Introduction to Hydroponics
During photosynthesis, plants use carbon dioxide (CO2), light, and hydrogen (usually water) to produce carbohydrates, which is a source of food. Oxygen is given off in this process as a by-product. Light is a key variable in photosynthesis, which is why plant grow lights are necessary for indoor gardening.
No gardener can achieve good results without adequate light. If you intend to grow indoors, avail yourself of some of the reading material that has been published on this subject. If you are having trouble growing good plants, then light is the first factor to question!
When a seed first begins to grow, it is germinating. Seeds are germinated in a growing medium, such as perlite. Several factors are involved in this process. First, the seed must be active - and alive - and not in dormancy. Most seeds have a specific temperature range that must be achieved. Moisture and oxygen must be present. And, for some seeds, specified levels of light or darkness must be met.
Plants need around 16 mineral nutrients for optimal growth. However, not all these nutrients are equally important for the plant. Three major minerals--nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K)--are used by plants in large amounts. These three minerals are usually displayed as hyphenated numbers, like "15-30-15," on commercial fertilizers. These numbers correspond to the relative percentage by weight of each of the major nutrients--known as macronutrients--N, P, and K. Macronutrients are present in large concentrations in plants. All nutrients combine in numerous ways to help produce healthy plants. Usually, sulfur (S), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) are also considered macronutrients.
Boron (B), copper (Cu), cobalt (Co), iron (Fe) manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), and zinc (Zn) are only present in minute quantities in plants and are known as micronutrients. Plants can usually acquire adequate amounts of these elements from the soil, so most commercial fertilizers don't contain all of the micronutrients. Hydroponic growers, however, don't have any soil to provide nutrients for their plants. Therefore, nutrient solution that is marketed for hydroponic gardening contains all the micronutrients.
As a result of the process of photosynthesis, oxygen (O) is given off by plants. Then, at night, when light isn't available for photosynthesis, this process is reversed. At night, plants take in oxygen and consume the energy they have stored during the day.
A few good ways to prevent infestation and infection are to:
• Always maintain a sanitary growing environment
• Grow naturally selected disease- and pest-resistant plant varieties
• Keep your growing area properly ventilated, at the correct temperature for your plants
• Keep a close eye on your plants so if a problem does occur, you can act quickly
To learn more about hydroponics, check out HydroSchool, offered by Zen Hydroponics. Seven sessions at your own pace, guided by ZEN and Hydro the Bookworm!
