Hydroponics is a cultivation method that has become quite popular worldwide, offering increased productivity, uniformity, shortened growth cycles, and streamlined cultivation processes by controlling most factors for plant growth.
Many individuals are interested in adopting this method for growing crops due to its high level of automation, requiring minimal manual labor and relying on machinery and basic chemical knowledge. However, a major barrier lies in nutrition. Most of us cannot formulate nutrients for plants ourselves and have to purchase them, leading to passivity and high costs.
Today, I will guide you on how to create a hydroponic system for family use and formulate nutrient solutions for leafy vegetables such as lettuce or kale.
Hydroponics is typically categorized into three main types:
- NFT (Nutrient Film Technique) system: This is the most common type and offers the highest productivity.
- Deep Water Culture: This method is easy to implement and has the lowest cost.
- Vertical Farming: It is highly efficient for spaces with limited cultivation areas such as small gardens or balconies.
You can find instructional videos on YouTube to build these systems yourself. Despite methodological differences, the core principle remains controlling conditions and nutrition.
Regarding conditions:
- Sunlight: Whether planting in soil or hydroponics, sunlight is essential. Ensure your planting location receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
- Temperature: Temperature significantly affects hydroponic cultivation. Maintain the nutrient tank temperature between 15-25°C.
- pH: pH level is crucial. Large farms often control pH within 6.5-7.5. In smaller-scale hydroponics, this may not require as much attention.
- Ventilation: Place your system in a well-ventilated area and use fans if necessary.
Regarding nutrition: This is the most crucial factor for the success of hydroponic cultivation. There are many pre-formulated nutrient products available, but they can be expensive. If you wish to formulate your own, numerous recipes are available online. Below, I will introduce you to a formula I have developed and used for many years. This is my Hydroponics farm
This nutrient formula contains all the necessary elements for plant growth from seedling to harvest and is suitable for a 1000L tank.
Ca(NO3)2.4H2O: 947g
KNO3 : 289g
KH2PO4 : 350g
MgSO4.7H2O : 426g
Chetale Bo : 11g
Chelate Mn : 34g
chelate Zn : 10g
chelate Cu : 5g
EDDHA Fe : 80g
Ammonium Molybdate (NH4)6Mo7O24: 1g
The aforementioned formula is well-suited for lettuce. For some other leafy vegetables, it is advisable to dilute the solution with 800 liters of water. Alternatively, if you wish to cultivate a specific type of leafy vegetable, please contact us via WhatsApp or Facebook to discuss further.
