Are you ready to gain more control of your grow room and ditch pre-mixed nutrients? In a few easy steps, we will share with you the secret to mixing like a professional. We think nutrient mixing is one of the important techniques a grower can employ to maximize crop/plant efficiency. In our experience, it gave us more control when things went bad, and improved plant yield when everything was running smoothly. Try our techniques and let us know what you think
A few things to consider before mixing:
First, understand the PPE requirements to grow safely:
- Dust mask (R95 or P95)
- (2) Tanks an A tank and B tank (55 gallons per tank)
Next consider the Macro vs Micro Nutrients Macro:
MACRO
- Nitrogen
- Phosphorus
- Potassium
- Calcium
- Magnesium
MICRO
- Iron
- Boron
- Copper
- Zinc
- Molybdenum
Pay attention to what kind of crop you are growing. There are 2 types:
-Vegetative Growth - Needs only 1 recipe in 1 stage throughout the whole process
- Reproductive Growth - Needs 3 different recipes for 3 different stages
Nitrogen and Potassium based substances are most important for leafy greens
- Nitrogen based on Tank A - Nitrogen based Fertilizers
(Calcium Nitrate, Potassium Nitrate, Magnesium Nitrate)
- Potassium based in Tank B - Potassium based Fertilizers
(Potassium Nitrate, Mono-potassium phosphate, Potassium Sulfate)
Things to consider:
- For larger scale greenhouses pay attention to the doser ratio 1:100
- Check the water pH levels
- Check the Ec levels (amount of salt)
- A couple of hours after mixing check bottom of tanks for precipitation buildup. Precipitation means fertilizer did not dissolve properly and there are "clumps" on the bottom which can clog tubes and effect levels.
NEXT WEEK'S BLOG: MIXING NUTRIENTS