a wide range of functions at all stages of cultural life;
- complex - a concentrate of nutrients.
Disadvantages:
- high price.
Flora Series HW + Ripen
Fertilizers are suitable for any type of cultivation: on soil, using hydroponic and aeroponic systems. The system consists of three products (FloraGro, Flora Bloom, Flora Micro HW) and one additive (Ripen).
Flora Series is a specially developed formula that provides plants with all vitamins and minerals. The unique complex makes it possible to change the proportions and concentration of its elements in different phases of life. Ripen is formulated for the final stage of life, helping to absorb nutrients.
Average price: 2,215 rubles.
| Specifications | Value |
|---|---|
| Volume | 500 ml each bottle, there are 1 liter containers on sale. |
| Application | Vegetation and flowering. For hydroponics and soil. |
| N - P2O5 - K2O | 2.0 - 3.0 - 4.0 |
| Consumption | The kit is designed to feed eight plants in the ground and two in hydroponics. |
Advantages:
- stimulates growth, increases the number of inflorescences;
- improves the quality of the crop;
- enhances immunity;
- the unique development supports the plant at all stages of life.
Disadvantages:
- relatively high cost.
Caring for home plants is not limited to watering, loosening the soil. They need to be fed. For this, ready-made compositions from different manufacturers are used. All popular models contain the optimal amount of active substances. The right fertilizer is a guarantee of fast growth and good harvest.
