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Because there is a higher concentration of minerals and therefore a lower content of water in the roots, the water from the solution moves through the membrane-covering that the roots have, taking the minerals in our nutrient solution with it.
It doesn't actually happen that way. Experts now tell us there are specialized receptacles for certain minerals, but even the experts are not sure how the roots really work. This is a convenient way to explain how nutrient strength works.
If the concentration of nutrient is increased, the water content decreases, but by minute amounts. The difference between concentrations in the roots and in the solution is now closer, and nutrient solution is absorbed through the membrane more slowly. The effect on growth is exactly as you might assume.
The higher the CF strength the slower the new growth of the plant.
Higher CF = slower
The Lower the CF the faster the new growth of the plant.
Lower CF = faster
This would be, in the case of Tomatoes, a change from 24CF to 30CF or 0.156% to 0.195% nutrients. You cannot adjust a solution that accurately without a CF meter.
Also, due to the concentration then changing inside the plant, the emphasis on the type of growth changes.
Stem growth is more woody and usually thicker, the higher the concentration.
Leaf growth has more emphasis when the nutrient strength is low
Flower/Fruit Production has more emphasis when the nutrient strength is high
Height is determined in plants by the internodal length, or the distance before another branch or leaf occurs. The Internodal length is closer (plants are shorter and bushier) when the strength is high.
Calcium is a difficult element in terms of nutrient strength. While Nitrogen and other elements can be moved by the plant from the older leaves to newer leaves if required, calcium cannot be stored or moved. It must be available to the new growth at all times or calcium deficiency, characterized by tip burn of the leaves and blossom end rot on fruit, will occur. If the nutrients are not being taken up at a fast enough rate, the leaves will begin to brown at the tips. This occurs because the nutrient strength is too high and the nutrient uptake has been slowed by the high strength. If nutrient salts are building up in a Perlite, Expanded Clay, Rockwool or other media System, the plants roots are in the same situation of high nutrient strength. When adjusting CF levels with a crop, immediately check your strength if tip burn occurs.
For more advice
Phone us
Fax us
send an email
drop by the shop
go to our website and leave a question on the questions page
send smoke signals, anything…..
Just don't wait for plants to die and then come
and tell us there was something wrong but its too late now….
www.hydrocentre.com.au
Nerang Hydroponic Centre
Shop 17 / 39 Lawrence Drive NERANG QLD 4211
Ph (07) 5527 4155 fax (07) 5527 4154
info@hydrocentre.com.au
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