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AQUAPONICS
WHERE ONE PLUS ONE
EQUALS THREE
NUTRIENT SOLUTIONS: Part 2
Their Formulations and Uses
CONTENTS
This is already occurring in a number of countries, such as
Scotland, New Zealand, Norway, and Australia, where farming
salmon in sea cages has become a major industry and where
shellfish such as green mussels (New Zealand) and Rock Oys-
ters (Australia) improve the efficiency of the industry.
In Australia there is also a significant freshwater fish farming
FEATURES
hydroponic le�uce, which was then re-circulated back to the
barramundi tank. Unfortunately, the student had to return to
Cyprus and his PhD was never completed.
My next involvement with aquaponics was at the South Pacific
Soilless Conference, which was held at Massey University in
2003. Among the papers was one from a Charlie Schultz from
the University of the Virgin Islands in the West Indies. In his
paper he described how he grew crops of basil in an aquaponic
system with Tilapia fish.
In 2005 I a�ended a hydroponics meeting in Singapore, in
which a whole day was set aside for discussions on aquapon-
ics. Leading the discussion was Professor Jim Rakocy from
the Virgin Islands, along with his colleague Charlie Schultz,
whom I had first met at Massey some two years earlier. They
Aquaponic cucumbers and egg plants (Canada)
AQUAPONICS
were ably supported by a Canadian researcher, Nick Savidov,
>
14 > AQUAPONICS: WHERE ONE PLUS ONE ASK ERIK
Do you have a question for Erik? Forward it to info@maximumyield.com with
from Alberta. the words “Ask Erik” in the subject line, and your answer will be printed in an
upcoming edition.
EQUALS THREE
Where One Plus One Equals Three by Dr. Mike Nichols Hello Erik,
by Dr. J. Benton Jones Jr. of seeds and cu�ings. They emit li�le heat and provide gentle
and even lighting, all within the exact light wavelengths the
plants require. Small-scale closet-style grow chambers could be
improved with LED lighting.
At present LED lighting is more expensive than conventional
HID lighting systems. But the lack of heat they emit means that
exhausting or air-conditioning grow room air will be minimized.
The LED lamps operate only a few degrees above ambient tem-
peratures. They can also be mounted at any angle so that all parts
of the plants can receive light.
NUTRIENT SOLUTIONS
CROP REQUIREMENTS healthy while growing. The yield was modest.
CHELATES
It is well known that the chelate EDTA (ethylenediamine
tetraacetic acid) is toxic to plants, even though FeEDTA is a
commonly used form of Fe included in many nutrient solution
formulas. In the past, iron (ferrous) sulfate (FeSO4.7H2O), iron
(ferric) sulfate, Fe(SO4), iron (ferric) chloride (FeCl36H2O), and
iron ammonium sulphate (FeSO4(NH4) 2SO4.6H2O) have been
used with varying success as reliable, plant-available sources
of Fe in a nutrient solution.
Recently, Rengel (2002) found that the inclusion of EDTA (at
100 ppm) in the nutrient solution decreased the growth of young
wheat plants. Iron was found to accumulate in the roots of the
wheat plants when FeEDTA was in the nutrient solution
compared to when an EDTA-free nutrient solution was
used. In addition, the uptake and transport of both Cu
and Zn from roots to plant tops was
significantly reduced when EDTA
was present in the nutrient
solution.
The chelate DTPA (dieth-
ylenetriamine pentaacetic
acid), thought not
to be toxic to
concentration in the nutrient solution. Root membranes selectively plants, is replacing FeEDTA as a chelated source
control the passage of ions from the surrounding nutrient solution (FeDTPA) for Fe. As was observed by Rengel (2002),
into the root cells, with the transported ions passing into the xylem DPTA may act like the chelate EDTA, restricting the
In Part 1 I discussed the fact that nutrient solution formulas for upward movement into the upper portion of the plant. uptake and translocation of Cu and Zn, something
Nitrate (NO3-) and potassium (K+) are present in most nutrient
30 >
vary a great deal and that problems can arise if a given solution that needs to be investigated when FeDTPA is in the nutrient
22 >
is used incorrectly or the ratios of various elements are not ideal. solutions in fairly high concentrations and move readily from the solution formulation. This may partially explain why low Cu
In this Part 2 I address the many factors that must be considered nutrient solution into the plant root. All the other ions in solu- and particularly low Zn concentrations have been observed
in creating a nutrient solution. tion are selectivity absorbed. An element must be in solution as in assayed leaf tissue when evaluating the nutrient element
an ion in order to be absorbed, although there is evidence that status of tomato plants. Other commonly chelated forms of
PLANT ROOT INFLUENCE small molecules can be transported through root membranes. the micronutrients Cu, Mn, and Zn, should not be put into a
The absorption of ions from the nutrient solution into the plant The size (surface area) of the root and its physical characteristics nutrient solution formulation.
root is a complex physiological process influenced by temperature, will influence ion absorption, although these are less a factor in
aeration, root respiration rate, rate of plant transpiration, and ion soilless media than in soil.
by Ma� LeBannister
max facts DEPARTMENTS
6 > AROUND THE WORLD WITH 4 > FROM THE EDITOR
HYDROPONICS
> Hydroponics Comes to 10 > ASK ERIK
Moldova Courtesy of
Northwestern College 12 > PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT
> 12th Annual SolFest Draws
10,000 People
> 200 Greenhouses Exported 35 > MAXIMUM YIELD
WHY USE SUGARY from Spain to Iraq DISTRIBUTORS
SUPPLEMENTS? PEOPLE FEED THEIR PLANTS SUGARS all the time without
knowing it and not always understanding why. You give your
sweetheart a bouquet of roses for Valentine’s Day and before
8 > QUICK FACTS 38 > CHECK YOUR GROWING IQ
30 > > Hydroponics 101: Part 2
they are put into the vase, sugar is added to the water to extend
their bloom. Some “old school” gardeners will add molasses to
their nutrient solution during the flowering period. Actually,
just by adding fulvic acid, and humic acid, to your nutrient mix
you are giving your plants the building blocks for sugars.
> Fun with Aerobic
USA
Composting
At the same time, Ma� Lebannister has a fantastic article on using sugar
supplements to achieve a be�er taste in your fruits and vegetables and
to help your plants look even more amazing. If you haven’t been using
a sugar supplement during your growing cycle, you might be missing
out on a vital component.
I know you’re going to love this issue of Maximum Yield, and I welcome
any comments or questions you might have at jake@maximumyield.
com.
Quote
eliminating the need for pesticides or chemical use.
- Peggy Bradley
6 MAXIMUM YIELD UK January / February 2008 MAXIMUM YIELD UK January / February 2008 7
> MAX FACTS
<...QUICK FACTS .................................................................................>
fi�ings might need to be taken apart • Positives. This is a great system for
Hydroponics 101 – Pt 2 and flushed in hot water, or a shot of extremely healthy roots. Since your
Last issue we looked at the basic NFT compressed air through the system plant’s roots are not encumbered by
system. This month we’re taking a look might be needed to unclog it. soil or a nutrient bath, they breathe
at the more intricate aeroponic method of • Difficulty of Setup (9 out of 10). deeply and show their appreciation by
growing. Check out www.maximumyield.com This is the granddaddy of all home growing well.
for last issue’s instalment of Hydroponics construction. It takes a li�le work and • Negatives. There are three downfalls to
101. precision to successfully set up your this system: price, complicated setup,
Aeroponic Garden. misters, and keeping your psi high and price. It will cost you more than any
The name itself explains what it is. In enough to deliver your nutrients equally of your other options to set up, but you
most gardens the plant roots are supported and efficiently could take some fine- do get what you pay for. Pre-fabricated
in a soil or nutrient bath. In an aeroponic tuning. This one rates a nine on the meter systems can control cost and will
garden, however, the roots are suspended unless you happen to have a NASA work just as well as pu�ing something
in air. Aeroponic cultivation provides technician in your back pocket! together yourself.
the most optimized environment for the
exchange of CO2, oxygen, water, and
nutrients.
• Price. Price can vary greatly. One new
product for the kitchen costs only
around $150, with no work required,
whereas a custom system can be up to
three times as much.
• Space. Allow about 4 x 8 �. (120 x 240 cm)
of space for a 20-plant system.
• Maintenance. Keep an eye on pH and
nutrient levels, as for most soilless
gardening. Misters are the standard
form of delivery for your nutrient and
are prone to clogging, so the small
8 MAXIMUM YIELD UK January / February 2008 MAXIMUM YIELD UK January / February 2008 9
> ASK ERIK
Do you have a question for Erik? Forward it to info@maximumyield.com with
the words “Ask Erik” in the subject line, and your answer will be printed in an
upcoming edition.
Hello Erik,
Hello Dave,
LED lights last much longer than HID lamps and their lumen to
wa� ratio efficiency is considerably higher. Although LEDs are a
Light Emi�ing Diode (LED) technologies look to be NASA’s first
very efficient source of light, they tend to lack the sheer intensity
choice in grow room construction. LED lights are an extremely
that metal halide and HPS lighting systems offer. The individual
efficient light source, and the spectra can be tailored for plant
LED bulbs are very small and are banked together to produce
growth functions, so no energy is used to produce wavelengths
higher lighting intensities. However, the distance at which they
that the plants will not require. In fact, plants grown under LEDs
emit light at higher intensities is not very far.
can look more black, as no green light is being reflected. Green-
In my opinion LED lamps would be very well suited for pro-
light wavelengths are typically not absorbed by the plants, but
duction of low growing crops such as greens, herbs, and dwarf
reflected. For aesthetic purposes, LEDs can be tailored to allow
vegetable varieties. Because LED lighting can be tailored to very
plants to receive light wavelengths similar to the sun’s spectrum.
specific spectral outputs, they could be used to supplement con-
But this means energy is being used to create wavelengths that
ventional HID-lit gardens to produce crops of higher quality. They
the plants do not require.
can also be used to maintain a vegetative lighting cycle while the
HID lamps are running 12/12 to conserve power and allow the use
of “flip-flop” relay systems in the vegetative growth phase.
LED lamps would be extremely well suited for the propagation
of seeds and cu�ings. They emit li�le heat and provide gentle
and even lighting, all within the exact light wavelengths the
plants require. Small-scale closet-style grow chambers could be
improved with LED lighting.
At present LED lighting is more expensive than conventional
HID lighting systems. But the lack of heat they emit means that
exhausting or air-conditioning grow room air will be minimized.
The LED lamps operate only a few degrees above ambient tem-
peratures. They can also be mounted at any angle so that all parts
of the plants can receive light.
A colleague has a friend who finished a crop exclusively us-
ing LED lighting. Reportedly the quality of the smaller stature
plants was extremely good and the plants appeared exceptionally
healthy while growing. The yield was modest.
Any growers who have tried this or any other new technology
should feel free to drop me a line here at Maximum Yield to share
their experiences and opinions.
AQUAPONICS
In the Virgin Islands Shultz and Rakocy have developed over a
15-year period a very efficient technology for growing fish and
plants in the same solution. They have found that the system re-
quires a number of fish tanks in order to ensure a regular supply
of nutrients for the hydroponic system. The problem is that the
food supply to the tank containing the younger, smaller fish is
much less than that for the more mature, larger fish, and therefore
less waste nutrient is produced for the crop. If, however, the fish
in the different tanks are a mixture of different ages, then the
14 MAXIMUM YIELD UK January / February 2008 MAXIMUM YIELD UK January / February 2008 15
>AQUAPONICS Where One Plus One Equals Three
Worldwide there has been a steady move away from deep-flow would be a good starting point, but another possibility might be
hydroponic systems, but this system, with aeration undertaken to develop commercial trout farms. I appreciate the sport-fishing
throughout the deep channel by means of specialized aeration industry’s objection to this, but the risk of any trout diseases enter-
“stones,” means that the plant’s root system has access to a large ing the wild when using a closed recirculating hydroponic system
quantity of water and a large buffer of nutrients. This could result is minimal. If we wish to consider risk management, there are a
in a considerable change in hydroponic crop strategy, because number of trout anglers drowned every year — perhaps angling
there is no doubt that the small buffering available when using itself is too dangerous!
NFT or rock wool means any loss of electric power can result in a Of course, we have no information on whether we can, in fact,
total crop loss, unless there is a heavy investment in backup gen- produce trout or eels in a recirculating hydroponic system, but I
erators. This is unnecessary with a deep-flow system; the only loss doubt whether we would be allowed to import either Barramundi
would be in aeration, and the crop could stand a period without or Tilapia fry into New Zealand from a quarantine viewpoint.
aeration. If considered necessary, a small standby generator could I have just returned from contributing to workshops on aquapon-
be incorporated into the system. ics in Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne, organized by journalist
The nutrient solution is, in fact, very dilute, but because it is Geoff Wilson. Speakers included Jim Rakocy; Nick Savidov; Aus-
present in a large volume, the plant roots are able to extract all they tralia’s first PhD in aquaponics, Wilson Lennard; Geoff Wilson,
need. Results in Canada suggest that a�er a few years yields can and me.
be even higher than conventionally grown hydroponic crops! The first workshop was held at the Bribie Island Aquaculture
There is also the potential to sell the crop as a certified organic Centre just north of Brisbane. During the visit we took the op-
crop, because it is produced entirely from natural manure (fish portunity to visit the Research Centre, which is salt water-based,
waste). The system involves no control of root pathogens, as these and also the fresh water-based, commercial EcoFish International,
are controlled biologically by the broad spectrum of antagonistic near Caboolture, which produces both Barramundi and Murray
micro-organisms that develop in the natural environment. cod. High fish-stocking rates are possible at Ecofish because pure
In Australia, Wilson Lennard at RMIT University, Melbourne, has oxygen (rather than air) is provided to the tanks. The main problem
developed an aquaponic system to grow Murray cod in tandem is the disposal of fish waste. The near-solid feces are relatively easy
with a recirculating hydroponic system growing basil. What kind to remove, but the nutrient-rich solution cannot be recirculated
of fish should we grow in aquaponics in New Zealand? With the back to the fish tanks until most of the ammonia has been con-
recent development of a means to breed young eels in the labora- verted to nitrate, and most of the nutrients removed. Currently
tory (and an assured market for mature eels overseas), clearly this this is being done with a large lagoon filled with aquatic plants,
but with plans to triple fish production, an alternative strategy will
be necessary. Aquaponics would appear to be an ideal solution.
The hydroponics component of aquaponics will not only provide
a second income stream, but will also remover a major source of
environmental pollution.
Our next visit was to the NSW Fisheries Research Station at Port
Stephens, just south of Coffs Harbour. A most impressive opera-
tion, but once again concentrating solely on salt-water aquaculture.
We had also arranged to visit Taylor Made fish farms near Port
Stephens, but at the last moment the invitation was withdrawn
because the company had recently received heavy investment
from the USA. It is understood, however, that Taylor Made does
not use a recirculating system for their aquaponics, but the nutrient
rich solution from the fish tanks is supplemented with additional
18 MAXIMUM YIELD UK January / February 2008 MAXIMUM YIELD UK January / February 2008 19
NUTRIENT SOLUTIONS
CROP REQUIREMENTS
by Dr. J. Benton Jones Jr. justify modifying a particular nutrient solution formulation
and its use.
CHELATES
It is well known that the chelate EDTA (ethylenediamine
tetraacetic acid) is toxic to plants, even though FeEDTA is a
commonly used form of Fe included in many nutrient solution
formulas. In the past, iron (ferrous) sulfate (FeSO4.7H2O), iron
(ferric) sulfate, Fe(SO4), iron (ferric) chloride (FeCl36H2O), and
iron ammonium sulphate (FeSO4(NH4) 2SO4.6H2O) have been
used with varying success as reliable, plant-available sources
of Fe in a nutrient solution.
Recently, Rengel (2002) found that the inclusion of EDTA
(at 100 ppm) in the nutrient solution decreased the growth of
young wheat plants. Iron was found to accumulate in the roots
of the wheat plants when FeEDTA was in the nutrient solu-
tion compared to when an EDTA-free nutrient solution
was used. In addition, the uptake and transport of
both Cu and Zn from roots to plant
tops was significantly reduced
when EDTA was present in
the nutrient solution.
The chelate DTPA (dieth-
ylenetriamine pentaacetic
acid), thought not to be
toxic to plants, is
replacing FeEDTA
as a chelated source
(FeDTPA) for Fe. As
was observed by Ren-
gel (2002), DPTA
may act like the
concentration in the nutrient solution. Root membranes selectively chelate EDTA, restricting the uptake and transloca-
control the passage of ions from the surrounding nutrient solution tion of Cu and Zn, something that needs to be in-
into the root cells, with the transported ions passing into the xylem vestigated when FeDTPA is in the nutrient solution
In Part 1 I discussed the fact that nutrient solution formulas for upward movement into the upper portion of the plant. formulation. This may partially explain why low Cu
vary a great deal and that problems can arise if a given solution Nitrate (NO3-) and potassium (K+) are present in most nutrient and particularly low Zn concentrations have been observed
is used incorrectly or the ratios of various elements are not ideal. solutions in fairly high concentrations and move readily from the in assayed leaf tissue when evaluating the nutrient element
In this Part 2, I address the many factors that must be considered nutrient solution into the plant root. All the other ions in solution status of tomato plants. Other commonly chelated forms of
in creating a nutrient solution. are selectivity absorbed. An element must be in solution as an the micronutrients Cu, Mn, and Zn, should not be put into a
ion in order to be absorbed, although there is evidence that small nutrient solution formulation.
PLANT ROOT INFLUENCE molecules can be transported through root membranes. The size
The absorption of ions from the nutrient solution into the plant (surface area) of the root and its physical characteristics will in- BENEFICIAL ELEMENTS
root is a complex physiological process influenced by temperature, fluence ion absorption, although these are less a factor in soilless Considerable has been wri�en about those elements identified
aeration, root respiration rate, rate of plant transpiration, and ion media than in soil. as “beneficial” to plants (Asher, 1991; Morgan, 2000) but not
Continued on page 26
22 MAXIMUM YIELD UK January / February 2008 MAXIMUM YIELD UK January / February 2008 23
24 MAXIMUM YIELD UK January / February 2008 MAXIMUM YIELD UK January / February 2008 25
Continued from page 23 Since many of these so-called “beneficial blossom-end rot (BER). Therefore, it is rec-
meeting the requirements for essentiality elements” are commonly found as “con- ommended that NH4 not be included in the
established by Arnon and Stout (1939). taminates” in some of the major source rea- nutrient solution during the tomato plant’s
Some people have found that these ele- gents, such as calcium nitrate, potassium fruiting period.
ments enhance plant growth under certain nitrate, magnesium sulfate, etc., depending The question is should NH4 be included in a
circumstances (Morgan, 2000). The early on their origin, there wouldn’t be any need nutrient formulation, and if so, at what concen-
hydroponics researchers devised the “A-Z to purposely add a mix of trace elements tration or ratio? I recommend that at least five
Micronutrient Solution” to ensure that po- to ensure their presence. This would also to 10 percent of the total N formulation be in
tentially influencing trace elements would suggest that selecting high-purity reagents the NH4 form, even for tomatoes.
be included in the nutrient solution (Jones, might not be the best choice. In addition,
2005). Some people have suggested that the the rooting medium itself may contain trace PH AND ELECTRICAL
elements essential for animals — arsenic levels of some of these elements. CONDUCTIVITY (EC)
(As), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), fluorine It’s essential that the pH of the nutrient solu-
(F), iodine (I), nickel (Ni), selenium (Se), NITRATE AND AMMONIUM tion and rooting medium be acidic, the opti-
and vanadium (V) — but not for plants There is considerable research that in- mum range being between 5.0 and 6.0. How-
would be good candidates for inclusion in a dicates that the form of N supplied to ever, it isn’t necessary to adjust the pH unless
nutrient solution. The two elements where the plant can have a significant effect on the nutrient solution and/or rooting medium
essentiality has been suggested are Ni (Be- growth. becomes alkaline, that is, if the pH is greater
langer et al., 1995) and silicon (Si) (Brown A mixture of ammonium (NH4)- and ni- than 7.0. Plants can grow quite well at pH lev-
et al., 1987; Takahashi et al, 1990; Morgan, trate (NO3)-N frequently results in be�er els of less than 5.0; therefore, no adjustment is
2000), with Si being the element that some plant growth if that concentration ratio generally needed under acidic conditions.
people recommend for inclusion in a nutri- does not exceed 25 to 75, as compared to The electrical conductivity (EC) of a nutrient ELEMENTAL PRECIPITATION
ent solution as silicic acid (H4SiO4), at 100 when NO3 is the only N source. For some solution or the accumulated ions in the root- For most formulated nutrient solutions that
ppm. Two other suitable sources of Si are crops, such as tomatoes, NH4 in the nutri- ing medium is an important parameter. As the come with a use component, the amount of
either potassium or sodium silicate. ent solution can increase the incidence of EC increases, the ability of plant roots to take nutrient elements being applied far exceeds
up water and the nutrient elements decreases. that required by the plant. With time there is an
Hydroponics growers are advised to monitor accumulation of unused nutrient elements that
the runoff from the rooting medium or the initially increases the “salinity” (measured by
solution in the medium for its EC and to leach the EC of the retained nutrient solution in the
when it exceeds a certain level. An increasing rooting medium), followed by an accumulation
EC indicates that the elemental concentration of the co-precipitates calcium phosphate and
of the nutrient solution is too high. calcium sulfate. When using a recommended
nutrient solution, gravel rooting medium, and
flood-and-drain hydroponic growing system,
a “grayish-white sludge” accumulates with
time, which can be easily observed by insert-
ing ones hand into the gravel bed. Included in
this precipitate are the micronutrients Cu, Fe,
Mn, and Zn.
This same precipitation phenomenon will oc-
cur in all rooting media (gravel, sand, perlite,
rockwool, or coir, etc.) when a full-strength
nutrient solution is repeatedly applied. Its
initial formation creates the “seed” that keeps
the precipitation process going with each ad-
dition of nutrient solution. The other driving
force that enhances precipitation in the rooting
medium is the rate of water removal that occurs
when plant transpiration rates are high, which
concentrates the retained nutrient solution. The
precipitate cannot be leached from the rooting
medium, and its accumulation will begin to sig-
nificantly influence the nutrient element con-
tent of the plant. The immediate area around
the root is strongly acidic, capable of dissolving
precipitate in contact with the root, releasing
elements that will then be absorbed.
26 MAXIMUM YIELD UK January / February 2008 MAXIMUM YIELD UK January / February 2008 27
>NUTRIENT SOLUTIONS PART 2: Their Formulations and Uses
Several years ago I consulted with four greenhouse-tomato This meant that during more than half of their growth cycle the Zealand Department of Scientific and Industrial Research,
growers who were all growing in perlite-filled BATO buckets with plants were being significantly influenced nutritionally by what Wellington, New Zealand, pp. 13–28.
the nutrient solution being applied periodically by means of drip had accumulated in the perlite rather than what was being applied Asher, C.J. and D.J. Edwards (1978b) Relevance of Dilute
irrigation. At the end of the growing season, I assayed the perlite in the nutrient solution. If reused, the perlite would start with a Solutions Culture Studies to Problems of Low Fertility
using a soil test-type analysis method, and found that the perlite high nutrient element charge that would significantly affect the Tropical Soils. IN: Mineral Nutrition of Legumes in Tropi-
contained sufficient nutrient elements to be identified as a “very nutrition of the crop. cal and Subtropical Soils. C.S. Andrew and E.J. Kamprath
fertile” soil. What had begun as an inert, nutrient-free rooting One procedure that can slow the precipitation process is to apply (Eds.). Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research
medium (perlite) was now a high-nutrient medium containing one to two aliquots of full-strength nutrient solution in one day’s Organization, Melbourne, Australia, pp. 131–152.
substantial quantities of Ca, Mg, P, S, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn, at levels cycle. For example, when using the drip irrigation procedure make Barry, C. (1996) Nutrients; The Handbook of Hydroponic
greater than what was needed to meet the crop’s requirements. one nutrient solution application at sunrise and another in mid- Nutrient Solutions. Casper Publications Pty Ltd., New
day, and then only water when needed to maintain fully turgid South Wales, Australia.
plants. The developer of the Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) made Belanger et al. (1995)
a similar recommendation: expose the plant roots periodically to potential’ that is dictated by the above-ground Brown et al. (1987)
a full-strength nutrient solution and then apply water and/or a part of the plant.” He further states, “This is Cooper, A. (1996) The ABC of NFT Nutrient Film Tech-
dilute nutrient solution to satisfy the water needs of the plants an extremely important concept and may well nique. Casper Publications, Narrabeen, Australia.
(Cooper, 1996). affect the entire conceptual model for uptake Johnson, B. (2007) Research Aims to Aid Hydro Growers
Another scheme is to apply only what is specifically needed, at of a wide range of nutrients.” Using current Recirculating Water. The Growing Edge 18(6):20–21.
each stage of plant growth, in terms of the amount and balance nutrient solution formulations that are nutrient Jones Jr., J. Benton (2005) Hydroponics: A Practical
of nutrient elements; thought this would probably work, it would element concentrated, I would agree. Using Guide for the Soilless Grower. CRC Press, Boca Raton,
be difficult to implement. dilute nutrient solution formulations, a switch FL.
Although accumulation by precipitation in the rooting medium occurs from root-responsive to root-controlled. Morgan, L. (2000) Beneficial Elements for Hydroponics.
provides a potential source of some essential elements for plant Plants grow best when the nutrient element The Growing Edge 11(3):41–51.
utilization over time, precipitation can also reduce the immediate concentration is constant at low, balanced Rengel, Z. (2002) Chelator EDTA in Nutrient So-
availability of some elements being supplied by the nutrient solu- elemental concentrations as recommended lution Decreases Growth of Wheat. J. Plant Nutri.
tion, particularly the micronutrients Cu, Fe, and Zn, which may and as found to be so by Asher and Edwards 25(8):1709–1725.
explain why low levels of these elements occur in some plants at (1978a, 1978b). Takahashi et al. (1990)
various stages of growth. As you can see, there is much to be done when
it comes to nutrient solutions and their use
CONCLUSION — no one has the complete answer yet.
One marvels that plants are able to grow fairly well in a wide
range of nutrient solution formulations and uses, probably a REFERENCES
testament to the stable physiological character of plants and their Arnon, D.I. and P.R. Stout (1939). The Essentiality of
roots. In a just-published Growing Edge article, Johnson (2007) Certain Elements in Minute Quantity for Plants with Spe-
writes, “Researchers have found that the roots do not drive the cial Reference to Copper. Plant Physiology 14:371–375.
process (nutrient element uptake), but instead respond to it.” Asher, C.J. (1991) Beneficial Elements, Functional
Johnson (2007) quotes Meiner Lieth, Professor of Plant Sciences Nutrients, and Possible New Essential Elements. IN:
at the University of California, Davis: “Our research suggests that Micronutrients in Agriculture. J.J. Mortvedt (Ed.). SSSA
the roots are not drivers of this, rather they respond to a ‘growth Book Series, Number 4, Soil Science Society of America,
Madison, WI, pp. 703–723.
Asher, C.J. and D.J. Edwards (1978a) Critical External
+
J.B. Ferguson (Eds.). Information Series No. 134, New
+ 6,67%
*
Fruits & Vegetables
International Distribution:
XTra Blue Light
The growth of green plant phyto-lm Wholesale & Shipping:
parts is accelerated. Dr. J. Benton Jones Jr. has had a long career in the fields of soil and
Phone: +49 30 / 34 99 80 70
+
Ornamental Plants Fax: +49 30 / 34 99 80 73 plant chemistry, and is an Emeritus Professor at the University of
E-Mail: info@gib-lighting.de
XTra Yellow and Red Light Georgia, Athens. Dr. Jones has authored 8 books and has wri�en
Blossom and fruit formation
is enhanced. articles for magazines that deal with hydroponic issues. He currently
+ 5,45% has his own consulting company, Grosystems, Inc. Utilizing his 50-
* UK Distribution:
Succulents
IKON INTERNATIONAL year experience growing plants hydroponically, he is experimenting
Increased Light Emission Lumen PO BOX 121 with various total water and plant nutrient element consumption
58.000 Lumen
WARRINGTON hydroponic growing systems that do not require electric power.
* Values of the 400 W version, in comparison WA3 6XD
Cultivated Plants to other commercially available high per- Dr. Jones currently lives in Anderson, South Carolina and can be
formance HPS lamps, can also be supplied Trade Enquiries only
in 600 W. reached by email at: jbhydro@carol.net
Phone: +44(0)1925 822 503
28 MAXIMUM YIELD UK January / February 2008 MAXIMUM YIELD UK January / February 2008 29
by Ma� LeBannister Photosynthesis comes from the Greek word “photo,” meaning
light, and “synthesis,” meaning to put together.
Most growers do not even know that there directly from inorganic compounds using
is a meter, called a Brix meter, that is used photons, the energy from light. They do this
to measure the level of sugars in the leaves using a process called photosynthesis. Photo-
of plants. It is generally understood that the synthesis comes from the Greek word “photo,”
higher the level of sugars within a plant’s tis- meaning light, and “synthesis,” meaning
sue, the healthier the plant is and the be�er to put together. The inorganic compounds
the yield will be. are carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O),
Knowing this, the question should not be, and the energy source is sunlight. The end
“Why add a carbohydrate supplement to my products include glucose, a simple sugar, and
nutrient solution?” but simply, “Why haven’t oxygen (O2).
I added one already?”
To understand why you should give your The actual equation looks like this:
plants one of the sugary supplements on 6CO2 + 12H2O + photons C6H2O6 + 6O2 + 6H2O
the market, you should become a li�le more (gas) (liquid) (aqueous) (gas) (liquid)
familiar with the way plants produce and use
sugars. Then, through a process called carbon fixation,
Almost all plants use sugars as their main ATP (adenosine triphosphate),AND? a high-
source of fuel. They transport these sugars energy molecule CO2 (carbon dioxide) are
along with water and other elements through- used to create sugars. Some sugars produced,
out their systems, either for food or to create such as glucose, are simple sugars or monosac-
amino acids for biosynthesis to fuel cellular charides. They are easily broken down by the
respiration. Maple trees are a great example plant and are generally used for energy. Other
of how plants use sugars. Their sugary sap is sugars produced, such as cellulose, are com-
famous at breakfast tables worldwide, but that plex sugars or polysaccharides. Polysaccha-
sap is really the food the maple tree has begun rides consist of a chain of two or more sugars
to store to survive the winter to come. and are usually used for lipid and amino acid
Most plants are photoautotrophs, which biosynthesis. Polysaccharides are also used as
means that they synthesize their own food a fuel in cellular respiration. Cellulose specifi-
32 MAXIMUM YIELD UK January / February 2008 MAXIMUM YIELD UK January / February 2008 33
Funkmaster Reds Greengrass Indoor Garden
34 MAXIMUM YIELD UK January / February 2008 MAXIMUM YIELD UK January / February 2008 35
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36 MAXIMUM YIELD UK January / February 2008 MAXIMUM YIELD UK January / February 2008 37
by Erik Biksa
1. Is the following statement regarding shortening 4. Three or four weeks a�er transplant, what should the
crop cycles with precision control over light and pH range of the extraction be from the growing media
temperature in a CEA environment TRUE or FALSE? for optimal root conditions?
” …to improve the production of flower and garden
vegetable “plugs” -- 2-inch tall seedlings used at the 5. Three or four weeks a�er transplant, what should the
start of production…..industry standard was four EC range of the extraction be from the growing media
to five weeks before seedlings reached marketable for optimal root conditions?
height. They were able to reduce this time to 16
days.” 6. With gas fired CO2 generators, for every pound
of fuel consumed how many pounds of CO2 are
2. When performing the Dutch RGP method to test typically produced?
growing medias for EC and pH, why is it very a) 4 LBS
important to use a very fine filter (i.e extraction bag b) 3 LBS
mesh) to strain the solution prior to measurement(s)? c) 2 LBS
a) tidiness d) 1 LB
b) for clarity
c) fine soil particulate alters values 7) The N-P-K of the fertilizer “mono-potassium
d) none of the above phosphate” is:
a) 4-2-0
3. What is the ratio of distilled water to growing media b) 0-52-0
required for extraction when using the Dutch RGP c) 15.5-0-0
method? d) 0-52-34
a) 2:1
b) 1.5:1
c) 1:1
d) 0.5:1
ANSWERS:
November/December 2007 quiz
1) A. 2) C 3) C. 4) it is non selective and
may inhibit beneficial micro-organisms.
5) B. 6) D. 7) A,B,C.