Calcium Nitrate

Also called Norgessalpeter (Norwegian saltpeter) is the inorganic compound with the formula Ca(NO₃)₂. This colorless salt absorbs moisture from the air and is commonly found as a tetrahydrate. It is mainly used as a component in fertilizers. Nitrocalcite is the name for a mineral which is a hydrated calcium nitrate that forms as an efflorescence where manure contacts concrete or limestone in a dry environment as in stables or caverns.

The fertilizer grade (15.5-0-0 + 19% Ca) is popular in the greenhouse and hydroponics trades; it contains ammonium nitrate and water, as the “double salt” 5Ca(NO₃)₂.NH₄NO₃^.10H₂O. Formulations lacking ammonia are also known: Ca(NO₃)₂.4H₂O (11.9-0-0 + 16.9%Ca). A liquid formulation (9-0-0 + 11% Ca) is also offered. An anhydrous, air-stable derivative is the urea complex Ca(NO₃)₂^.4[OC(NH₂)₂], which has been sold as Cal-Urea.

Hydroponic Nutrients

Fertilizer vs. Hydroponic Nutrients In order to begin a discussion on hydroponic nutrients, it’s important to first distinguish the difference between the terms fertilizer and hydroponic nutrient. Fertilizer is intended to feed the microorganisms in the soil, such as beneficial bacteria and fungi.  All of the living components in the soil must READ MORE Hydroponics, Nutrients Related Article

EC vs TDS

A quick answer to why we should use EC instead of TDS The debate over EC and TDS has been an ongoing issue for a long time. These two measurements are used to determine the strength of hydroponic solution. Although they are widely used they should only be used as a READ MORE Hydroponics, Nutrients Related Article

How Plants Uptake Nutrients

Nutrients play an important role in many plant processes. Nitrogen, for example, is a component of both amino acids (the building blocks of protein) and chlorophyll (the green pigment present in all plants). Phosphorous is essential to the formation of a plant’s DNA and RNA, and potassium is crucial to READ MORE Hydroponics, Nutrients Related Article

pH Measurement

pH measurement is used in a wide variety of applications: agriculture, wastewater treatment, industrial processes, environ­mental monitoring, and in research and development. pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. The pH value states the relative quantity of hydrogen ions (H+) contained in a solution. The READ MORE Hydroponics, Nutrients Related Article

Types of Water in a Hydroponic System

There are many types of water to choose from when sourcing water for your hydroponic system.  Some are better than others, and now is the time to determine the differences. The best situation is to have water with no added minerals, with an EC of close to zero milliSiemens, or READ MORE Hydroponics, Nutrients, Uncategorized Related Article