What Does Hoagland Solution Mean?
The Hoagland solution is a decades-old hydroponic nutrient solution recipe (formula) named after the researcher who developed it. Its creation was an attempt to create a universal nutrient solution for plants grown in a hydroponic environment.
The Hoagland solution was developed in 1938 in an attempt to ensure adequate nutrition for hydroponically grown plants. It was devised by researchers Hoagland and Arnon. Arnon then revised the solution in 1950 to include chelates.
This type of hydroponic nutrient solution contains a lot of nitrogen and potassium, making it best for the development of larger plants like tomatoes and peppers.
Maximum Yield Explains Hoagland Solution
Hydroponics provides the means to grow plants in areas where they would not otherwise be viable, including urban areas, arid areas, and more. However, plants still require the right nutritional support for healthy growth.
While hydroponics promises the means to grow plants for food in areas where it would otherwise be impossible, those plants still have the same basic requirements as their in-ground-grown cousins. In addition to water, each plant still needs the right amount and right variety of nutrients.
The Hoagland solution remains one of the most popular nutrient solutions (recipes) used by hydroponic growers. Today’s version is slightly modified from the 1950 formula, as it has been expanded to include iron chelates. The current formula is as follows:
- N 210 ppm
- K 235 ppm
- Ca 200 ppm
- P 31 ppm
- S 64 ppm
- Mg 48 ppm
- B 0.5 ppm
- Fe 1 to 5 ppm
- Mn 0.5 ppm
- Zn 0.05 ppm
- Cu 0.02 ppm
- Mo 0.01 ppm
While this is a good all-purpose nutrient solution mix, it may not be right for your specific growing needs. As described above, the solution provides good support for plants like tomatoes, but plants with higher nutrient demands may not have those requirements met. It is best to use this as a base nutrient solution, and then add salts to meet the specifics of your growing situation (plant needs, evaporation rate, etc.).
