Nutrients: What are they? How do we Mix them?

And where can we find them?

The first question I should ask is,

“Do you know that hydroponic farmers use different fertilisers for their systems?” If you answered yes, excellent. If you answered no, you are in the right place.

Hydroponic nutrients are also called water-soluble nutrients. This means they completely dissolve in water; something CAN and DAP cannot do.

Plant Nutrition in Brief

We cannot talk about hydroponic nutrients without talking about plant nutrition requirements.

Plant nutrition is massive.

However, the short of it is that plants require around 17 elements. These elements are classified into macro, micro and trace elements. The macronutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) are largely needed. When you hear of a fertiliser called NPK that is the macronutrient fertiliser.

The other elements – Iron, calcium, Boron and other 11 elements are required in micro to trace quantities. Not as much as the NPK but if they are missing, the plant will exhibit deficiencies.

All nutrients are essential. Normally, soil contains SOME nutrients. This is why if you do not apply fertiliser to your garden tomatoes, they will still grow but the fruits might have deformities.

On the other hand, there are zero nutrients in a hydroponic media. The farmer has to supply ALL nutrients.

Tank A & B ?

Hydroponic nutrients come in two tanks called A and B. Some of the elements can react with each other to form hard salts that cannot dissolve. This could clog your system not to mention it is a waste of resources.

Hence, 2 tanks to separate the nutrients that could react with each other.

Here is an image of the usual content for the 2 tanks for lettuce:

The first tank has Calcium, Nitrates, Potassium and Iron.

The second tank:

• Phosphates
• Potassium
• Sulphates
• Magnesium
• Manganese
• Boron
• Zinc
• Copper
• Molybdenum

These are supplied through the roots.

Supplemental nutrition through foliar application is recommended.

Mixing

Each plant requires different nutrition grams in both tanks A and B. The figure above is for greens like lettuce. Fruiting plants like tomatoes require different formulations. Calculators do exist to help you mix the elements in the right quantities.

At the Kibiko farm, the bank would buy everything in bulk e.g. 50kg bags. Then it was the job of the biochemists to mix them based on the provided ratio for tomatoes.

The second and, probably easier option, is to buy pre-mixed nutrients. A local company does exist that sells 1kg of A &B at Kshs. 500. ?

If nutrition remains a problem for you, my email is [email protected].

Otherwise, happy Weekend. See you next Friday.