Hydroponic gardening is a popular past time and an effective way for those who do not have arable land to gain the satisfaction and enjoyment that come from growing their own vegetables. The main challenge for the grower in hydroponic gardening is to mimic soil's natural ingredients in the nutrient solution and to optimize those balances based on where the plants are in the growing cycle. While concentrations change, most hydroponic nutrient baths contain the same key elements which, according to Jason's Guide to Hydroponics, are separated into three main groups: primary, secondary, and trace elements.
Primary Elements
The elements found in highest concentrations, according to Hydro Juice, are sulfate, potassium, calcium and nitrogen. Spectrum Analytics provides a wealth of information on each element and all of them are critical in plant structure and/or metabolic and physiologic functions. Sulfates activate in the conversion of inorganic nitrogen into protein. Potassium plays a role in sugar and carbohydrate production, among other important functions. Calcium is important in many ways including ensuring proper cell division and cell wall formation. Finally nitrogen, while not found in the highest concentrations, is critical due to the fact that it is a structural component of all proteins as well as chlorophyll.
Secondary Elements
Per the Hydro Juice nutrient cookbook, the mid-level nutrients are phosphorous and magnesium. According to Spectrum Analytics, phosphorous plays an important role in photosynthesis and proper amounts will create greater quality yields from the plants. Magnesium acts as a carrier for the phosphorous and is an activator and component of many enzymes.
Trace Elements
The final group of elements in hydroponic nutrient solutions is trace elements. Each of these nutrients is found in very small amounts relative to the other groups. In higher concentrations many would be poisonous to the plants but at the right levels are important to the growth of the plants and play myriad roles in growth and development. Common trace elements are iron, manganese, zinc, copper, boron and molybdenum.
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