Reducing Heat Stress in a Tropical Greenhouse
Tropical Climates can be especially challenging for hydroponic greenhouse growers. The tropical climate raises the following challenges: Below is a list of the best steps a grower can take to reduce heat stress on the crop in a tropical environment. Proper Greenhouse Design – Roof Vents, Roof Height and Vented Sidewalls, Short Bay Lengths A […]
Untreated Water Is High Risk
Untreated water such as River water is host to a wide range of root disease-causing organisms in hydroponics. Pythium is one of the main ones. Pythium comes from the soil and is carried into the river on dust or silt. Pythium loading in the water supply will fluctuate and will increase after storms or rainfall […]
Algae Control
Algae is a constant battle for hydroponic growers. Normally it is just a visual nuisance but if it is left to colonise the growing system or increase in density it can start to compete with plants for dissolved oxygen and nutrient. Algae will always thrive if sunlight and an exposed nutrient solution is available. It […]
Leaf Miner Identification and Control
Leaf Miner is a persistent and damaging problem for hydroponic lettuce and leafy green growers worldwide. Pure Hydroponics have prepared the article below in the interests of helping growers to get on top of this problem. We have made a wide range of recommendations for agrichemical usage to cater for what products may be available in different […]
The Importance Of Dissolved Oxygen In A Hydroponic Solution
Hydroponic growing requires careful attention to be given to dissolved oxygen availability to the root system. Dissolved Oxygen is the life force for plants and failure to provide enough oxygenation will lead to crop stress, root disease and in some cases – total crop loss. NFT Systems In NFT systems the lower part of the […]
Why Use Hydroponics?
Hydroponic growing is the best way to overcome global food and water shortages and produce the highest quality, nutritious produce in any type of climate. It is a precise scientific growing method developed from experiment, experience and observation. The hydroponic growing method provides for reliable, predictable and repeatable, safe food production. When consumers are asked what they […]
The Dangers of Manually Dosing Acid
Manually dosing acid for pH correction is a procedure which can put a crop at risk if done incorrectly. Overdosing acid is a common occurrence. The effects on the crop are not always immediately seen and can show up a number of days after overdosing has occurred – usually well after the grower has forgotten about […]
Recommended Nutrient Strengths for Various Crop Types
The attached table shows a range of recommended nutrient strengths for a wide range of crop types. The table uses measurement scales commonly used around the world so it is relevant to growers in all countries. Conductivity Units
The Importance of Dissolved Oxygen In A Nutrient Solution
Hydroponic growing requires careful attention to be given to Dissolved Oxygen availability in a nutrient solution. Dissolved Oxygen is the life force for plants and failure to provide enough oxygenation will lead to crop stress, root disease and in some cases – total crop loss. NFT Systems In NFT systems the lower part of the […]
The Importance of Automatic Nutrient & pH Dosing
Automatic Dosing is an important aspect that all commercial growers should consider for their business. The main function of an Automatic Nutrient and pH doser is to maintain a consistent EC and pH level in the mixing tank at all times. When using a recirculating system on a commercial scale there is a large surface area inside […]
Sodium Accumulation in Hydroponic Systems
Sodium accumulation is an ongoing problem in hydroponic systems. It affects both Recirculating Systems (accumulation in the nutrient solution) as well as Run to Waste Systems (accumulation in the growing media). Failure to identify and mitigate the affects of sodium accumulation will result in loss of production, slow growth, hard growth, increased tip burn, root […]
Importance of Gnat Control in Hydroponics and Nursery Production.
Gnats seek out wet areas found in or near green houses to deposit their eggs. They carry pathogens on their bodies, and in some cases internally, into the growing media or circulating hydroponics nutrient solutions. It is essential for growers to learn how to manage Gnat fly populations and avoid their damaging effects on hydroponic crops. The following article […]
Phosphorous Acid Derivatives for Fungal Control
Phosphorous Acid Derivatives are ideal for the Control of Pythium, Phytophthora, Fusarium and other Disease Causing Fungi in Hydroponics and other Cropping Situations. They also have a reputation for enhancing a plant’s ability to resist disease. (This product is Not to be confused with Phosphoric Acid – which is used for pH control in hydroponics). Pure Hydroponics stocks […]
Avoiding Tip Burn on Hydroponic Crops
Tip burn is the result of inadequate calcium reaching the outer areas of the leaves and is similar to Blossom End Rot on tomatoes and the burning seen on the sides of peppers. Tip burn is a common problem as it can occur under two types of environmental conditions: 1) Under high temperatures when rapid transpiration does not […]
pH Management of Hydroponic Solutions
It is most important to maintain the correct pH of a nutrient solution. pH is often regarded as the key which unlocks the doors to the various elements in a nutrient solution and makes them available to a plant. If a hydroponic system is not operated at the correct pH then many elements will be […]
Recommended Nutrient Strengths for Crops
Each different crop type needs to be grown at a specific Conductivity value (Nutrient Strength). This ensures the crop performs at its best. The Conductivity values can vary depending on whether the crop is a leafy, flowering or fruiting variety. Changes in season also mean that the Conductivity value can be higher or lower. We […]
Hydroponic Nutrient Mixing Directions
To ensure you get the best out of your Pure Hydroponics nutrient please be sure to follow the mixing directions in the link below: Hydroponic Nutrient Mixing Directions
Lettuce Seed Storage & Germination Procedure
The correct seed storage and germination practice is essential for ensuring growers get the highest strike rate possible. Growers in warmer climates need to be aware that the optimum temperatures for seed germination are in the 16 – 20 Degrees C range. The attached article outlines the correct method to achieve a good rate of […]
Calculating the Volume of Nutrient Solution in a Tank
It is helpful for a grower to be able to accurately calculate the volume of nutrient solution in their tank. This figure is important when adding liquid sanitation products or other additives to a tank solution. If a grower is not accurate with their calculations they can use more product than is necessary which can […]
Conductivity Scale Conversion Table
Different countries around the world use different scales to read Conductivity (nutrient strength). This can often make it confusing for growers to understand technical information from other countries. To make sure we are all speaking the same language we have attached a helpful conversion table. For even greater simplicity growers may also wish to purchase […]
Seasonal Adjustments to Hydroponic Nutrient Solutions
Plants are sensitive to changes in day length, low light and temperatures. Please click on the link below to learn more about how plants respond to these conditions and how Pure Hydroponics can adjust your nutrient formula to suit the changing seasons. Seasonal Adjustments in Crop Nutrition