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Seedling Nutrient Solution
This nutrient solution is used only in the germination area. (A different nutrient
solution, described later, is recommended for use in the NFT area with the more
mature plants.) The solution is prepared by dissolving equal parts of Peter's
HydroSol and calcium nitrate in Reverse
Osmosis (RO) treated water. Peter's HydroSol
is a commercially available water soluble nutrient mix commonly used in hydroponic
nutrient solutions. One component must be dissolved in the RO water before the
other component is added. If HydroSol and Ca(NO3)2 are added at the same time, these components will
react and form a precipitate, and results in an inadequate fertilizer solution.
Approximately 800 g of both HydroSol and Ca(NO3)2 are added to 1500 L of RO water to obtain an
Electrical
Conductivity equal to 1.2 mS/cm. Approximately 100 ml of 1 normal potassium
hydroxide (1N KOH) will be required to raise
the pH to 5.8.
Larger volumes of fertilizer solution will require proportional increases of HydroSol,
Ca(NO3)2 and KOH.
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