INTRODUCTION INTO NUTRIENTS

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.