Thiamine as a biostimulant in hydroponic and soilless systems
Vitamin B1 (thiamine) is one of those additives that has circulated through the hydroponic community for decades, but the science behind its actual effects on plant growth has remained somewhat…
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Exogenous Sugar Applications: A deeper look
The application of external sugars (sucrose, glucose, fructose) to adult plants has generated interest as a potential biostimulant strategy, with research revealing complex concentration-dependent effects that range from beneficial to…
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An Expanded View on Root Zone Temperature in Soilless and Hydroponic Systems
When we think about optimizing hydroponic systems, most growers focus on nutrient concentrations, pH levels, and lighting conditions. However, one of the most critical yet often overlooked factors that can…
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Growing Soilless Crops Without Nitrates: Practical Options When Nitrate Salts Are Unavailable
For growers in regions where geopolitical conflicts or economic constraints limit access to nitrate fertilizers like calcium nitrate and potassium nitrate, the question arises: can you grow hydroponic or soilless…
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Comparing Nutrient Solutions for Hydroponic Strawberry Production
Getting the right nutrient solution for strawberries in hydroponics can feel like trying to solve a puzzle where every piece matters. Unlike many crops where you can get away with…
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Comparing Nutrient Solutions for Hydroponic Tomatoes
When growing tomatoes hydroponically, one of the most critical decisions you’ll make is choosing the right nutrient solution. The composition of your nutrient solution can dramatically affect both the quantity…
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Calcium silicate (wollastonite) in soilless crops
Silicon in media is not a magic switch. In soilless systems it can help, it can do nothing, and at the wrong rate or pH it can hurt. Calcium silicate…
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Exogenous Root Applications of Wetting Agents in Soilless Media
Introduction Dry peat, coir, rockwool or bark mixes can become water repellent, which creates uneven moisture and nutrient delivery around roots. Wetting agents reduce surface tension and restore wettability by…
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Root-applied auxins in hydroponics: where they help, where they don’t
Introduction Auxins can modulate root architecture, fruiting and stress responses. In hydroponic and substrate soilless systems, exogenous root-zone applications at very low ppm sometimes boost yield or quality. Push the…
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How to easily lower the costs of your Athena nutrient regime
You can make your Athena schedule much cheaper by replacing the pH up products with simple raw salts. Branded pH management and buffering products like Athena Balance and Athena Pro…
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