In fact, if you take hydroponics farming training in India, most of the questions you will receive will be on pH. So, we decided to write a blog on it. In this post, we will discuss pH, precisely the nutrient solution’s pH in Hydroponics.

What is pH?

So what do you think pH is? Potential hydrogen ions is the full form of pH. This number indicates whether a solution is alkaline or acidic. It is measured on a 0-14 scale where seven is neutral, which is the pH of water, anything above 7 is alkaline, and anything less than 7 is acidic. 

Keep in mind that a pH scale is logarithmic. A pH of 5 will be ten times more acidic than pH six though the value denotes an increase by only one. In small hydroponic systems, you can often overlook the pH levels if you are more focused on problems related to plant pathogen, avoiding algae, balancing nutrients, TDS level, or electrical conductivity. 

However, if you overlook the pH control, it can pose a danger to your plants, especially those plants that depend on water supplies with a higher alkalinity rate. Keep in mind that nutrient solution’s pH plays a critical role in determining essential nutrient ions’ uptake rate.  

Types of pH ranges

Maintaining hydroponics pH level is an important task. That is because plants you grow through Hydroponics have a different optimal level of pH that differs from the plants that grow in soil. Hence, soilless gardeners have to be careful when applying pH recommendations for crops grown in soil to those that grow in a hydroponics setup. 

So, what do new do? We follow a range. The most commonly grown hydroponic crops have an optimal pH range of 5.5-6.5. In Hydroponics, you have to maintain the right growth conditions for plants. To present the optimal pH, you must acquaint yourself with some introductory chemistry. Yes, it can be intimidating, if you did not pursue science in high school. But, fret not! We are hereby your side to explain everything. 

There is unexplainable importance of pH in Hydroponics. Commercial growers use a narrower range of 5.6-6 for most crops due to automatic controllers. But, remember that optimal acidic pH range for hydroponic crops is crucial as it affects uptake and availability of essential plant nutrients and solubility. If pH drifts past 7, plant uptake of some of the nutrients becomes less efficient. For instance, plants become deficient in iron. 

The best pH for Hydroponics is slightly acidic as the values range from 5.5 to 6.5. However, the optimal pH range for the availability of nutrients somewhat varies from one plant to another. Hence, you must consult a pH chart and use separate nutrient solution reservoirs for plant groups with similar pH needs. 

Many veggies and fruits like tomatoes, squash, beans, apples, and melons grow well in the optimal pH range. All of these fruits and veggies prefer a value in this range of 5.5-6. But, blueberries need a more acidic and lower pH, preferably in the range of 4.0-5.0. Therefore, it is a great idea to use separate nutrient reservoirs for plants with identical pH ranges. Some hydroponic crops have an extensive optimal pH range. Pumpkin, for instance, thrives well at a pH of 5.5-7.5. Peas, onions, and kale prefer a pH range of 6.0-7. Mint plants tip the scale at a pH range of 7.0-8.0.  

Why do pH levels undergo changes in hydroponics systems?

There are several factors that lead to changes in the pH levels. When the nutrient solution amount falls under one gallon, the solution becomes a lot more concentrated. That is because nutrients are absorbed by plants thus causing a fluctuation in pH levels. Hence, you must monitor the levels, test the reservoir’s pH, and keep the reservoir filled.

Both organic and inorganic matter can also affect the pH levels. For instance, inorganic growth media and gravel often act as a cushion. These both can cause a rise in the media-based systems’ pH levels. To get an accurate reading, you must always test the reservoir’s pH solution besides the leachate (the solution that drains from bags or beds).

Bacteria and algae are primary organic matter types that influence pH levels. If pH levels increase in the morning and decrease in the day, algae may be the reason for that. Algae absorb the acidic CO₂ during the day hours which hence the pH levels rise during the day but fall by sunset.

Did you know that bacteria from the root disease cause the pH levels to drop dramatically? Well, the decomposition of diseased roots causes bacteria to release acids into the hydroponics solution hence pH levels fluctuate. 

Problems if pH is not maintained properly

Most plants have some level of tolerance for pH imbalance. But, you have to maintain the correct pH level hydroponics because a wrong pH affects nutrient availability for the growing plants. A pH level that is too alkaline or too acidic prevents nutrients and can cause deficiencies. As a result, you will cultivate lower quality crops and may even experience loss of crops. That means your plant will not be able to access a group of nutrients or a specific nutrient from a growth medium. 

Here is a round-up of the problems that surface if pH is not maintained ideally. 

• You can identify a nutrient lockout by visible differences in plants, including yellowing leaves, lifelessness, and stunted growth. 

• Other effects can typically show up as iron and calcium deficiency to the new foliage. With degraded calcium and iron levels, interveinal chlorosis takes place on the foliage, leaves start cupping, and tips burn;  which in turn causes crop and economic losses. 

Keep in mind that a nutrient lockout situation hinders the plant from taking up already present nutrients. But, if you want to grow healthy and strong plants, your plants need the proper nutrients. 

Hence, you must identify the problem area. To check the pH and encourage growth, flush the growth media. You can do that by adding pure water devoid of any other additives. Use twice the amount of water as the growth media and keep flushing within the first three hours of the first flushing. 

We have other tips too. How about getting hold of tools like pH meter, pH down Hydroponics, and pH up to measure the nutrient solution’s pH. If you find the pH levels too high, but the plant requires acidic conditions, you can use a mix of ammonium nitrate and vinegar to lower it. 

But, if you need an alkaline condition, you can use calcium salt to enhance the pH values. However, if you are sure of what pH levels your plants can thrive under, maintain a general pH range of 5.5-7. 

We recommend getting a liquid test kit or test strip if you cannot access a digital pH meter. No matter what tool you use, we recommend conducting regular tests and adjusting the nutrient levels. Keep daily records and keep adding products to measure the pH change until you achieve the desired hydroponics pH level. 

Some examples of pH of different crops

• Basil can thrive in a pH range of 5.5-6.5
• Broccoli can thrive well in a pH range of 6.0-6.5
• Cucumber can thrive well in a pH range of 6.5-7
• Eggplant requires a pH range of 5.5-6.5
• Cauliflower requires a pH range of 6.0-7.0
• Bell peppers require a pH range of 6.0-6.5
• Mint requires a pH range of 5.5-6.0
• Zucchini can thrive well at a pH of 6.0
• Tomatoes can thrive well in a pH range of 5.5-6.5

Conclusion

It would be best if you managed the optimal pH range in hydroponics farming. That is because it directly influences the way plants to absorb nutrients. The pH not only affects the absorption rate of nutrients rather, but can also be used to decrease, increase, and uptake of some specific nutrients.

 Adjusting pH and measuring it in a nutrient solution is a quick and straightforward process. Hence you have to get hold of the best pH adjusting products and pH testing tools from retailers and see what fits best for the different setups. 

Keeping the pH within an ideal range means plants will have access to a full menu of essential nutrient ions for optimal productivity and growth. Remember, that if you maintain a correct pH, your hydroponics garden will thrive wonderfully, and the plants will bloom instead of withering away. 

The post How to maintain pH in Hydroponics? appeared first on Rise Hydroponics.

Without much hydroponic farming training in India, you can grow your own kale to ensure you have access to the cleanest and freshest greens. Also, you can enjoy fresh kale all through the year regardless of the season.

Choose the ideal hydroponic system for growing

Two fundamental hydroponics systems work best for greens like kale. The first one is DWC or Deep Water Culture, and the other is NFT or the nutrient film technique. In DWC, you transplant the seedlings into rafts. These rafts are then floated on a constructed pond that measures 6-12 inches. The pond consists of nutrient solutions in large volumes.

You add a water pump that helps in water circulation throughout the pond. However, you have to install an air pump to aerate the system. NFT is another hydroponics setup where you transplant seedlings onto shallow channels.And, in these channels, a thin film of the nutrient mix is circulated all the time.

In a hydroponics farming method like NFT, you have to slope the channels at a specific angle, 1-4 percent away from the center. This design helps the channels drain at the ends to return to the reservoir.

The DWC system offers its share of benefits. But, the most pronounced one is the large volume of water used. Do you know that quick changes in water temperature are avoided because of the large water volume used in DWC? Not only that, but this system also avoids changes in nutrient solution, electrical conductivity, and pH compositions.

The Kratky method is also gaining massive popularity due to its ease and effortless installation. You can easily manage and control it. This method will provide all the advantages of a hydroponics system without being tedious.

In this system, you place the plants in the net pots with an ideal medium of growth. The roots of the plants are partially exposed to air while the lower part stays submerged with the deep-water reservoir. Each of these systems has its own usability and benefits. Your selection will depend solely on your suitability.

 How to get started? Use cuttings or seeds

Getting started with Kale seeds

According to experienced hydroponics growers, cultivating seeds is the best choice. After all, it feels satisfying when the seeds mature into full-grown kale plants. Hydroponics has complete control over elements. Thus, it is the best system for getting started with seeds. Here are the steps to plant the seedlings.

• Germinate the seeds at 15.5 – 24 degree Celsius degrees Fahrenheit. Lower temperatures may work too. But, they may slow the process of growth.
• Keep the environment temperature at 7.2-29.4 degrees Fahrenheit after germination and humidity around 55-65%.
• Keep the pH between 5.8-6.3 and the temperature of water between 65 -70 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Use a hydroponics nutrient solution specially formulated for kale. That is because the plant has its own nutrient needs.
• Lastly, make sure your kale grows in cooler temperatures. Ideally, anything between 24-28 degrees Celsius works best for kale. Lower temperatures produce smoother flavor besides kale is a ‘cool-season plant.”

Hydroponic nutrient and fertilizer solution for kale

Maintain the pH of the nutrient solution between 5.5-6.5. Some leafy veggies like broccoli and kale are sensitive to nitrogen. However, if the nitrogen levels are too high, the leaf tips can burn. Remember that plants need nitrogen, but excess of it can be harmful.

Make sure your solution is not devoid of magnesium sulfate or calcium. But, if it is, then supplement it with the mentioned nutrients. Here are a few things that will help you to manage the nutrient solution in a better manner.

Monitor the nutrient solution’s EC.

You must monitor the nutrient solution’s EC. Frequent EC monitoring helps to adjust the EC levels before things take a terrible turn. Low or high EC affects the plant’s nutrient uptake volume.

Measure the nutrient solution’s temperature

High temperature reduces the solution’s oxygen holding capacity drastically. Plants absorb a significant percentage of oxygen from the roots, which is mandatory for root development.

Optimum Growth Environment for Kale

Temperature

To grow healthy kale, you must maintain a temperature between 16-24 degrees Celsius in your hydroponics farm.

EC and pH range

Kale possesses an extensive range of electrical conductivity. Thus it is less susceptible to EC changes. For optimum growth of the kale plants, the EC should be around 1.6-2.5. The pH of the nutrient solution should be about 5.5-6.5 for the plant’s better growth.

Lighting

You can opt for an indoor hydroponics setup for an artificial lighting condition. Infra-red light can increase the plant’s yield; however, a combination of infra-red and green can also do wonders.You must incorporate a suitable growlight for your hydroponics farm.

Spacing

Kale requires ample space to ensure that all parts of the plant get enough light. Thus, when you plant kale, try keeping them half a foot or one foot away from one another. This technique will ensure that none of the plants stop getting enough light vital for growth.

When and how to harvest hydroponic kale

You can harvest young kale crops by 20-30 days after they are transplanted. However, it will take 3-4 months to harvest fully mature kale. But, a lot depends on the growing conditions and the variety of kale.

Overall benefits of Hydroponic Kale

Right from smoothies to salads and other healthy recipes, kale has become a popular plant. It is rich in vitamins K, C, B, and A; and minerals like potassium, phosphorus, manganese, magnesium, copper, iron, and calcium.

It has more omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and antioxidants than many veggies. Kale is called a superfood because it is enriched with minerals, vitamins, and other nutrients.

Kale helps to strengthen bones, boost the immune system, improve eyesight, and helps to prevent the spread and growth of some cancers.

The significant benefit of hydroponic kale is that it can be harvested and grown all through the year in indoor microclimates. Thus, you can enjoy the freshest kale at any time of the year.

Parting thoughts

Kale has become an essential crop for most vegetable growers because it is a nutritious and versatile leafy green. But, the best news is that indoor farming of kale in a hydroponics garden results in mind-boggling production of the crop. So, what are you waiting for? Begin to grow kale by whipping out your green thumb today!

The post How to Grow Kale in Hydroponics? appeared first on Rise Hydroponics.

Both Dutch Buckets and grow bags are invaluable assets to gardening in less than optimal or smaller spaces. But when both of these are so good, which one would you choose? This blog will help you do just that. Read on to know which one can be your best bet.

What is a grow bag?

The grow bags are those that farmers use to hold a growing medium like coco noir/ cocopeat to produce all kinds of plants. They can be made of fabric or plastic and often have handles so that you can move them. They are cheap, lighter than pots, and you can store, hang or move them quickly. They come in different sizes and materials. But, you have to change them to get a whole new set after the completion of 2-3 cycles. The grow bags range in size from 5 liters to 35 liters, which is the smallest. Thus, you must be well aware of what you will be growing before selecting a grow bag.

How grow bag is used?

To start growing fruits or veggies using grow bags in a polyhouse farming setup, here are the following things you will need:

• Water
• Growing medium (could be perlite, coconut fiber, expanded clay aggregate, vermiculite, or Rockwool)
• Nutrients
• Fertilizer
• Plants or seeds

If you are looking for a space-saving alternative, then you have to have grow bags. That is because they can be placed on a windowsill or a porch. In this post, we will tell you how to use grow bags, and to help you understand better, we will substantiate with an example. We will show you how you can grow tomatoes using grow bags.

Step 1

You have to take a typical 3-feet long grow bag that contains a slab of compressed cocopeat. That means you can grow 3-4 plants per grow bag. Since we want to grow three plants, we will make markings. Cut on the lines you made so that it flips when you open it. Also, you get a square-hole cut-out.

Step 2

The following step is to pass water through these grow bags. A submersible pump will be placed into this reservoir. This pump will pump the nutrients onto the irrigation/drip line to be dropped onto plants through drip emitters.

Step 3

For ideal drainage, make a 0.5-1 inch slit above the bags’ bottom surface. You can make 2-3 slits. It is covered on most sides; the water loss will be significantly less through the growing medium you use. You can finally transplant the seedlings from the pro tray to the bag.

Step 4

If you have not taken any form of hydroponic farming training in India, do not fret because we will tell you how to water your tomato plants. Though you can hand-water the plants for the initial weeks, it can get challenging later. Hence, we suggest installing a drip system and automating it. Here are the things you will need.

• End caps and tee joints
• Spaghetti tubes
• Drip tubes (usually 12mm)
• Reservoir
• Programmable timer
• Submersible pump

What is Dutch Bucket?

If you are a newbie to hydroponics, you may know very little about the Dutch Bucket. A Bato or Dutch bucket is a hydroponics system in which two or more growing containers are connected to the same drainage and irrigation lines. You can quickly get one from a hydroponics equipment supplier in India like Rise Hydroponics. Dutch bucket uses pipes for water supply like NFT. There will be one large reservoir/bucket that will hold nutrients and water. And, from this reservoir, the pumps will deliver nutrient water into the channels sitting at an angle.

How is it used?

Dutch buckets offer the most incredible versatility when you want to grow different kinds of plants. That is because you can use it both for aeroponic farming and hydroponics owing to its arrangement flexibility and customizable features. Building these buckets may be expensive, but they are long-lasting and you can operate them at any scale. Here is how you can install these buckets to grow fruits or veggies of your choice.

Choose a combination of perlite and hydroton to be inserted into 3-5 gallon buckets or bato buckets.

• Place plants inside the buckets and line them up in a row.

• Ensure that a water line runs from the reservoir’s water pump down the system’s length, with water channels coming off the waterline.

• The water line can constantly flow via the channels sitting at an angle. But, in the DWC system, a little bit of water is released every time to prevent the rotting or drowning of the plants.

What can be grown?

Both Dutch Bucket System and Grow bags let you grow a wide selection of fruits and veggies.  You can use them to cultivate young trees or plants with deeper roots that take up more space; those include eggplants, potatoes, squashes, cucumbers, pole beans, peppers, you name it.

Most vining plants like tomatoes are commonly grown with the help of Dutch Buckets and grow bags. In fact, the grow bags and Dutch Buckets are versatile to grow compact plants as well which means shallow roots like microgreens, herbs, spinach, and lettuce, can also be grown effortlessly.

Grow bag versus Dutch bucket

Grow Bags Pros

It can be used anywhere

When you wish to expand your garden space, you can use grow bags. One of the most significant advantages of grow bags is using those spaces you once considered unusable. Thus, if you have a small balcony apartment in your balcony or want to rent a yard, go ahead with a grow bag.

Promote healthier roots

Grow Bags encourage air pruning of the roots instead of root circling. In pots, you will see that plants entangle themselves by growing in circles. This overcrowding enhances the likelihood of water stagnation and aeration issues. As a result, the roots are constricted but grow bags alleviate this problem by air pruning the roots.

Control temperature

Since grow bags are made using breathable fabric, they can shed the excess heat through this fabric, a feature that is missing in pots as plastic pots trap heat and cook your crops.

Better storage after use

Where do you store your pots when you are not using them? Admit it if they become empty eyesores stacked up in the shed or on the back porch. On the other hand, Grow bags can be folded and stored with minimal space when you are not growing anything.

Are versatile

Grow bags come in most sizes and are lightweight. They come with built-in handles; hence you can move them to different locations. You can plant them in the ground directly to prevent transplant shocks.

Watering is seamless

The grow bags are porous. They do require frequent watering, but the bag’s fabric wicks out the excess moisture if you over water.

Some bags are biodegradable

Some grow bags biodegrade, so they will break down in soil if you plant them in the ground.

Grow Bags Cons

• Some grow bags are non-biodegradable
• You will have to water the plants more frequently.
• They are not as durable as the pots. You may have to replace them every 2-3 growing seasons.
• The grow bags can get heavy. Some may even weigh over 25 pounds, and you cannot move them around in that situation.
• The grow bags have to be continuously changed every time after they complete two cycles.

Dutch Bucket Pros

• The Dutch buckets can help grow multiple large plants at once.
• They are easy to set up and do not take up much space.
• They offer less work during water changes.
• The Dutch Bucket System is long-lasting.

• This system is more accessible when you address diseases and pests with individual plants. You can remove the affected plant and plug that water channel hose.

Dutch Bucket Cons

• Pests and diseases can spread quickly
• The water channels can clog
• The Dutch Bucket System is costly.

Final Verdict

With most hydroponic systems, it gets challenging to grow large plants. However, with Dutch Bucket System, that is not the case. We feel this system is very simple and versatile, making it one of the best hydroponics farming hobbyists. Thus, all you growers out there, buy your Dutch Buckets today and grow a lot of farm produce in a small space.

The post Grow bags VS Dutch Bucket appeared first on Rise Hydroponics.

That is because Indian Agriculture has always been driven by variables- skilled labor, water availability, seed, soil quality, and weather. Additionally, the increase in the rate of food production has always been at the water supply’s expense. As per some estimates, over 70 percent of the freshwater sources are used up in agriculture. And, not just that, would you believe that 70 percent of the water contamination is also a result of agriculture? With technology integration in agriculture, you can grow food in the urban towns through hi-tech hydroponic farms and urban farming. Believe it or not but, hydroponic farming is slowly becoming the potent solution to enhancing nutrition besides dealing with food chain supply disruptions.

Why is Hydroponics farming a better model of business in India?

The reasons behind the global and widespread adaptability of Hydroponics in India lie in its multitude of advantages. For instance, this farming method requires very little labor but delivers higher yields. Plants grow faster in comparison to regular farms.

Another potential of this farming lies in the fact that there are multiple cycles of crops in a single season. Hydroponics uses less water, which is around 20% of the amount you use in the conventional cropping methods.

Another critical positive of this soilless farming method is that it can be implemented in a limited space. Moreover, the plants you grow are not dependent on the external weather as you control the ambient temperature manually.

In a country like India, hydroponics is no less than a blessing in disguise because we all know that agriculture here is heavily dependent on monsoons. Hydroponics farmers can grow out-of-season crops, provide a tremendous amount of food, and spoil consumers’ nutritional choices.

You have to stack the plants vertically because the surface area does not limit this farming method.  If you want to grow condiments and herbs, there is nothing as profitable and practical as hydroponics farming. As you can produce your crops indoors and there are slim chances of a pest attack.

We all know how the Indian west coast is the worst affected due to the locust attacks. Lastly, seeds do not have to thrust through the soil mechanically. Thus, hydroponics facilitates less crop growth time and less maturation.

This technology is promising and gaining traction, but the initial setup costs can be slightly higher. However, all these infrastructural costs like that of the structure, sensors, water pumps, grow lights, and plumbing system, are one-time costs.

DID YOU KNOW? The central Government in India is promoting subsidies to hydroponic farms. And, we are glad to let you know that we have indeed come a long way. We believe that this technology will gain widespread acceptance.

What goes behind the setup?

A hydroponic setup includes the following:

• Germination tray
• Clay ball
• Seeds
• Reservoir
• Growing medium
• Delivery system
• Nutrient solution
• Air pump
• Climate control

Hydroponics farming setups can be both passive and active. Active signifies that a pump will move the nutrient solutions. Passive is wick-based or growing media’s anchor. The hydroponic systems can be categorized as non-recovery and recovery. Recovery means you will be able to reuse the nutrient solution back into the system, while non-recovery means applying the solution to the growth media. The nutrient solution’s management and its application to hydroponics plants fall into two fundamental categories.

Closed systems will re-circulate the nutrient mix from moment to moment, while open systems will not re-circulate the mix. The closed systems include both sophisticated and straightforward hydroponics setups, and here they are:

Nutrient Film Technique (NFT)

This system involves a continuous solution film of the nutrients that flow over the thriving roots. That results in forming a thin nutrient solution film around the plants’ roots, supplying both nutrients access and aeration.

Ebb and Flow

Ebb and Flow systems is the most popular hydroponic set up as it is low cost and low maintenance. Farmers use this system for potted plants and plug production. In this hydroponics system, you flood the growing bed with nutrient mix and then let it drain. The nutrient flooding frequency and duration depend on factors like plant requirements, water, container size, and the growth medium used.

Wicking

This hydroponics setup is a passive one. Here a wick runs from the plant container’s base right down to a reservoir. Later, it fetches the solution upwards up to the developing crops.

Deep Water Culture (DWC)

One of the easiest hydroponics system setups has to be the DWC. In this setup, the hydroponics plants are directly suspended in a nutrient mix enriched with oxygen.

Conclusion

Hydroponics farming has indeed gained popularity in India largely because the traditional farming methods have become non-remunerative. Soil is less fertile and water is scarce thus many new-age startups have entered into the hydroponics farming space and aim to keep up the food production despite the water crisis. With proprietary technology in place and by controlling the important parameters associated with this soilless farming method, Indians are effortlessly growing crops like carrots, gourds, and brinjals.

The post Hydroponics Farming in India appeared first on Rise Hydroponics.

Believe it or not, but we overlook the root health, and that causes shortcomings during the harvest time. We completely forget that diseases and unwanted pests can enter our grow room. With the health of roots being so vital, we have to take proper care so as to maintain root growth vigorously throughout every stage of plant development.

Not all roots grow beneath soil. Orchids for instance are one of the plant species whose roots grow in air. These plants are called ‘aerials”. Before we go into how to identify healthy roots in a hydroponics system we would like to share a fact with you and that is: Explosive growth of roots below the ground always means explosive growth of plants above the soil.

What are healthy roots?

We have already spoken about how roots are one of the most vital parts of a plant’s health. If they are sick, the plant is also sick. Thus the significance of healthy roots cannot be stressed enough. After all, they carry essential minerals and water to the rest of the plant. It is through the roots that the plant drinks or eats. But, have you ever wondered how healthy roots appear?

Healthy roots should be long enough to hold the medium of growth, succulent, tan, or white in color. If you can view any root tips then they must be white in color. If by any chance the roots are crumbly or brown, that indicates unhealthy plants. If the roots fail to hold the soil’s shape and are small, they are immature; which means that the plant is not ready for a transplant and is still unhealthy.

Why is it necessary to have good roots?

In hydroponics, healthy roots are a prerequisite as they serve to secure a plant, they are plant’s organs that are irregularly branched and serve two principal functions; one, to anchor the plant firmly to a fixed spot with substantial access to light, nutrients, and water; two, as transport systems, permitting the plant to suck up nutrients and water. 

In hydroponics, we can encourage the rhizosphere capability of a plant by ensuring it has an exceptionally-aerated root zone for good water-air movement and proper minerals. A healthy root zone relieves organic tension powerfully and stimulates the development of new roots by improving plant vigor and enhancing resistance against diseases.

How to get good roots?

In a hydroponics system, overwatering the roots causes root rotting. Now, you know that hydroponics entirely focuses on growing the plants in the soil’s absence, but with the help of dissolved nutrients and water. Problems surface when the roots do not receive oxygen insufficiently, especially when you are using the Kratky or DWC system. The water is either not aerated enough, or the roots are not directly exposed to air. Root rotting gives birth to slime and that further creates an impassable barrier. The result- oxygen does not reach the plant.

We ask you to think of it as some bullet-proof jacket. But, here the jacket kills the plant rather than saving it. Without the suitable absorption of oxygen, the cells of the root die. That further opens the door for pathogenic fungi and opportunistic bacteria. On infiltration, the pathogens effortlessly smother the entire system of living roots. So how do you identify a root rot? These are ways you can.

• If the leaves of your plant are drying up and turning yellow, then the roots are rotting. Unhealthy leaves are indicative of the fact that your plants’ roots could be down with a disease.
• Infected roots are dark brown, tangled, and slimy.
• If your roots emit a funky odor then that could be a sign that your roots are rotting.

Here are some ways to get good roots:

Maintain a clean and healthy hydroponics system. This rule is the generic thumb rule when you start off with a hydroponics system. When you ensure proper nutrient flow and oxygen flow to the roots, you can prevent root rotting from infecting the plants. Here is a checklist you can maintain to ensure healthy roots.

Cut the roots regularly

For permitting nutrient solutions and oxygen to pass smoothly through the system, it is important you cut the roots. In most cases, large roots can block essential requirements and could negatively hamper your crops.

A clean hydroponics system

Cleanliness is the watchword in the hydroponics system. We stress this aspect the most because an unclean environment can be a breeding ground for toxic substances and harmful bacteria. Sterilize the equipment, decontaminate the system and remove dead plants at all plants.

Choose the ideal pump

Aeration is important in a hydroponics system, as that could increase the oxygen levels beneficial to the plant roots. The best way to enhance aeration is by using air stones and adding an ideal pump.

Maximize the use of beneficial bacteria

Disposing of a plant when it is infected is not always the perfect solution. You have to gauge first if the crops can be saved. If you notice infection in a very tiny portion of the plant, then you must try your best to save the plant. We recommend turning off the hydroponics system, cleaning the whole hydroponics system, washing and trimming the roots.

User thicker materials for the grow bed

Bacteria are light-loving and you must protect your roots from them. We recommend using thicker and darker materials for the grow bed. This system could minimize the light amount that reaches the roots.

Avoid hot/warm temperature

Warmer/hotter conditions let harmful bacteria thrive. It is a hot environment that multiplies the reproduction of harmful bacteria. Thus, it is imperative to maintain the ideal temperature for a hydroponics system. Experts recommend keeping the temperature below 24 degrees Celsius (75 degrees Fahrenheit).

Using the best root enhancer

A root enhancer also is the best bet when it comes to growing healthy roots. It contains different species of microorganisms that help to colonize roots. By incorporating a diversity of microorganisms, your plants will obtain several benefits.

How to identify good roots?

If you are wondering how to identify the good roots in a hydroponics system then we are here to help you.

• Healthy roots in a hydroponics system will appear succulent.
• The roots will be long enough to grip the soil in the pot’s shape.
• The roots will be numerous in number.

Conclusion

Now that you have understood the significance of healthy roots for the ideal nutrient uptake, it is time you optimize the root growth in your hydroponics system. Bank on the right knowledge, acquaint yourself with the right techniques and use several nutrient reservoirs that will help in treating and managing the plants. Hope you find this blog beneficial for your plant roots and if there is anything you would like to share, do let us know in the comments.

The post How to identify healthy roots in hydroponics? appeared first on Rise Hydroponics.

You may think that the hydroponics style of growing strawberries is overcomplicated, but we must tell you that it is the simplest. There are truckloads of reasons to start hydroponics, especially when you are all set to grow your berries. So let us begin, shall we?

Reasons to grow the strawberries without soil.

Have you tried growing strawberries in soil? If that worked and you think there is no other way to grow it, you are mistaken. We are here to tell you that no matter how big a novice you are when it comes to cultivating this berry, there are reasons plenty you must consider this growing style.

Hydroponics does not utilize soil. It makes use of inert media to anchor the roots of plants in position. The root system continues to grow via this medium. It is directly exposed to a nutrient mix and water, depending on what you are developing. Here are some pros and cons that will explain why the hydroponics system is the best for growing strawberries.

Pros

• Strawberries grown through a hydroponics system are not prone to any flying pests.
• Hydroponics system is water efficient because there is re-circulation of water in contrast to feeding freshwater to crops regularly.
• Hydroponically grown fruits offer more plants per square foot space as they can be grown vertically.
• Harvesting strawberries is also easier as you do not have to crouch down to carry soil harvest.
• Strawberries need only 8-12 hours of light each day. Thus, unlike other plants, you do not have to change the lighting schedule.

Cons

With all the pros we mentioned, you may feel that there may be no demerits. Well, you are right because there are only a handful of drawbacks. Here are just two minor cons you must know about.

• The hydroponics system can be a little pricier than crop cultivation on soil.

• Compared to the conventional soil gardening technique, the hydroponics technique may feel a little complicated.

But, these initial setups often pay in the long run. You must be thinking, why? Well, nothing beats the vertical system of cultivation in terms of long-term yields and efficiency. With the same setup, you can keep growing strawberries.

Also, once you get the hang of hydroponics, you can grow strawberries in larger quantities. However, make sure you have an indoor system and have consistent weather.

Things we need to get started

One of the most highly valued crops has to be the strawberry. People all across the globe recognize it for its nutrient content, color, and flavor. However, strawberry cultivation can be a significant challenge.

Here are some of the essentials you must consider when you grow strawberries through a hydroponics system.

Substrate

An essential factor in growing strawberries hydroponically has to be the substrate. The fruits require excellent root-zone aeration. Therefore, we recommend growing strawberries on a substrate that can provide 15 percent porosity. This percentage is the least amount of porosity you need in the root area.

Rise Hydroponics offers different options for substrates. There are custom-designed peat mixes you can order as well. No matter what you choose, stick to something that is readily and easily available. We swear by coco coir.

Coco coir is entirely inert and will not alter the pH or nutrition of the strawberries. It is beginner-friendly, inexpensive, and widely available. However, you can always add some perlite as that will increase water drainage and aeration.

Growing supplies

When you grow strawberries hydroponically, carefully select products that will help produce them. For starters, you need to get the best quality troughs in which your strawberries will grow. Go for troughs that have a volume of 8-15 liters. Choose the color and size of the trough depending on environmental conditions and the production area.

Planting techniques

Before you begin, decide on whether you want to grow from starts or seeds. Strawberry seeds take years before they can fruit, so it is a slower option. We recommend planting young strawberry plants into a hydroponics system using net pots and a suitable medium.

Temperature

Low temperatures at night increase strawberries’ flavor. Ensure that strawberries are getting 18.3°C– 24°C at day temperature and 10°C-13°C at night. These temperature conditions let the berries thrive.

Humidity

You have to maintain the ideal relative humidity when you grow strawberries. Low humidity affects the uptake of calcium that causes tipturn, which affects fruit quality and photosynthesis. Maintain 60-75 percent relative humidity in the air and high humidity at night to benefit the movement of nutrients.

pH and EC

Strawberries are susceptible to EC and pH. Thus, maintain the drainage water’s pH between 5.5-6.5 and the EC at 1.2 dS m^-1 (maximum). We recommend using a pH meter to maintain the pH and stay safe from nutrient issues.

Nutrient solution

It would help if you had a nutrient solution to keep your strawberries alive. Thus, it would be best to utilize liquid nutrients that supply phosphorus, potassium, nitrogen, micronutrients, and secondary nutrients in significant quantities.

How to troubleshoot problems in hydro setups that grow the strawberries?

Growing issues

pH and nutrition imbalances are common growing issues. These problems can surface because of overfeeding, underfeeding, excess pH, or low pH. Thus maintain a journal to diagnose problems sooner. Ensure that nutrient solution is maintained at accurate levels for the strawberry plants. If the nutrient mix is too potent, dilute it with some more water.

Maintain timing for feeding. That is because feeding may upset the pH’s delicate balance, water, and nutrients at the wrong time. Your strawberries may suffer gravely. Keep a pH meter with you and check the levels on a daily basis.

Propagation

Most growers propagate strawberries using plantlets or seeds. Also, you can use only those plantlets that developed at the stolons’ end. If you are buying seeds, then collect seeds from a reliable supplier.

Plant the seeds in a potting mix and wait for germination so that they can grow into a big plant. Keep it warm, moist and provide light so that the young plant can develop. With the plantlets, take cuttings and spread them across potting soil.

For both plantlets and seed-starts, wait for the plan to develop at least roots that are 2 inches long. Unpot them and rinse their roots so that there is no soil clinging to them. Plant these roots in the growing medium of yours.

Pruning

To ensure that your strawberries have a healthy growth and yield high, prune the off runners. These off runners are known as stolons and are leafless stems which draw out of the plant. Clip these stolons off closest to the plant’s base. If you find a plantlet at the tip of the runner’s, utilize it for propagation.

Pollination

If you want to cross different varieties of strawberries, then you will pollinate the strawberries. Since hydroponics systems are carried out indoors, pollinating insects like bees may not access the plants. Thus you have to hand pollinate so that there is fruiting.

Remember that strawberry plants are androgyne; thus, use cotton swabs for pollen collection from one flower. Transfer the same pollen to another flower and keep repeating the process across all your strawberry plants.

Pests

Hydroponics farming lowers the chance of diseases and pests. And, if you are growing indoors, then your plants will anyways be protected from the insects, but there is always a risk. You may encounter gnats, thrips, and spider mites out of nowhere. In that case, spray the plant surfaces with neem oil, or use a pyrethrin-based spray for addressing the problem.

Diseases

Hydroponics strawberries eliminate most root rotting concerns. Because there is no soil in this farming method, you do not experience any fungal rotting. But, some diseases may appear above your growing medium, and you can deal with them in different ways.

Mucor and Rhizopus fruit rot are the most common fruit rot forms that affect overripe or ripe strawberries. These rots develop in warmer temperatures. Thus to combat them, you must pick your berries as and when they ripen.

A spore-based disease called powdery mildew impacts strawberries. You can use a fungicidal spray (copper-based)or neem oil to address the problem.

Botrytis Cinerea impacts flowers and fruits. It is also called grey mold. We recommend using a copper-based fungicidal spray and neem oil for infestations of any kind.

The best hydroponics technique to grow strawberries?

According to us, the best hydroponics system for strawberry cultivation is the Ebb and Flow system. In this system, you flood the plant’s roots with nutrient solution and water before both drain back later.

You require a timer for this system to set up “flood and drain” cycles. These cycles will appear many times all through the day. And the best news is that you can grow a bunch of berries with the help of just one system. So, get your bubble flow buckets and set up your own Ebb and Flow System to grow strawberries.

Conclusion

The hydroponics system of strawberry production has a winning edge over soil farming. That is because you carry on with your production inside a greenhouse. The indoor structure excludes pests and helps in containing biological controls. You do not have to use chemical-based pesticides or a lot of water. All you need are some net pots, PVC pipes, ready-made strawberry planters, motor pump, cocopeat, and water taker to grow strawberries. Even if you have a 15×20 square feet area, you can grow as many as 600 pots.[1]  So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and grow your berries because a hydroponics system could be the only long-term solution for us urban dwellers in the wake of the global warming situation. We hope you liked our blog, and if there is anything you would like to share, do comment below.

The post How to Grow Strawberries Hydroponically? appeared first on Rise Hydroponics.

For any growing medium to be ideal, it must be inert. It must be able to retain water and must permit the circulation of air in the root zone. Also, it must support the roots, give the plants steadiness, and not allow sunlight to permeate.

There are a myriad of such media sold in the market. Go to a store, and you can place your hands on stone pebbles, vermiculite, Sphagnum Moss, perlite, Clay Pebbles/ hydroton/ LECA, pith, or coir/coco peat. Each medium has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Always start out with the one that has fewer cons. According to us, we feel coco peat stands out from any other media. It helps with successful germination, and the best part is that you can get it from a coconut tree in your backyard.

This growing medium is multi-purpose and made from coconut husk. The fibrous husk of the coconut is sieved, machine dried, pre-washed, and is made sand-free. You will also not find any plant or animal residue in a cocopeat. The cocopeat is an excellent alternative to traditional rock wool and peat moss. In this article, we will discuss how coco peat is made and how it helps grow plants.

Why is coco peat the versatile growing media?

Between traditional Rockwool and peat moss, no other alternative comes close to coco peat. It has a high capacity to hold water and has air-filled porosity. These characteristics make it one of the best growing mediums for plant crops.

Coco Peat is 100 percent organic, eco-friendly, and free from soil-borne weeds and pathogens. It has a pH of 5.7-6.5 and is perfect for plant growth. The coco coir material is made from a coconut shell’s woven, fibrous material.

Most home gardeners prefer this organic soil replacement because of its aeration and moisture retention traits. Moisture retention is crucial as consistently wet conditions are required for plant growth. Thus, you do not end up over-watering or under-watering your garden. The aeration feature in the coco peat allows the development of roots and helps them respire better. Plants expel carbon dioxide and take up oxygen.  Both the factors we mentioned contribute to unbelievable yields and enhance plant growth.

For us Indians, the coconut tree is the “kalpavriksha” because each and every part of the tree is of great use to us, in some way or the other. Here are some coconut products that farmers use in agricultural fields.

• Coir pith/coco peat derived from coconut husk
• Coco chips are made from the coconut’s outer shell. It is then used as a medium of growth.
• The coco fiber is used as mulch.
• The coco fiber planter is the compressed fiber of coconut squashed into multiple containers like pots and hanging baskets.

Why do people prefer coco peat for home gardeners starting with hydroponics farming?

Also called the coir path, the cocopeat binds the fiber of coconut in the husk. It is very spongy and one of the finest organic media. Most home gardeners prefer cocopeat because of its remarkable soil conditioning properties.

The high moisture-retention capacity makes it the perfect growth medium in nurseries for the production of anthuriums, orchids, and seedlings. By all means, cocopeat is a versatile product as you can use it as worm bedding, sprout, and nurse seedlings.

Pro tips for identifying high-quality coco peat

There are different qualities within coco peat. The superior grades have little fiber, low moisture, and low EC to be exported in  markets. Ideally, the cocopeat must have a low EC, low fiber content, and suitable pH to suit the root section.

We recommend opting for coco peat with a pH of 5.5-6.5. It must have an excellent expansion ratio; anything upwards of 1:15 is best.

Advantages of Cocopeat

• Coco peat increases the potting mix’s porosity. That helps to keep the soil airy and loose, which helps in the better growth of roots.

• If you want to increase the water-holding capacity of your potting mix, choose coco peat. This medium also enhances the soil’s porosity. Hence, the plant does not suffer from under or over-watering.
• The high capacity of cation exchange, water retention, and porosity means that the coco peat quantity essential per plant can be significantly less.
• Coco peat possesses excellent properties, which make it a forgiving medium for hydroponics farming. The high cation exchange capacity of coco peat allows quicker absorption of nutrients.
• You can easily rewet coco peat, unlike peat. Dry coco peat absorbs water quickly and is hydrophilic.
• Unlike other organic media like Rockwool, vermiculite, or perlite, you can compress coco peat to less than one-fifth of its volume. This compressed volume of coco peat reduces handling, storage, and transportation costs.
• One of the most renewable mediums is coco peat. It is withdrawn from coconut husks. It used to be a waste product some years ago, but India’s Coir board has recognized it as a prime item for export.
• Coco peat is rich in natural Trichoderma that acts against damaging pathogens. The beneficial bacteria and fungi get an excellent environment for growth because of coco peat.

Disadvantages of coco peat

• Coco peat contains natural salts. That means only great quality coco peat can be used to make potting mixes. You have to adjust nutrient composition keeping the salts available in coco peat.
• Due to the high percentage of salts, coco peat cannot be used in recycled hydroponics systems. Thus the coco peat’s forgiving nature is offset mainly in the run-off systems.
• High porosity signifies your potting mix cannot support the plant’s weight. This is a common problem with a superior potting mix, but plant supports can rectify it.
• Have you used compressed coco peat? Did you know that you must use all of it within a few months of its production? You heard that right, but you can counter this problem by using freshly compressed coco peat.
• High demand for coco peat has caused poor quality coco peat to be sold in the market. You may even have to pay exorbitant prices for bad coco peat.
• Coco peat may contain soil contaminants. However, many growers today avoid coco peat’s sterilization. They rely on bioagents to fend off pathogenic attacks on the crops.

 How to use coco peat in hydroponic farming?

• Break the block of coco peat into a powder by mixing it. Ensure you are adding water in the right amounts. Your mix must not be too dry or wet.
• Take a large container or tub, remove the shrink wrap, and place the coco peat brick inside the tub.
• Add 25 liters of water and wait for ten minutes. Let the brick expand naturally and let it absorb water.
• Mix coco peat with your hands. Blocks must break easily, and add water if required.
• Add the coco peat to the soil or use it by mixing other inert media before incorporating it into the soil.

Pro gardening tips for using coco peat

1. Add a neem cake to your coco peat brick to avoid fungal infections.
2. To improve the soil profile, add coco peat to your soil in the ratio of 50:50.
3. Do not use coco peat as is; instead, mix it with inert media like wood shavings, clay pebble, rice husk, or coco chips.
4. Coco peat is inert and does not contain any nutrients; thus, you have to mix nutrients like manure or compost externally.

Conclusion

With the help of coco peat, you can grow any kind of plant. Right from root crops to medicinal herbs, veggies, leafy greens, succulents, and flowers, you name it. We have managed to get incredible yields for sugarcane and corn with coco peat. Thus, we recommend using coco peat as it is the most straightforward way to forget soil-related troubles aside. Please take a good try with a single plant type and watch it grow. And, if you have anything else to share with us regarding coco peat, do comment down below! Until then, happy gardening!

The post How Is Coco Peat Made And How Helpful Is It For Growing Hydroponics Crops? appeared first on Rise Hydroponics.