Maintaining nutrient balance in hydroponic systems is easier compared to aquaponics. For those new to aquaponic growing, this can be frustrating because most information about this soilless growing method suggests that the fish supply nutrients for the plants. While technically correct, managing this is necessary to achieve a bountiful harvest.
Fish waste is an awesome source of organic plant nutrients, and aquaponics is the best way to grow organic fruits and vegetables hydroponically, but there is a lot more to know about crop nutrition in the closed regenerating system. Just like with hydroponics, the mineral content of your water source at the beginning changes over time, but you don’t empty the tank and start over again with successful aquaponics like you would with hydroponics. Not if you’re goal is to produce food without wasting water, and why should you if it is possible to use the same water you started out with perpetually?
Aquaponic growing can be confusing for many people because they often only understand the basic fertilizer added to soil in traditional gardening. The challenge lies in initially grasping plant nutrition and the various factors involved in maintaining a balanced aquaponic community. In this system, you have to consider both crop and non-crop plants, as well as fish, worms, and water quality in order to achieve optimal results. Deficiencies may occur due to the lack of immediate availability of all necessary nutrients. Therefore, creating an ideal environment in aquaponics requires more than simply planting, raising fish, and expecting a harvest within a set timeframe.
Adding Aquaponics Nutrients and Testing
In order to ensure proper water quality and regardless of whether you are in the initial stages or have a well-developed system, it is necessary to conduct tests for various chemicals. In order to do this, there are several testing kits available that can be used. The essential criteria to consider when selecting a kit is to ensure it analyzes the pH levels, temperature, and electrical conductivity.
The following issues can be caused by these three factors.
If the temperature is either excessively high or excessively low.
If the fish become stressed, they are likely to consume less food than they need, which can lead to susceptibility to disease and even death. Additionally, it may result in root disease and hinder the growth of your plants.
If the situation becomes severe, you will cause harm to the bacteria responsible for converting ammonia to nitrates, ultimately leading to the destruction of your aquaponic system.
The pH levels are not accurate.
Once again, this will lead to potential disease issues as stress levels of your fish will be affected. Additionally, your plants will face difficulties in absorbing the necessary nutrients, leading to slow growth. Moreover, the elimination of ammonia to nitrates will be prevented due to the eradication of bacteria.
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Slow plant growth or exceptionally fast growth can result in reduced crop quality and a decreased likelihood of bolting.
Common Deficiencies
Knowing which nutrients are most likely to be lacking in your aquaponics system is beneficial. It should be emphasized that the type of fish and food used will have an impact on the specific nutrients that may be lacking.
The fish will supply the necessary food they need, based on the basic principle.
In your Aquaponics system, the vital ingredients include nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, sulfur, and magnesium.
Your plants will also need trace amounts of boron, copper, chloride, zinc, molybdenum, iron, and manganese.
The most frequent deficiencies consist of:
- Iron – this is easy to spot by watching your new plants. If they have yellowish growth then the system is low on iron.
- Potassium – your plants will absorb this soluble element and use it to regulate the processes going on inside the plant. It is also an essential element in the movement of water throughout the plant. You may be surprised to learn that potassium is also responsible for the process that allows gas to enter and leave the plant.
- Calcium – This essential mineral is part of the plant growth cycle. Without it, the structure of the plant is likely to disintegrate as the water cannot be retained properly. Levels of calcium can be affected by excess magnesium or potassium. When the humidity is high and there is little ventilation your plants may also struggle with calcium even if there is enough in the water. You’ll notice they are not losing water and very little is being taken in by them.
- Phosphorus – A lack of this mineral will cause stunted growth in your plants; especially in the early stages of plant development. The leaves may become darker and even take on a reddish or purple hue. More worrying is the fact that a phosphorus deficiency is likely to prevent your plant from flowering or even growing fruit or vegetables.
Adding Nutrients to Aquaponics
The method of application is determined by the specific chemical that is absent.
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There are two primary methods for incorporating potassium into your aquaponics system:
- Spray
In order to achieve the desired outcome, it is important to utilize potassium chloride and apply it as a spray on the plants. It is crucial to note that this action must be performed on a weekly basis or more frequently.
- Food Additive
One possibility is to incorporate potassium into the food by using kelp meal concentrate. Additional choices are potassium sulfate or potassium hydroxide.
Regrettably, a complication arises when it comes to potassium as it may not always be accessible to your plants. It is known that potassium has interactions with calcium and magnesium, thereby reducing the amount that can be utilized by your plants.
To guarantee effective utilization of the potassium you provide, it is necessary to measure and maintain a balanced level of calcium and magnesium in your system.
Calcium is a chemical element that is essential for the growth and development of living organisms.
To treat calcium deficiency effectively, the recommended method is to use a spray. All you need to do is take calcium chloride and blend it with water. A suitable initial proportion would be 4 teaspoons for each gallon of water. You have the option to adjust the amount if needed.
Spray once a week, keeping in mind each step.
You can enhance the calcium and phosphorous supply in your fish tank by adding some shellfish bones as well.
Iron is a chemical element with symbol Fe and atomic number 26.
In order for the plant to absorb iron, you must incorporate a form of iron that can be readily taken in by the plant. To achieve this, it is advisable to utilize chelated iron, with Fe-DTPA being the most suitable option. To ensure its efficacy, it is important that the pH level remains at 7.5 or below, as this is ideal for the well-being of the plants.
You should calculate the size of your water tank first and then add the appropriate amount of iron every 3-4 weeks to achieve a concentration of 2mg per liter.
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This is another necessary mineral that plays a crucial role in promoting healthy plant growth. Once again, it is important to provide it in a form that is easily absorbed by your plants in order to optimize its effectiveness and benefit your plants to the fullest extent.
A commonly used and convenient option is to utilize rock phosphate, which is readily available at a nearby garden center.
To help ensure that the supplement is absorbed quickly by the roots, it can be directly added to your plant beds. It is preferable for the bed to be shaded from direct sunlight to prevent it from dissolving prematurely.
For each of your plants, aim for a range of 20 to 40ppm.
