ISHS Acta Horticulturae 98: Symposium on Research on Recirculating Water Culture
SIMPLE METHODS OF NUTRIENT ANALYSIS |
| Author: | P.A. Schippers |
| Abstract:
Since the growth of plants in hydroponic systems is satisfactory within a wide range of major nutrient concentrations, qualitative or semi-quantitative methods of chemical analysis of the nutrient solution are sufficient to indicate the need for individual nutrients. The grower can estimate the pH and concentrations of nitrate-nitrogen phosphorus, magnesium and iron by the color developed with simple drop tests, and the concentrations of potassium, calcium and chloride by turbidimetric methods. Applying the full series of tests to one sample of nutrient solution does not take more than two minutes. Standard solutions with known concentrations, if run simultaneously, can provide the grower with numerical results and, although not strictly needed, are helpful in giving him the necessary experience in the interpretation of colors and degrees of turbidity. | |
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