Macronutrients:
Macronutrients
are our elements in which healthy plants require large amounts of to grow. The
main macronutrients are magnesium, sulfur, oxygen, phosphorus, carbon,
hydrogen, potassium, calcium and nitrogen. Each element supplies the plant with
an important source of overall nutrients and each must be considered
individually in terms of its application to your grow at a certain stage in the
plants cycle.
Micronutrients:
On the
other side of the scale, micronutrients are elements that plants need in
smaller quantities than macronutrients. These elements are cobalt, iron,
chlorine, zinc, molybdenum, manganese, boron and copper. Micronutrients support
and aid plant growth and development and add to the overall need of the plant. Micronutrients
are commonly used where plants are showing a deficiency in nutrients.
Understanding the ‘grow’ and ‘bloom’ cycles:
Grow:
The grow
cycle of a plant refers to the very early development of things like a plants root
system, main stem, and leafs. The early stage of a plants growth cycle is seen
as the most crucial part of any grow. Your treatment of your plant with in the
first 2 – 4 weeks will be crucial to its development down the road. Nitrogen is
a crucial macronutrient in this stage of the cycle, as it is responsible for
things like root development and early leaf and stem development. This is why a
lot of grow nutrients will house a higher ratio of nitrogen in their solutions
then other macronutrients like potassium and phosphorus.
Bloom:
The bloom
cycle refers to the mid too end stages of a plants growth cycle. This is the
stage in which we get our plants to show their flowers. A plants bloom cycle is
often shorter than its grow cycle and can last up to 3 – 4 weeks depending on
what plant you are growing. During the bloom stage plants require a higher
dosage of phosphorus than the other macronutrients. At this stage in the plants
cycle, leaf and stem development is not prioritized by growers and nitrogen
levels are reduced, and phosphorus is increased to help the plant transition
from its grow to bloom stage.
Understanding NPK ratios:
NPK refers
to the 3 main macronutrients required in heightened amounts than other elements.
The N stands for Nitrogen while, P refers to phosphorus and K referring to Potassium.
While looking through different nutrient solutions you may come across number ratios
like 7 – 9 – 5 or 10 – 14 – 8. This simple means that your plant will is receiving
a nutrient solution that has 7% nitrogen, 9% phosphorus and 5% potassium or 10%
nitrogen, 14% phosphorus and 8% potassium. This will help you determine which
solution is best fitted to your plant and where it is in its plant cycle.
Single Part Nutrients:
Most places
would recommend single part nutrients for those just starting to grow in
hydroponics, or those looking for a cheap, low maintenance and low risk option.
A lot of commercial growers utilize single part nutrients due to these factors,
which when growing in large quantities is important to maintain consistency and
quality through all your crops and grows. Single part nutrients are simple to
use. Shake the bottle thoroughly and mix into your water until you achieve the
required PPM (Parts Per Million).
Two or Three Part Nutrients:
Nutrient
solutions for both grow and bloom cycles can also be found in two or three part
solutions. For example, a lot of companies will have grow part A and B, or
Bloom part A and B. The need to split the nutrient solutions into two parts
allows manufacturers the ability to separate volatile elements and produce
nutrients at a higher concentration. This ultimately means that the grower uses
less product in their nutrient solution as compared to those using a single
part nutrient solution. Utilizing a two part nutrient solution requires accurate
readings when mixing into your reservoir and is often suited too more advanced
growers than those just starting out.
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