Peterphrastus

There are many theories about controlling the EC of hydroponics nutrients. Each grower usually develops a strategy by experimentation. No one size fits all. Then too, there are specialized strategies for particular crops, hot peppers for example. To help implement a nutrient strategy, the next version of HHS has been enhanced with several new nutrient management scenarios. The scenarios work in conjunction with the three growth phases - Grow, Bloom and Final – and the various nutrient components being used.

Scenario one – phase change
This is the original nutrient mixing strategy. In this mode, HHS mixes the nutrients exactly as specified for the channel and growth stage. When the previous phase’s days have elapsed, the new formula is applied immediately. The refill mix has the EC of the combined nutrients plus the reservoir water.

Scenario two – progressive phase change
In this mode, the nutrient mix is changed linearly form phase to phase. In this way, the change is progressive as opposed to the instantaneous change in mode one. The change from Grow to Bloom is gradual. The Bloom phase mix is constant. The change from Bloom to the end of Final is gradual. The refill mix has the EC of the graduated nutrient amounts plus the reservoir water.

Scenario two – automatic EC management
If an EC electrode is attached to a channel, automatic EC management can be selected. In this mode, the target EC for each phase can be specified. HHS will attempt to control the EC within a set range while mixing nutrient components in the specified ratios. In addition, the progressive mode can be applied. HHS will then use a graduated EC change from Grow to Bloom and Bloom to end of Final.

The days specified for a phase can be used to effect slower or faster changes to nutrient mix. Also, the volume of the mixing tank can be adjusted to effect more or less frequent refills based on the rate of transpiration of the plant material.