Nutrient Additives

Although hydroponic formulas have come a very long way in providing total plant nutrition, many vital compounds and biological agents that are available to the plant in healthy soil are absent. Nutrient additives are commonly used in hydroponics to bridge the gap between organic and mineral nutrition. Generally, plants that have been fed with additives are healthier and have a better resistance to plants and diseases.

This category includes anything that speeds up growth rates and or flower formation and facilitates nutrient uptake.

Nutrient additives are often made up of hormones, enzymes and vitamins. Some of the more common enhancers available include fulvic acids and humic acids, kelp, cytokinin and auxin hormones, gibberellins, chitin, B-1 vitamins, amino acids and phosphorus boosters.

Some of the things that additives achieve include:

You can improve propagation rates by using an anti-transparent to prevent wilting and using a root stimulator to encourage faster rootings and promote vigorous cuttings.

Growth enhancers can contain a vast array of natural extracts and are used during the vegative period.

Flowering boosters usually contain a potassium and phosphate mixture and are used during the flowering period as a booster to encourage larger flower/fruit sets.

Some of the most popular additives are Liquid Oxygen which has many applications in hydroponics, from sterilisation and pathogen control to adding oxygen to a nutrient solution.

Silicon is a highly beneficial element for plant growth and vigor. Silicon promotes healthy cellular growth, improves plant vitality and improves resistance to infection.

Enzymes are used to break down dead roots into minerals and sugars to allow for new healthier roots to form, maximising nutrient uptake. Beneficial fungi and bacteria products that promote root development then form a protective shield around roots to guard them against predatory microbes and root zone diseases and then multiply to create a healthy root zone environment.

Flushing products are used in the final week of plant growth to ensure that excess nutrients are flushed, improving taste and texture.