Hydroponics24 - Soilless Gardening Explained

Written by: Soufian b. Harvey In the world of indoor gardening and hydroponics, measuring light intensity is crucial for healthy plant growth. With the rise of smartphone technology, many people wonder if PPFD measurement apps can do the job. Let’s explore how these apps function and whether they’re worth your time. How PPFD Measurement Apps Work PPFD measurement apps typically use your phone's front camera sensors to estimate light intensity. These sensors capture light levels in a way that mimics how plants absorb light, giving you a rough idea of how much light is hitting your plants. While they’re not perfect, these apps aim to provide an easy way for growers to keep track of light conditions without needing fancy equipment. A Look at the PPFD Meter App One popular app is the PPFD Meter - Grow Light Meter by Home Studio Inc. It’s known for being user-friendly and providing decent accuracy for hobbyist growers. It allows you to quickly measure light intensity without needi

Written by: Soufian b. Harvey Pathogens in hydroponics can seriously affect the health and growth of plants, especially since water is the main medium for nutrient delivery. While hydroponic systems offer many benefits, they also create conditions where harmful microorganisms can thrive. So, how do these pathogens get into your system, and what can you do to keep them out? Common Pathogens in Hydroponic Systems Some of the most common pathogens in hydroponics include Pythium (often referred to as root rot), Phytophthora , Fusarium , and Rhizoctonia . These microorganisms thrive in water and attack the plant’s root system, cutting off nutrient absorption and causing stunted growth, wilting, or plant death. They spread quickly in hydroponic setups, making early detection and prevention key to keeping your plants healthy. How Pathogens Enter Hydroponic Systems Pathogens can enter hydroponic systems through several routes, but the most common is contaminated water. If the water sourc

Written by: Soufian b. Harvey Hydroponics often requires more pH adjustments than soil, even if both setups seem stable at first. This comes down to several differences between how water and soil systems handle pH changes. So, why does pH fluctuate more in hydroponics? No Natural Buffers Like Organic Matter One big reason is that soil naturally has buffers that help keep the pH stable. Things like minerals and organic matter in the soil act like shock absorbers, slowing down how quickly pH changes. In hydroponics, water doesn't have those natural buffers, so any small change in pH can have a bigger impact, and fast. Root Excretions Affect pH More Rapidly Another thing is that roots give off substances that can alter pH. In soil, these root excretions get absorbed or broken down more slowly, but in water, they can shift the pH almost immediately. There’s nothing there to slow down the change like there is in soil. Evaporation Concentrates Nutrients Evaporation also plays a role

Written by: Soufian b. Harvey Growers always want faster plant growth to increase harvest frequency and overall productivity. It’s well known that hydroponic systems tend to produce faster-growing plants compared to traditional soil methods. Let’s find out why hydroponics gives plants that speed boost. Direct and Consistent Nutrient Access One of the main reasons plants grow faster in hydroponics is because of direct and consistent nutrient access. In soil, plants need to rely on the slow breakdown of nutrients and must spread their roots out to find what they need. In hydroponics, the nutrients are dissolved in water, making them instantly available to the roots. This constant access to nutrients allows plants to absorb what they need without delay, fueling quicker growth. Optimized Oxygen Levels Hydroponic systems also provide optimized oxygen levels to the plant roots. In soil, roots often have to work harder to get enough oxygen, especially in dense or overwatered soil. In a h

Written by: Soufian b. Harvey Growers often wonder whether hydroponic plants are less nutritious compared to soil-grown ones. The idea stems from the belief that soil is essential for proper nutrient development. But is that really the case? Let’s break it down. Nutrient Source Nutrient levels in hydroponic plants depend entirely on the solution they are fed. Unlike soil-grown plants that rely on the natural nutrient content of the soil, hydroponic plants get their nutrients directly from a water-based solution. This means the plants can receive a precise mix of what they need, ensuring they aren’t lacking in essential elements. Precision Control Hydroponic systems offer growers full control over the nutrients being delivered to plants. This precision allows for tweaking the solution to fit the plant's growth stage and specific needs, ensuring optimal health. In soil, nutrients are not always available or evenly distributed, but hydro systems solve that by providing a constan

Written by: Soufian b. Harvey Many beginners in hydroponics wonder if they can use soil fertilizers in their systems when specialized nutrients aren't available. Is it a viable option? Let’s find out. Different Growing Environments Soil fertilizers are formulated for a completely different growing environment than hydroponics. In soil, plants rely on microorganisms to break down complex nutrients and make them available over time. Hydroponic systems lack this microbial activity, meaning that soil fertilizers may not break down efficiently or provide the right balance of nutrients. As a result, using them can lead to poor plant health and unpredictable growth. Risk of Nutrient Lockout One of the biggest issues with soil fertilizers in hydroponics is the risk of nutrient lockout. Since these fertilizers are not designed to dissolve quickly in water, some nutrients may remain in forms that plants can’t access, especially when combined with other elements in the nutrient solution. T

Written by: Soufian b. Harvey Many growers may wonder if soil microbes can thrive in hydroponics and whether they can provide any benefits. While traditional soil gardening relies heavily on these tiny organisms, hydroponic systems present a unique environment. Let’s break down how soil microbes can fit into hydroponics and what that means for your plants. Microbes Survival in Water-Based Systems When it comes to survival in a water-based system, some soil microbes adapt well to hydroponic conditions, while others struggle. Certain beneficial bacteria and fungi can flourish in hydroponics, especially when there's a nutrient source available for them. While they might not behave exactly as they do in soil, these microbes can still play a role in keeping your plants healthy. Increasing Yield and ROI with Microbial Inoculation You might wonder if adding microbial inoculation can increase your yield and return on investment. Soil microbes can really help with nutrient absorption i

Written by: Soufian b. Harvey Hydroponics can be a rewarding method for growing plants, but it comes with its own set of challenges. One of the most critical factors to consider is pH management; neglecting this aspect can lead to a host of problems that could jeopardize your entire garden. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for a thriving hydroponic system. Neglecting Regular pH Testing One of the biggest mistakes in hydroponics is not checking the pH of your water regularly. The pH level can change more often than you'd think, especially as plants take up nutrients. When you're not keeping tabs on it, plants can start to struggle. Their roots absorb nutrients best when the pH is just right, so skipping pH checks can lead to nutrient lockout, stunted growth, or yellowing leaves. Even if your setup is running smoothly, it’s still essential to check pH regularly—at least once a week. Another issue with not testing pH often enough is that problems can sneak up on you. One

Written by: Soufian b. Harvey What is Inter-Root Competition? Inter-root competition happens when plants’ roots fight over limited resources like nutrients, water, and oxygen. In hydroponics, where everything is tightly controlled, this competition can sneak up on you if plants’ roots grow too close or too big. When roots tangle or overlap, they start stealing from each other, which means some plants may get starved of what they need to thrive. Nutrient Wars When plants fight for nutrients, the ones with stronger, faster-growing roots can take up most of it, leaving the smaller or slower growers struggling. In hydroponic setups, this imbalance can cause weaker plants to show deficiencies while others thrive. It's basically a nutrient tug-of-war that messes with your crop’s overall health and productivity. Oxygen Hogging Oxygen is another resource plants fight over, especially in deep water culture or flood-and-drain systems. If one plant’s roots dominate the space, they can hog t

Written by: Soufian b. Harvey Vinegar can certainly lower pH in your hydroponic setup. It’s a simple, cheap, and accessible tool that might just save your plants from nutrient lockouts associated with high pH alkaline tap or well water. Using white vinegar is a quick way to acidify your nutrient solution. Just 1 teaspoon per gallon can help bring those pH levels down. If you decide to use vinegar, start with small doses, and you can gradually adjust based on how your plants respond. Why Vinegar is Only a Temporary Fix Vinegar as a hydroponic pH down is only a short-term fix. You’ll want to monitor the pH regularly since the effects can wear off in just a few days. One downside to vinegar is the potential for microbial growth, turning your nutrient solution into a breeding ground for unwanted organisms. Beware of Microbial Growth with Vinegar Biofilms are another concern with vinegar use. These slimy layers can build up in your system. You might think about using lemon juice; unlike