In hydroponics, the plant doesn't find its nutrients in the soil: it receives them through the nutrient solution. Mastering it is therefore at the heart of the craft. This article explains the three concepts to understand — nutrients, pH and EC — and why their balance makes all the difference.
The essential nutrients
The solution supplies the macronutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) and the trace elements essential to growth. Correct dosing ensures a vigorous plant; an imbalance quickly shows as deficiencies visible on the leaves.
pH: the key to uptake
pH measures the acidity of the solution. If it drifts, the plant no longer properly absorbs certain nutrients, even when they are present. Monitoring and adjusting the pH is therefore a fundamental daily task.
EC: the concentration of the solution
EC (electrical conductivity) reflects the concentration of nutrient salts. Too low, and the plant goes short; too high, and it suffers. The right level depends on the crop and its growth stage.
Why it's simpler than it seems
These concepts look daunting at first, but they're quickly learned with the right techniques and a little practice. That's exactly what our training covers, in real greenhouses. A poorly balanced solution is, in fact, the number-one beginner mistake.