Why Kelp Can Be a Hydroponic Grower’s Best Friend
On the seabed off the Pacific Coast of North America lies one of the most dynamic and complex ecosystems that you will find anywhere. Though they are often compared to land based plants, kelp is actually a kind of algae. What is extraordinary about seaweed is its ability to survive even in extremely turbulent conditions. Despite the strong currents that constantly tug at it and storms that threaten to rip them up entirely, kelp has the amazing ability to not only survive in harsh conditions, but thrive. It is able to achieve this because they contain a potent combination of hormones, enzymes and nutrients that make them extremely rugged and grow extremely fast. Smart hydroponics growers take advantage of these physiological traits by using kelp-based fertilizer in their nutrient solution. Here are a few reasons why kelp based products should be staple in your grow room.
Increase Your Plant’s Immunity – Any experienced grower can testify to how profoundly frustrating it is to lose one or more plants to disease or pests. A plant that suffers stunted growth or even death because of unwanted intruders represents a lost investment and a lot of care and effort gone down the drain. Fortunately, kelp extract can help improve your plants immunity on a few fronts. First, since it facilities superior nutrient uptake and provides powerful plant hormones, it will make your plant healthier and more resistant to disease. Second, kelp contains some natural antibiotic properties, which can help in suppressing harmful bacteria. These features also make it work well as a foliar fertilizer, where the antibiotic properties can help protect your leaves from infection.
Increase Nutrient Uptake – Certain compounds in seaweed help facilitate the chelation of nutrients, making them much more bioavialable. This means that your current nutrient solution will be much more effective in helping your plant thrive. To further increase nutrient uptake, most hydroponic growers choose to use a combination of humic acid and fulvic acid alongside the seaweed plant food. Humic and fulvic acid help chelate the nutrients that are naturally in seaweed, significantly increasing uptake.
Stimulate Growth – One of the best features of kelp is that they are very rich in vitamins, particularly vitamin B. These vitamins help provide your plant with the energy it needs to grow quickly and strong. This can be particularly helpful while cloning, when vulnerable young cuttings risk a fast death if they do not receive nutrients quickly.
Increases Yield – You will probably notice the effects of Kelp based fertilizer on your plant the most when it comes to harvest time. All those extra stimulants, enzymes, and nutrients will help create more voluminous flowers and many more fruits and vegetables. What’s more is that the extra boost of nutrients will help increase the quality of the harvest. Flowers will have more complex notes and sweeter fragrances and will be richer in color. Vegetables will be larger, heaver, and have more savory and complicated flavors. You won’t just enjoy yield that is more bountiful, but also more valuable.
