Solubility

What Does Solubility Mean?

Solubility is the solute property that substances can dissolve in a liquid, solid, or gaseous solvent. The solubility of a substance depends on the chemical and physical properties of the solute. Temperature, pressure, and pH can also affect the solubility of a solution.

In horticulture, solubility most often refers to various fertilizers that are or are not water-soluble (i.e., able to dissolve in water).

Maximum Yield Explains Solubility

The solubility of a substance in a solvent can be measured as a fraction of the saturation concentration, which is the point where adding more solute doesn’t increase the concentration of the solution, but will instead begin to precipitate the excess amounts of the solution.

A water-soluble fertilizer is one that when mixed with a certain amount of water can be applied through a nozzle or sprinkler along with the water.

Water-soluble fertilizers are often used in greenhouses with a spray, mist, or drip line irrigation system or used for lawn care. Most often a mix and spray container is used to mix and apply the soluble fertilizer as a spray.

Hydroponic and aquaculture gardening also use soluble fertilizers as part of their nutrient solutions.