PLANT NUTRITION AND FERTILIZER

MANAGEMENT IN GREENHOUSE GROWN

CROPS

Prepared for sharing with participants at the Water

and Fertilizer Workshop, SGGA Conference
Nov.8, 2013
This publications has its roots in Alberta

Contact Information: Dr. Mohyuddin Mirza

Phone: 780-463-0652, email: drmirzagreen@gmail.com, www.agga.ca

CONTENTS
Fundamental Aspects of Plant Nutrition
Introduction 1
Absorption of Nutrients
1
Essential Macro-Elements 3
Trace or Micro-Elements 5
Water Status and Quality for Crop Production
Introduction 7
Water Status 8
Water Potential
8
Water Quality
10
Water Treatments 13
Fertilizer Management
Introduction 14
What are the Essential Elements for Plant Growth?
What do these Numbers on Fertilizer Bags Mean?
What are Parts Per Million?
15
Any Formulas to Calculate PPM? 16
Solubilities of Fertilizers
18
Different Sources of Fertilizers
19
Preparing a Fertilizer Program
20
Making Stock Solutions from Trace Elements
Principles of Mixing Fertilizers
27
pH, Your Water and Fertilizer?
27
What is Electrical Conductivity. . . 29
Sample Fertilizer Programs30
.

27

14
15

FUNDAMENTAL ASPECTS OF PLANT NUTRITION

INTRODUCTION
Plants require certain nutrients to grow properly. Sixteen elements are considered to be
essential for their growth and development. They are: carbon, hydrogen, oxygen,
nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, iron, manganese,
copper, zinc, boron, molybdenum and chlorine.
Plants are non selective in absorbing nutrient elements from the growing medium. This
means that the presence of a particular element in a plant tissue does not indicate that
the element is essential for growth. For example silicon, chromium and cobalt have
been found in many plant species but it is not known if they are essential for growth.
Out of the 16 essential elements, carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus,
potassium, calcium, magnesium and sulfur are required in relatively large amounts and
that is why these elements are referred to as macro or major elements. The remaining
seven elements in the above list are micro-nutrients. They are required in small
amounts to carry out different essential functions in the plant. Role of aluminum (Al),
gallium (GA) and Silicon (Si) in the growth of some plant species is also known.

ABSORPTION OF NUTRIENTS
Plants use carbon, hydrogen and oxygen from the air and water in general from the
growing medium to make simple foods by the process of photosynthesis. These
substances are needed to make amino acids, proteins and protoplasm. Other elements
are taken up by plants through the roots. Moderate amounts are also absorbed through
the leaves and stem tissues. Quite often trace element deficiencies can be corrected
through foliar feeding.
Absorption through roots is the major route of nutrient uptake. If the root system is
damaged by disease, insects or higher levels of soluble salts in the growing medium,
the nutrient uptake is reduced.
Roots can absorb organic salts or ions, which are formed as a result of interaction
between root respiration and soil water. Inorganic salts applied as fertilizers are broken
apart by a chemical process called dissociation.
At any time, both molecules and separate ions of the salt are present. A molecule
consists of two or more ions. For example, potassium chloride (KCl) supplied as a
fertilizer is dissociated in the soil solution into potassium (K+) and chloride (Cl-) ions.
Ions with positive (+) charges are called cations. Ions with negative (-) charges are
called anions. The ions are then absorbed by the roots through a special membrane.
This semi permeable membrane surrounds each cell within the root and allows the ionic
exchange..

Cation-Exchange Capacity
The actual process of nutrient uptake by plants is controlled by the cation-exchange
capacity (CEC) of the growing medium. This action is associated with the clay particles
of a mineral soil. Organic materials such as peat moss also have a cation exchange
capacity. The clay particle has a negative (-) surface charge and attracts cations (+
charge). Hydrogen ions are released when carbonic acid is formed from the
combination of hydrogen from the soil water and the carbon dioxide resulting from root
respiration. These hydrogen ions, which have a positive charge, exchange their
positions in the soil solution for positively charged cations held on the surface of the clay
particles. These cations are then absorbed by the roots.
The cations are calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, and ammonium ions. The
roots have to release a hydrogen ion to take up one ion of potassium, magnesium,
sodium and ammonium while two hydrogen ions will be required to obtain one calcium
because of its two positive charges.
Anion-Exchange Capacity
Plants also need anions for good growth. Nitrates (NO3-), chlorides (Cl-) and sulfates
(SO4-) are examples of anions. Negatively charged anions are not attracted by the
negative charge of the clay particles. Thus, they are not held like cations. They remain
in solution unless absorbed by the plant or lost through leaching. If leaching is not
adequate, anions can build up in the soil solutions and cause an increase in the
electrical conductivity of the root zone medium. The practical implications are that
nitrates are easy to leach with over watering and thus deficiency in plants can occur
rather quickly.
pH Effect on Nutrient Absorption
Uptake of nutrients is strongly affected by the pH of the growing medium. Our
experience is that the pH of the growing mix should be between 5.5 and 6.5. Below that
value the uptake of manganese, iron and boron increases considerable and can cause
tip burning and toxicity problems. Enough dolomite lime should be added to raise the
pH to around 5.5. Dolomite lime can be replaced with potassium bicarbonate because
calcium is supplied through calcium nitrate and magnesium through magnesium sulfate.
Many growers have reported difficulties with pH adjustments while plant seedlings are
being grown. It takes a long time to change pH from a lower to a higher value or vice
versa. Since the pH scale is based on logarithms, a growing medium with a pH of 6 is
10 times more acidic than a medium with a pH of 7. Similarly, a growing medium with a
pH of 5 is 10 times more acidic than one with a pH of 6.
By the law of logarithms, a growing medium with a pH of 5 is 100 (10 x 10) times more
acidic than a medium of with a pH of 7. This factor of 100 is the reason it is more
difficult to raise the pH from pH 5 to 7 than it is to raise from pH 6 to pH 7. This means

that if 10 pounds of lime are required to raise the pH from 5 to 6, then 100 pounds are
required to raise the pH from 5 to 7. In actual situations, other factors influence the
ratios to change the values.

ESSENTIAL MACRO-ELEMENTS
Nitrogen (N)
Nitrogen is very important to plant growth and is usually found in the largest amounts in
the leaves. On a dry weight basis, two to six percent of a healthy leaf is nitrogen.
Plants cannot absorb the elemental form of nitrogen (N). Primary absorption occurs as
nitrate (NO3-) while ammonium (NH4+) and amino (NH2+) can also be absorbed. In soil
based media there are a group of bacteria present which can convert ammonium
nitrogen to nitrate nitrogen. These bacteria are not present in soilless media used by
growers. Consequently ammonium nitrogen can quickly become toxic to roots. When
bacteria convert ammonium nitrogen to nitrate nitrogen, there is an intermediary step
involved. That is the formation of nitrites, which are normally very short lived radical but
fairly toxic to roots. This can happen under low temperature and water logged
conditions. If you detect nitrite in your medium, you know there is water logging.
Nitrate nitrogen, while inside the roots, is converted to ammonium and to amino forms
and used to make proteins and other chemicals needed by the plants. That is why
fertilizers containing nitrate nitrogen like calcium nitrate and potassium nitrate will
produce slow and steady growth. Ammonium and urea based fertilizers can produce
soft and lush growth in plants.
Ammonium nitrogen can be used if plant growth is slow but it should be used when the
growing medium temperature is above 16oC and the light is good. Use of ammonium
fertilizers should be avoided until the end of March. Where pH is alkaline, use of
ammonium fertilizer is an advantage because it can help to bring down the pH. Urea is
a good source of nitrogen for foliar feeding. Wherever plants are slow and need a
growth boost, urea should be applied to the leaves. Nitrogen is mobile within the plant,
so it can be transported from lower to upper leaves. That is why deficiency symptoms
will first appear on the lower leaves.
Measurement of nitrogen in tissue is a useful tool to manage the growth and bud set in
plants, especially tree seedlings. It should be monitored on a weekly basis after week
16 of the growth. Bud set in conifer species will be difficult if tissue nitrogen is over two
percent.
Phosphorus (P)
Phosphorus has several important functions. It must be available in sufficient quantities
early in the life of the plants to assist in cell division and differentiation. It is also
required for root growth and formation of buds. Both the respiratory and photosynthetic

processes require phosphorus for high energy phosphate bonds. Most of the
phosphorus is taken up in the form of the primary orthophosphate ion ( H2PO4--).
Smaller amounts of secondary orthophosphate (HPO4--) and organic phosphorus
compounds are also absorbed.
Two facts should be remembered about phosphorus:
* If you are using phosphoric acid to neutralize the carbonates and bicarbonates in
water, do not assume that phosphorus from phosphoric acid will be available for
plant use. Add an additional 40 to 80 ppm of phosphorus based on the need of
plant growth period.
* A pH of above 6.8 in the growing medium can tie up phosphorus with calcium and
it may not be available to the plant. We have seen phosphorus deficiencies in
plants because of pH related problems.
Because of the negative charge of orthophosphate, it is not attached to clay particles
and can easily tie up with aluminum in the growing mix. Phosphorus deficiency results
in stunting of plants and deep green or purple leaf colour with poor root development.
Phosphorus uptake is reduced at a growing medium temperature of below 12oC.
Phosphorus is slightly mobile within plant tissues. Phosphorus and iron levels in plant
tissues act in opposition to each other. At a high level of phosphorus, an iron deficiency
may develop. Similarly, a high level of iron may cause a phosphorus deficiency.
Potassium (K)
Potassium is absorbed by plants in its ionic form (K+). It plays an important role in the
regulating of the opening and closing of stomata and in water retention. It promotes the
growth of meristematic tissue, activates some enzymatic reactions, aids in nitrogen
metabolism and the synthesis of proteins, catalyses activities of some mineral elements
and aids in carbohydrate metabolism and translocation. Potassium is found in plant
tissues as a soluble, inorganic salt, while nitrogen and phosphorus are converted into
complex compounds. It is absorbed by the plants in large amounts without becoming
toxic.
Potassium is highly mobile within the plant. High potassium as compared to nitrogen is
used by growers in Alberta. This is to exert an antagonistic effect on the uptake of
nitrogen so that the growth is slowed down. Nitrogen to potassium ratios can be
changed to obtain faster or slower growth. N:K ratio of 2 to 1 will result in fast,
vegetative growth of plants. An equal ratio will maintain good growth while a ratio of 1
to 2 will harden the growth. That is why hardening fertilizer regimes contain an N to K
ratio of 1 to 2.

Calcium (Ca)
Calcium is absorbed in the ionic form (Ca++). Most of the calcium inside the plant is in
the form of calcium pectate in the middle lamellae of the cell walls. In tree seedlings it is
part of the lignin and tannin complex as well. The calcium prevents the leaching of
mineral salts from the cells. Much of the stiffness of plants is due to calcium. Calcium
is immobile and is not translocated from older to younger leaves. It's uptake from the
growing medium is dependent on the active water transport. If plants are not
transpiring, then calcium movement will be minimal. Slow or poor development of
terminal and side bud shoots is generally related to a lack of calcium in the tissue. In
cucumbers, poor development of side shoots is an indication of calcium deficiency while
in tomatoes; blossom end rot is due to poor calcium translocation. Most growers supply
enough calcium through their feeding program but it is the poor uptake which causes
problems. Make sure that the moisture deficit is in the range of 3 to 7 g/m3.
Magnesium (Mg)
Magnesium is absorbed as Mg++. It is the only mineral element contained in chlorophyll.
Magnesium appears to be related to phosphorus metabolism. A number of enzyme
systems require magnesium to work properly. Magnesium is mobile within the plant
tissues. Thus, symptoms of a lack of magnesium show up first on lower leaves. The
symptoms could appear later, on the entire plant as yellowing of interveinal areas with
veins remaining green.
Magnesium deficiencies have been noted in many crops and is likely due to the higher
potassium we use in our fertilizer programs. Foliar feeding of magnesium has given
satisfactory results.
Sulfur (S)
Sulfur is taken up from the soil in the form of sulfate ions (SO4--). Small amounts of
sulfur may be taken in through the leaves as sulfur dioxide. Sulfur seems to be involved
in the formation of chlorophyll but it is not a component of the chlorophyll molecule.
Nitrogen and sulfur deficiencies may look alike. As long as enough sulfur is supplied
from magnesium sulfate, its deficiency is unlikely to occur.

TRACE OR MICRO-ELEMENTS
These elements are as important as major elements but they are required in small
amounts. Their deficiency or toxicity can occur readily.
Iron (Fe)
Its deficiency has been noted in plants primarily due to alkaline pH in the growing
medium. It is taken up by the plant in the form of ferrous ions (Fe++) or complex organic
salts. Iron may also be absorbed as ferric ion (Fe+++) form. Plants may contain large

amounts of ferric ion but still show severe iron deficiency symptoms. Thus, a tissue iron
test cannot be used as a diagnostic test for confirming iron deficiency.
Iron acts with certain enzyme systems that carry on respiration. It is also required in the
formation of chlorophyll. Unlike magnesium it is not a component in the chlorophyll
molecule. Iron is immobile. Thus, a deficiency of iron appears first in the youngest
leaves as a chlorosis. If the deficiency is not corrected, the leaves may turn light yellow
and then almost completely white. Iron chelate is commonly used by many growers in
their fertilizer programs.
Manganese (Mn)
Plants absorb manganese in the form of the manganous ion (Mn++). It is used in the
active growing parts of plants and is involved in certain enzyme systems that oxidize
other elements such as iron. An excess of manganese may cause iron deficiency.
Manganese is immobile. Thus, a deficiency appears first in the new growth.
Manganese and iron deficiencies may be confused because symptoms are similar.
Manganese toxicities are more common in tree seedlings. This is because of a
tendency to grow them at acidic pH values. The uptake of manganese is several times
higher at pH values below 5. The damage appears as browning of needle tips
progressively moving inwards. The entire needle may turn brown. The damage is
generally irreversible. Toxicity has been seen in tomatoes and cucumbers where
manganese containing fungicides like Manzate have been used.
Copper (Cu)
Plants absorb copper in the form of the cupric ion (Cu++). It is needed for the proper
function of many enzyme systems. It stabilizes chlorophyll and delays its breakdown.
Thus, copper helps to increase the effective life of leaves. It is immobile, an enzyme
activator in respiration, seed formation and root growth. Organic growing media like the
one used by growers can tie up copper to a considerable degree. That is why copper
deficiencies are frequently noticed in many plants. We recommend the use of relatively
higher levels of copper in our feeding programs. A lack of copper in tree seedlings can
easily be confused with boron deficiency because symptoms are similar. Terminal
shoots may die back and witches' broom symptoms appear. It is best to monitor tissue
copper levels on a regular basis. Both copper chelate and copper sulfate are suitable for
plant use.
Zinc (Zn)
Zinc is an intermediately mobile nutrient. It is required to regulate consumption of
sugars essential for early growth and plant maturity. It plays an important role in
photosynthesis. Zinc deficiency is well known as small or tiny leaves disorder. Roots
absorb the zinc ion (Zn++). Zinc is also absorbed through leaves so one has to be
careful with the use of zinc based fungicides. Its deficiency has not been noticed in

Alberta grown plants but toxicities are possible due to the high zinc content in some
water supplies. Watch for higher zinc levels when you are collecting water from
greenhouse frame. Galvanized gutters may contribute significant amounts of zinc.
Molybdenum (Mo)
This element is required in the smallest amount of all trace elements. It appears that
molybdenum is used in the nitrogen cycle in the formation of nitrogen compounds and
the breakdown of nitrates. The leaves lose their good green colour and become more
dark blue in colour. When molybdenum is lacking in the plant, nitrates are not absorbed
from the growing medium even if it is present in large amounts.
Chlorine (Cl)
Chlorine deficiency is not well documented in plants. Its importance has been
recognized in plants such as tomatoes. Enough chlorides are present in our water
supplies. Too much chloride in the growing mix causes more problems than a lack of
chloride. Needle tip burning is the major symptom of chloride excess in spruce and
other conifers.
Other Elements
Sodium, aluminum and silicon are found in the tissues of many plants. Sodium levels
over one percent of the dry matter should be a cause of concern. Aluminum is found in
root tissue and ties up phosphorus in large amounts. Silicon increases the cation
exchange capacity of the growing medium and is used by many growers when
manganese toxicity is suspected.
High fluoride levels, over 1 ppm, has caused problems with tip burning in spruce
needles.

10

WATER STATUS AND QUALITY FOR CROP PRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION
Water is essential for plant growth. It influences plant growth in four major ways:
1. Water is the major constituent of a plant, comprising 80 to 90 percent of the fresh
weight.
2. Water is the "solvent" providing nutrient transport within the plant.
3. Water is a biochemical reactant in many plant processes, the most important being
photosynthesis and respiration.
4. Water is essential for maintaining turgidity in plant cells, promoting cell elongation
and plant growth.
Water is used as a coolant by the plant through the transpiration processes.

THE WATER STATUS

Although a detailed biochemical understanding of water status inside the plant is not
essential, it will help to be familiar with the concepts of water content and water
potential. Water content is what is present inside the plant at a given time. Basically
plant water content will be determined by how much has been absorbed through roots,
how much is being lost through transpiration and how much is being stored by the plant
itself.
Plant water content is in a constant change during the day, when transpirational losses
through leaves usually exceeds the rate of water absorption through the roots. This lag
between water uptake and water loss creates a condition of internal water stress within
the plant. This stress is normal during daylight hours within normal limits. If the stress
is allowed to reach extreme levels for extended periods, the plant growth rate declines
and eventually the plant dies.
Good growers understand this water stress concept and manage plants accordingly.
The use of environmental control computers has helped growers understand the
moisture deficit relationship to plant growth.
Moisture deficit is a calculation, based on temperature and air relative humidity that
gives a numerical value that is related to the amount of water loss from a crop. Too
high or too low a level of deficit can affect the growth of the plant.
The moisture deficit is measured in many units but the most commonly used is
grams/m3 of air. Under high humidity conditions the moisture deficit is low and there is

10

11

no need by the plant to produce more roots.

development.

Consequently there is less root

Under high deficit situations the transpiration rate is high and if roots cannot meet the
demand of water then stomata start closing which slows down the photosynthesis. It is
suggested to use a deficit range of between 3 and 7 grams/m3.

WATER POTENTIAL
Water potential of a plant is a measure of energy status of water that is usually
expressed in pressure units and is composed of the following:
WP = OP + PP + MP + GP
OP = Osmotic Potential - the component produced by dissolved solutes.
PP = Pressure Potential - the component produced by the inward pressure of cell
walls in plants or due to water weight or air pressure in soil.
MP = Matric potential - the component produced by the adhesive attraction of water
molecules to surfaces or adhesion and cohesion in small capillaries.
GP = Gravity Potential - the component produced by the force of gravity.
Plant Water Potential (PWP) - the energy status of water within the plant. MP is small
in well watered plants. GP is negligible in small plugs and seedlings. PWP = OP + PP.
Growing Medium Water Potential (GMWP) - the energy status of water within the
growing medium. PP and GP are negligible in small containers. GMWP = MP + OP.
Plant Moisture Stress (PMS) - a way of describing plant water status.
Plant Water Potential is dynamic and changes with time as soil moisture and
atmospheric demand change. On a typical sunny day in a well-irrigated growing
medium, a plant begins to transpire as soon as the sun comes up, assuming that the
relative humidity is not very high. Once transpiration begins, PWP decreases until the
stomata close at which point the PWP levels off. Towards sunset, the PWP begins to
increase as atmospheric demand declines and the plant replenishes its moisture
content from the water in the growing medium.
Under high evaporative demand and a moderately dry growing medium the PWP is low
to start with because the plant is unable to completely recharge its moisture supply
overnight. PWP declines further at noon and continues in the afternoon. If this pattern
continues, over time, young seedlings can show moisture stress resulting in growth
damage.

11

12

Growing Medium Water Potential

The potential of water in the growing medium solution is called the growing medium
water potential (GMWP) and is composed of two parts: OP, which reflects the influence
of dissolved salts, and MP, which measures the attraction of water molecules for the
surfaces and small pores in the growing medium. The OP of the growing medium
solution increases as the soil water content decreases due to evaporation or
transpiration. This is due to a loss of moisture and a consequent increase in salt levels.
The MP reflects the energy with which the water in the growing medium is held by
matric forces and is related to the size of pores in the growing medium. The pore
volume of a growing medium is a function of particle size and arrangement and is
composed of air and water, which change in inverse proportion to one another.
After thorough irrigation, excess water is drained out of the container by gravitational
forces, leaving the growing medium essentially saturated. This is referred to as
"container capacity". When the growing medium is watered to its container capacity the
MP is very high. This means that there is little water stress and water is readily
available to the seedling.
As the growing medium loses water through evaporation and seedling transpiration the
large pores drain first and are filled with air. The pores never drain completely. A thin
film of water sticks around the growing medium particles. The thinner the water film, the
lower the MP and the higher the moisture stress. This means less water is available to
the plant. The smaller pores are the last to loose their water. Eventually the water
content will be so low that the plant is unable to obtain water as quickly as it loses it to
transpiration and the plant will begin to lose turgor and wilt. The permanent wilting point
occurs when the plant is unable to recharge its moisture reserves overnight and
remains flaccid.

WATER QUALITY
Most Alberta growers have access to good quality water but some growers rely on "dug
out water". When we talk about quality, it means different things to different people.
This is because the quality is dependent on intended use. For irrigation purposes water
quality is determined by two factors:
1. The concentration and composition of dissolved salts.
2. The presence of suspended particles, pathogenic organisms, algae, pesticide and
herbicide contamination.
Effects of salts on irrigation water quality
A salt is defined as a chemical compound that releases charged particles called ions
when dissolved in water. For example, potassium nitrate (KNO3) releases two ions, one

12

13

a positively charged cation (K+) and the other is negatively charged anion (NO3-). Salts
can be either beneficial or harmful depending on the characteristics of the specific ions
involved, as well as the total salt concentration. KNO3 is a fertilizer salt and both K+
and NO3are nutrient ions needed by the plant for growth. Salts such as sodium chloride (NaCl),
consist of harmful ions (Na+ and Cl-) that can damage or kill plant tissue.
Water analysis generally provides the concentration of following major ions.
ION NAME

CHEMICAL SYMBOL

EQUIVALENT WEIGHT

Calcium

Ca2+

20

Magnesium

Mg2+

12

Sodium

Na+

23

K+

39

Bicarbonate

HCO3-

61

Carbonate

CO32-

30

Cl-

36

Sulfate

SO42-

48

Boron *

CATIONS

Potassium
ANIONS

Chloride

* Boron occurs in several different ionic forms in irrigation water and therefore a
specific ionic formula cannot be given.
In addition to specific ion concentrations, a water quality test should provide
measurements of Electrical Conductivity, pH and Sodium Absorption Ratios (SAR).
Electrical Conductivity
EC is a measure of total dissolved solids in water. It is reported in millimhos or
millisiemens. As EC increases, the quality of the water decreases. It is a useful tool to
monitor plant development. EC and SAR are taken into consideration to make a
decision on quality. SAR reflects the relationship between sodium, calcium and
magnesium. The higher the ratio of sodium to calcium and magnesium, the higher the
danger of sodium toxicity. This is how the quality is judged:
*

13

Water having a SAR of less than 4

14

*
*
*

EC of 0.8 mmhos or less is considered suitable for irrigation of crop plants under
normal conditions.
EC between 0.81 and 2.2 mmhos. The water is considered marginal in quality
but can be used if special management practices are followed.
Water with an EC above 2.2 mmhos is not suitable for crop production.

Special Management Practices

1. Provide adequate drainage.
2. Never allow the growing medium to dry out. A moist growing medium should be
maintained.
3. Maintain air relative humidity between 70 and 80 percent.
4. Analyse growing medium samples frequently.
5. Follow regular leaching practices.
Sodium
Sodium is directly toxic to young seedlings. It can be taken up by the plant as a
substitute for potassium. Sodium has a serious damaging effect on growing medium
structure. An excess of sodium ions relative to calcium and magnesium ions can cause
clay particles to disperse and seal up the pores, which seriously reduces permeability
and gas exchange. In peat based media where there are no clay particles, sodium can
be attached to the peat fibre and its concentrations can increase significantly higher in
relation to calcium and magnesium. Testing of nutrients must be done on a regular
basis. Toxicity threshold for sodium is around 50 ppm.
Bicarbonates
Bicarbonates are not toxic but levels above 100 ppm make the water very hard and may
cause problems for plant growth. High bicarbonates are associated with high alkalinity
thus increasing the media pH over a period of time. The precipitation of calcium and/or
magnesium carbonate can cause foliar staining which is sometimes difficult to remove.
Water can be acidified to neutralize these bicarbonates in water.
Iron
Iron in its oxidized form Fe+++, has a very low solubility and can therefore easily
precipitate as amorphous iron hydroxide which can plug irrigation lines.
Boron
Boron can be quite toxic to small plants. Its level should be carefully monitored in the
growing medium and for plant nutrition.

14

15

Zinc
Excessive levels of zinc have been found in water supplies where the water is collected
from galvanized metal. Excess zinc may cause problems with copper uptake.
pH
pH of Alberta water supplies is generally over 7 and this can cause problems in several
ways. pH of water over 6.8 can cause calcium to react with phosphorus and thus
precipitate out in the solution. When you are irrigating with water of pH over 7, even
though the medium pH is around 4, iron and manganese deficiencies are possible.
Adjust pH of water to around 6.

WATER TREATMENTS
Dug Out Water
Many Alberta growers collect water from a large run-off area. The water is generally of
good quality. In winter we have seen problems with low water levels and consequently
sucking mud with water. This can cause two problems: 1. Silt and clay may be
deposited in the growing medium and change the porosity and drainage characteristics
of the medium. 2. The fungus Pythium, can accompany this water and cause serious
damping off problems.
In one case where the dug out was located in a clay area, a large number of suspended
particles were delivered to the crop causing water logging. Herbicide contamination is
another potential problem. Treatments are available to remove suspended particles. In
the case of herbicide contamination, installation of charcoal filters should be considered.
In Saskatchewan 38% of growers use well water as the source for greenhouse crop
irrigation, followed by 31% from municipal sources, 26% from dugouts, and 5% from
rivers and creeks.
Hard Water from Wells
If calcium levels are over 100 ppm, then growers must use acid to neutralize carbonates
and bicarbonates. Hard water can be chemically softened but such water is not suitable
for plant growth. The quantity of acid needed to neutralize bicarbonates depends on
their amount present in water supply. Phosphoric, nitric, sulphuric and citric acid can be
used for this purpose although commercially, the first three acids are more commonly
used. Neutralizing 60 ppm or one milliequivalent of bicarbonates require 7 litres of 85%
phosphoric acid, 13.8 litres of 37% nitric acid and 3 litres of sulphuric acid for 100,000
litres of water. A level of 60 ppm of bicarbonates should be maintained in water to have
enough buffering capacity and maintain a pH of around 6.0.

15

16

pH is logarithmic so it can drop very rapidly after a certain point. So dont depend on
the calculation alone. Check the pH after the desired amount of acid has been added
and then make corrections accordingly. We have seen cases where the pH dropped to
a level of 3 and grower did not realize until the damage was done.
Following table provides a summary of amounts of acid required to neutralize 60 ppm of
bicarbonates. A level of between 30-60 ppm of bicarbonates should be maintained in
the water supply.
Acid

Millilitres/100 litres of water

37% Nitric acid

13.8

61% Nitric acid

8.4

75% Phosphoric acid

8.0

85% Phosphoric acid

7.0

93% Sulfuric acid

3.0

Acids are corrosive so proper care should be taken in handling them. When diluting the
acid, add acid into the water not water into the acid. Wear proper clothing, gloves and
safety glasses. Calibrate pH meter frequently and obtain new buffers every year.
High Sodium Water
Some growers have no choice but have access to soft water.
reverse osmosis to make their water usable.

Such growers use

FERTILIZER MANAGEMENT
INTRODUCTION
All plants need sixteen elements to grow properly. These are called essential elements.
Any one of these elements can become the limiting factor in the growth of plants. This
is important to understand because many times growers get upset that a fertilizer
program is not working. When you look closely you will find a limiting factor which may
or may not relate to fertilizer elements. For example, in a recent situation with a tomato
grower it was found that plants were not growing properly and fruit was not sizing up. All
the fertilizer elements were being supplied in adequate amounts. It was found that the
carbon dioxide generator was not working properly and the plants were starving for
carbon. Thus, a lack of carbon became a limiting factor for these tomato plants.

16

17

WHAT ARE THE ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS FOR PLANT GROWTH?

Carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium,
sulfur, iron, manganese, copper, zinc, boron, molybdenum and chlorine are considered
to be essential for plant growth. Out of these 16 elements carbon, hydrogen and
oxygen are taken up from the air while the rest of the elements are supplied through the
roots as fertilizer elements.

WHAT DO THOSE NUMBERS ON FERTILIZER BAGS MEAN?

Fertilizers are required by law to be labeled to indicate nitrogen, phosphoric acid and
potash contents. Thus the three numbers indicate the contents of nitrogen, phosphoric
acid and potash. For example a fertilizer labeled as 20-20-20 would mean that it
contains:
* 20 percent nitrogen: N
* 20 percent phosphoric acid: P2O5
* 20 percent potash: K2O
Most of the time a fertilizer program calls for parts per million concentration of nitrogen,
phosphorus and potassium. Thus, it is important to understand that the number 20
percent is phosphoric acid, not phosphorus and similarly 20 percent potash is not
potassium. Phosphoric acid can be converted to phosphorus by multiplying by 0.43 and
potash can be converted to potassium by multiplying by 0.83. Here are a few examples
for further clarification:
Fertilizer

N:P2O5:K2O

N:P:K

20-10-20

20-10-20

20-4.3-16.6

10-52-10

10-52-10

10-22.3-8.3

20-20-20

20-20-20

20-8.6-16.6

28-14-14

28-14-14

28-6.02-11.6

17

18

WHAT ARE PARTS PER MILLION?

Parts per million is a unit of fertilizer concentration. When a fertilizer program is
designed it is specified that it will contain so much concentration of nitrogen or other
elements in so many parts per million of water. Here are some other terms to become
familiar with parts per million (ppm):
* One pound of a substance in 100,000 gallons of water equals one ppm (One
gallon of water weighs 10 pounds).
* One percent concentration equals 10,000 ppm.
* Milligrams of a substance per liter of water equals one ppm.
* Grams per litre equals 1000 ppm

ANY FORMULAS TO CALCULATE PPM?

Yes! You can use different formulas to calculate ppm for your fertilizer programs. If you
like imperial units then the formula is:
* Ounces per 100 imperial gallons = ppm desired
Grade x 0.62
OR
*

ppm = Ounces per 100 imperial gallons x grade x 0.62

Grade is percent fertilizer content.

For example, the formula calls for 200 ppm of nitrogen from 20-10-20 fertilizer. Using
the above formula:
ppm desired = 200
Grade of fertilizer = 20 percent nitrogen
multiplication factor 0.62
200
20 x 0.62 = 16 ounces/100 gallons of water
You can multiply 16 ounces with 20 percent nitrogen and 0.62 and get your ppm from
there. It means that if you know the ounces per 100 gallons of water you can calculate
ppm concentration. You can also establish a simple rule for quick mental use.
One pound or 16 ounces of a fertilizer in 100 imperial gallons of water will give
you ppm 10 times the value of the fertilizer grade. For example one pound of 2010-20 fertilizer in 100 gallons of water gives you 20 x 10 ppm of nitrogen, 10 x 10
ppm of phosphoric acid and 20 x 10 ppm of potash.

18

19

If you use U.S. gallons then use a multiplication factor of 0.75 instead of 0.62 If you like
metric units to calculate parts per million of an element then use the following formula:
*

ppm desired x litres of water = grams of fertilizer

grade of fertilizer x 10

grams of fertilizer x grade x 10 = ppm

litres of water

OR

Example
I want to make a nutrient solution containing 130 ppm of nitrogen using potassium
nitrate which is 13-0-44.
- ppm desired 130 ppm of nitrogen
- amount of water 100 litres
- grade of fertilizer 13 percent nitrogen
Using the above formula: 130 x 100 = 100 grams
13 x 10
I also have 44 percent potash with the fertilizer I used. I want to find out how much
potash I have. Using the formula:
-

grams of fertilizer x grade x 10 = ppm

litres of water
100 x 44 x 10 = 440 ppm
100

We can use the same rule for quick mental calculation as we did for imperial gallons.
One hundred grams of a fertilizer in 100 litres of water will give you parts per million
equal to 10 times the grade of the fertilizer.
Example
-

One hundred grams of 13-0-44 in 100 liters of water will give you 130 ppm of
nitrogen and 440 of potash.

REMEMBER: 100 grams/100 liters of water is the same thing as one pound in 100
gallons of water. This is because one pound weighs 450 grams and 100 gallons
equal 450 liters of water.

19

20

SOLUBILITY OF FERTILIZERS
Solubility of fertilizers differs in cold and hot water. That can play an important
role when you are preparing a fertilizer program in a stock tank. That is, you
have to prepare a fertilizer solution several times stronger to go through the
injector. Here are the solubilities of various fertilizers:
Solubility of Fertilizers in grams/100 mL of water
Fertilizer

Formula

Cold

Hot

Urea

46-0-0

78.0

Ammonium nitrate

34-0-0

118.0

871.0

Ammonium sulfate

21-0-0

70.0

103.0

Calcium nitrate

15.5-0-0

102.0

376.0

Potassium nitrate

13-0-44

13.0

247.0

Potassium chloride

0-0-60

34.0

56.0

Potassium sulfate

0-0-50

12.0

24.0

Monoammonium phosphate

11-52-0

22.0

173.0

26.0

73.0

1.6

14.0

31.0

203.0

105.0

111.0

Ferrous sulfate

15.0

48.0

Sodium molybdate

56.0

115.0

Magnesium sulfate
Borax
Copper sulfate
Manganese sulfate

DIFFERENT SOURCES OF FERTILIZERS

Nitrogen
Anhydrous ammonia
Urea
Ammonium nitrate
Uracil
Ammonium sulfate
Calcium nitrate
20

80-0-0
46-0-0
34-0-0
34-0-0
21-0-0
15.5-0-0

21

Potassium nitrate
Sodium nitrate

13-0-44
15-0-0

Phosphorus
Monoammonium phosphate
Diammonium phosphate
Monopotassium phosphate

11-52-0
21-63-0
0-53-34

Potassium
Potassium nitrate
Potassium sulfate
Potassium chloride
Monopotassium phosphate
Potassium bicarbonate
Potassium silicate

13-0-44
0-0-50
0-0-62
0-53-34
0-0-46
0-0-12

Calcium
Calcium nitrate
Calcium chloride
Calcium carbonate
Calcium hydroxide
Dolomite lime

15.5-0-0 + 19 percent ca
18 percent ca
38 percent ca
54 percent ca
22 percent ca

Magnesium
Magnesium sulfate
Magnesium nitrate
Dolomite lime

10 percent mg
9 percent mg
9 percent mg

SOURCES OF MINOR ELEMENTS

Iron
Iron sulfate
Iron chelate
Iron chelate

Fe 21 percent
Fe 13.2 percent + 68 percent EDTA
Fe 7.0 percent + 48.6 percent DTPA

Manganese
Manganese sulfate
Manganese chelate

21

Mn 29.5 percent
Mn 13.0 percent + 68 percent EDTA

22

Copper
Copper sulfate
Copper chelate

Cu 25 percent
Cu 14 percent + 63 percent EDTA

Zinc
Zinc sulfate
Zinc chelate

Zn 35 percent
Zn 14 percent + 62 percent EDTA

Boron
Boric acid
Borax

B 17.5 percent
B 15.0 percent

Molybdenum
Sodium molybdate

22

Mo 46 percent

23

PREPARING A FERTILIZER PROGRAM

Understanding the Design Principles
Plants have a vegetative phase and a reproductive growth. Vegetative means
that it is developing leaves and roots while reproductive means it is producing
flowers and fruits. Besides temperature, light and watering, fertilizers play a
major role in making a plant vegetative or reproductive. Most greenhouse plants
need to maintain both stages of growth. Domination of either stage is not
desirable. For example, a strongly vegetative tomato or cucumber plant would
not yield good fruit. Fertilizers containing high nitrogen in relation to potash will
cause rapid vegetative growth, assuming that temperature, water and light is not
limiting. For example 28-14-14 fertilizer is designed for rapid vegetative growth.
In a fertilizer, equal amounts of nitrogen in relation to potash is used to maintain
steady growth of plants. For example 20-20-20 or 20-10-20 is a plant
maintenance feed.
Low nitrogen in relation to potash is meant for hardening a plant and also used
when plants are flowering and fruiting. At that time plants like cucumber, tomato
and peppers need higher potash to fill the fruits. Examples are 13-0-44, 18-1127 or 8-12-30.
High phosphate fertilizers like 10-52-10, 9-45-15 or 10-30-10 are used for good
root establishment in the early stages of plant development.
Remember that you have to provide other elements required for plant
growth.
Step 1
Some nutrients may be available through your water. Get an analysis of the
water to be used. High sodium water is not usable for greenhouse irrigation.
Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are not generally in such quantities that you
have to make adjustments. Calcium, magnesium and iron are the three
elements which may be present in large quantities. Availability of calcium and
magnesium depends on pH. It is our experience that you shouldn't count on 100
percent availability of calcium and magnesium from your water. Allow a factor of
25 percent availability of what is contained in your water. Iron is in the form of
ferric ion and it may not be available to plants. If you collect water from the
greenhouse then watch the zinc level. It may be high enough that you don't need
to add any extra zinc in your feeding program.
Step 2
Work out the volume of water in your irrigation system. It is easy to calculate:

23

24

1) If you have a large tank in which you mix fertilizer then you will know how
many gallons or liters the tank is. Sometimes the tank capacity is indicated in
U.S gallons.
2) If you are using an injector system then know the size of the stock tank and
dilution rates. For example if you have a 200 L stock barrel and dilution rate is
1 to 200, then you will multiply 200 with 200 and that will give you a volume of
40,000 liters of water.
3) New irrigation systems have a very small mixing tank and water is added
based on the demand by the irrigation area. Fertilizers are added by a
computer using electrical conductivity as a guideline. In such cases proper
fertilizer mixing is done in stock tanks where you choose the concentration.
Once in a while the nutrient solution should be analyzed to make sure you are
delivering to the plant what you think you are.
Now we are ready to design a fertilizer program with following nutrient
concentrations at plant delivery point:
Nitrogen
Potassium
Magnesium
Iron
Copper
Boron

200
350
70
3.0
0.15
0.25

ppm
ppm
ppm
ppm
ppm
ppm

Phosphorus
Calcium
Sulfur
Manganese
Zinc
Molybdenum

40 ppm
150 ppm
100 ppm
0.8 ppm
0.2 ppm
0.12 ppm

We have a variety of fertilizer sources available to us as outlined in previous

tables.
Step 3
Take all your calcium first. You need 150 ppm of calcium and the source is
calcium nitrate, 15.5-0-0 + 19 percent calcium. Using the ppm calculation
formula:
ppm desired x litres of water = grams of fertilizer
grade of fertilizer x 10
let us plug in the figures:
150 x 100 = 79 grams
19 x 10
If you have an injector at 1:200 dilution ratio and a stock tank of 200 liters then
your total amount of water is 40,000 liters. You can either use the figure of

24

25

40,000 liters in the formula or multiply the 100 liters figure with 400 to get the final
amount of calcium nitrate to be used. That will equal to 31.6 kg. This amount
will be dissolved in 200 liters of stock tank.
Step 4
Find out how much nitrogen you got by using 79 grams of calcium nitrate in 100
liters of water. The formula is:
grams of fertilizer x grade x 10 = ppm
Amount of water in liters
79 x 15.5 x 10 = 122 ppm
100
So calcium nitrate contributed 150 ppm of calcium and 122 ppm of nitrogen. We
still require 200 - 122 = 78 ppm of nitrogen.
Step 5
Get all your phosphorus from mono potassium phosphate 0-53-34. Remember
53 percent is phosphate and we have to convert it to phosphorus by multiplying
53 percent by 0.43 and that will equal 22.8. That is the figure we will use for our
phosphorus calculation.
Using the ppm desired formula:
40 x 100 = 17.5 grams
22.8 x 10
Make adjustments for the amount present in your water.
Step 6
Calculate the amount of potassium you got from 17.5 grams of 0-53-34 in 100
liters of water. Remember 34 percent is potash not potassium. Multiply 34 with
0.83 to get potassium which equals 28.2.
Thus ppm of potassium = 17.5 x 28.2 x 10 = 49.3 ppm
100
Step 7
Take the balance of nitrogen, that is 78 ppm, from potassium nitrate which is 130-44.
78 ppm x 100 litres = 60 grams

25

26

13 x 10
How much potassium is obtained from 60 grams/100 liters of potassium nitrate
13-0-44? Remember 44 percent is potash and it will be 36.5 percent potassium.
60 grams x 36.5 x 10 = 219 ppm
100 liters
Total potassium from steps 6 and 7 is 268 ppm. Total required is 350 ppm.
Thus we still need 82 ppm of potassium.
Step 8
Take this potassium from potassium sulfate 0-0-50 which is 41.5 percent
potassium (50 x 0.83). Using the formula:
82 ppm desired x 100 litres of water = 19.7 grams
41.5 x 10
Now we have satisfied our requirements for nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and
calcium.
Step 9
Take all your magnesium from magnesium sulfate which is 10 percent Mg.
50 ppm desired x 100 litres of water = 50 grams
10 percent mg x 10
Step 10
Calculate how much sulfur you got from potassium sulfate and magnesium
sulfate. Potassium sulfate has 18 percent sulfur while magnesium sulfate has 12
percent sulfur.
Sulfur from 19.7 grams of 0-0-50:
19.7 x 18 x 10 = 35.4 ppm
100 litres
Sulfur from 50 grams of magnesium sulfate:
50 x 12 x 10 = 60 ppm
100 liters

26

27

Thus total sulfur is 35.4 + 60 = 95.4 ppm which is close to our 100 ppm of
requirement.
Step 11
Iron required is 3 ppm and will use 13 percent iron chelate:
3 ppm required x 100 liters = 2.30 grams
13 percent iron x 10
Step 12
We need 0.8 ppm of manganese from manganese chelate which is 13 percent
manganese.
0.8 ppm desired x 100 liters = 0.61 grams
13 percent mn x 10
Step 13
We need 0.15 ppm of copper from copper chelate, which is 14 percent copper.
0.15 ppm desired x 100 liters = 0.10 grams
14 percent cu x 10
Step 14
We need 0.2 ppm of zinc from zinc chelate which is 14 percent zinc.
0.2 ppm desired x 100 liters = 0.14 grams
14 percent zn x 10
Step 15
We need 0.25 ppm of boron from borax, which is 15 percent boron.
0.25 ppm desired x 100 litres = 0.16 grams
15 percent b x 10
Step 16
We need 0.12 ppm of molybdenum from sodium molybdate which is 46 percent
molybdenum.
0.12 ppm desired x 100 liters = 0.026 grams
46 percent mo x 10

27

28

This completes our requirements for all nutrients. You may have noticed that
trace elements are required in very small quantities and it will be difficult to weigh
them. You make strong solutions called stock solutions.

MAKING STOCK SOLUTIONS FROM TRACE ELEMENTS

Let us take molybdenum for example. In the above example we only need 0.026
grams of sodium molybdate in 100 liters of water. Multiply 0.026 grams with
1000 which is equal to 26 grams. Multiply 100 liters of water with 1000 as well
which is 100,000 liters of water. Dissolve 26 grams in one liter of water which is
equal to 1000 mL. Thus 1000 mL of stock solution is good for 100,000 liters of
water. Thus 1 mL of stock solution can be added to 100 liters of water. Keep the
stock solution in a dark glass bottle in a fridge. You can mix all the trace
elements together and make up a stock solution. Keeping individual elements
separate is of advantage that you can make adjustments when necessary.

PRINCIPLES OF MIXING FERTILIZERS

All fertilizers can be mixed in the diluted form. However when you are making
concentrates then certain elements cannot be mixed together. Do not mix
calcium nitrate with any fertilizer containing phosphate and sulfate. It is
best to feed calcium nitrate separately.

pH, YOUR WATER AND FERTILIZER

What is pH?
pH is a measurement of the acidity or alkalinity (base) of a solution. When
substances dissolve in water they produce charged molecules called ions. Acidic
water contains extra hydrogen ions (H+) and basic water contains extra hydroxyl
(OH-) ions. pH is measured on a scale of 0 to 14. Neutral water has a pH of 7.
Acidic water has pH values less than 7, with 0 being the most acidic. Likewise,
basic water has values greater than 7, with 14 being the most basic. A change of
1 unit on a pH scale represents a 10 fold change in the pH, so that water with pH
of 6 is 10 times more acidic than water with a pH of 7, and water with a pH of 5 is
100 times more acidic than water with a pH of 7. That is the reason why It takes
longer time to adjust the pH of the growing medium. pH constantly changes
during the crop duration and must be monitored regularly. Also growers must
know the optimum ranges of pH for the crops they are growing.

Why it is important?
It is important because the uptake of nutrients depends on proper pH in the
growing medium.

28

29

What is an optimum range?

Soilless mixes

5.5 - 6.5

Soil-based mixes

6.0 - 6.8

Rockwool

5.8 - 6.4

Nutrient solution

5.5 - 6.5

What happens if optimum ranges are not followed?

* Iron and manganese deficiencies occur at pH values above the optimum
ranges.
* Manganese and boron toxicities are known below the optimum ranges.

Why pH changes are difficult to make?

This is because pH description is logarithmic. More hydrogen ions are required to
change the pH from 5.5 to 4.5 than from 6.5 to 5.5. The important fact to
understand is that pH also reflects the buffering capacity of a medium. It will
change slowly.

How do you adjust the pH of a growing medium?

You add calcium carbonate lime or dolomite lime to acidic peat moss to make it
alkaline. Alberta peat moss has a pH between 3.5 and 6.0, therefore liming rates
will vary. This is an important point to follow. Check the pH of your peat moss
and figure out the amount of lime you need. Calcium hydroxide and potassium
bicarbonate are also used to raise the pH of a growing medium.

What about ready made mixes?

Enough lime is added to bring the growing medium to a minimum pH level.
Based on your fertilizer programs pH may become acidic quickly. You have to
monitor pH on a regular basis. Plant damage has been observed because of a
pH below 5.

What do you do if you detect an acidic pH while the plants are

growing?
Apply potassium bicarbonate at one gram per liter directly or through the feeding
line. Do not mix it with other fertilizers.
Soak hydrated lime 100 grams in 100 liters of water. Let it sit overnight and then
use the "lime water " to irrigate plants. Apply enough volume to thoroughly wet

29

30

the growing medium. Many irrigations may be required. Rinse leaves after
application. If pH is on alkaline side then adjust the pH of the fertilizer solution to
around 5.5 or start using fertilizers with higher ammonium nitrogen.

What about fertilizers and pH?

Fertilizers containing ammonium nitrogen tend to be acidic in nature. Fertilizers
with nitrate nitrogen tends to be alkaline in nature. Let us look at a few
examples:
The commercial fertilizer 19-0-16 has a potential acidity of 30 pounds of calcium
carbonate equivalent/ton. It contains following types of nitrogen.
- Nitrate nitrogen
=
14.4 percent
- Ammonium nitrogen =
4.6 percent
- Urea nitrogen
=
0 percent
17-6-6 has a potential acidity of 1800 pounds of calcium carbonate/ton. It has
ammonium nitrogen at 17 percent.
16-4-12 has a potential alkalinity of 73 pounds of calcium carbonate/ton. It has
nitrate nitrogen, 9.97 percent, Ammonium nitrogen at 1.05 percent and urea
nitrogen at 4.98 percent.
13-0-44 has a potential alkalinity of 452 pounds of calcium carbonate/ton. It has
nitrate nitrogen at 13 percent.

Can I use fertilizer to change the pH of water?

Slight changes are possible but it takes two to three months before changes in
the growing medium will be noticed. You can choose acidic or alkaline fertilizers
to regulate the pH in the growing mix. Avoid using fertilizers with pesticides.

If my water is alkaline, how can I bring the pH down?

Use nitric acid, sulphuric acid or phosphoric acid. Construct a pH curve of your
water because pH may drop very quickly if too much acid is added to the water.
There are guidelines available to calculate acid requirements based on
carbonate and bicarbonate amounts in water. Use proper acid head for injection.
Metal heads may corrode and may inject too much acid into the system.

30

31

Do plants change pH of the growing medium?

Yes, plants change the pH of the growing medium. Look at the pictures below:

Plants like Petunias, Bacopa, Scaveola and Calibrachoa are iron inefficient
groups of plants and if pH goes over 6.5 they will show Iron deficiency. Plants
like Geraniums and New Guinea Impatiens are iron efficient group of plants and
will show iron toxicity at pH below 5.5. Availability of trace elements like iron,
manganese, copper, boron and molybdenum is up to 4 times higher when pH
moves to acidic side and lower when pH moves to alkaline side.

WHAT IS ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY?

Electrical conductivity or EC is a measure of electrical current through a solution.
It is measured by an EC meter and recorded as millisiemens/cm or millimhos/cm.
To give you an idea about the EC of different water:
Type of water

EC

Distilled water

not measurable

Dug out water

0.2 - 0.5 mmhos

Edmonton water

0.4 - 0.6 mmhos

Well water

0.5 - 2.0 mmhos

Fertilizer solution

1.5 - 2.5 mmhos

31

32

How can I monitor the EC of my crop?

Measure the EC of your fertilizer solution. Measure the EC of leachate from a
pot, from a styroblock, from a bedding plant tray or from a rockwool block. The
EC of leachate should not be more than the E of your fertilizer solution. Some
recommendations:
EC 0.8 mmhos/cm and below
EC 0.9 to 2.0
EC 2.0 and above

= need fertilizer
= maintain feed
= caution

A higher EC can be maintained if plants are vigorous and demand more fertilizer
but you have to keep the growing medium moist.

Can I use E.C. management to control the growth of my plants?

Yes, it is important to understand that EC is a valuable tool to control the growth
of plants when water restriction is difficult due to the use of media with higher
water holding capacity especially early in the season when light is limiting. This is
how it works:

For vegetable seedlings grown in December, January and early February,

after transplanting raise the EC by using additional amounts of potassium
sulfate 0-0- 52 and feed around an EC of 4.0. The EC of the growing
medium could rise to up to 8.0 mS and in that case do some leaching with
plain water. Such a high EC is not detrimental to tomato seedlings as long
as there is enough water in the growing media.
Cucumber, water melon, zucchini, mini- cucumbers seedlings can be well
controlled in growth with a feed EC of 3.0 mS and block EC around 4.0
mS.
Peppers can be treated like cucumber.
Lettuce EC in seedlings should be maximum 3.0 mS.
Bedding plants, general EC is around 2.5 mS in pots and around 2.0 mS
in smaller volume plugs.

Once the seedlings are planted in the final container then EC will be managed
based on light conditions. Higher the light, lower will be the EC.
Here are couple of examples where very high EC affected the growth of crops.
This grower grows spinach and lettuce for farmers market in winter with some
supplemental light in bedding plants trays. Once the harvest is completed, the
growing medium is reused. The plants are very dark green in color and very
compact. They are not stretching.

32

33

Notice the leach E.C. Below 3.0 millimhos is normal for winter production. The
grower mixed the old growing medium with the new one without leaching and
that is the result.
Growers must invest in a good pH and E.C meter and monitor the crop regularly
especially crops like petunias and geraniums.

33