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N-P-K
The N value is the percentage of elemental nitrogen by weight in the fertilizer. The value for P is the fraction by weight of P2O5 in a fertilizer with the...
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Nutrient solution
The mixture of water and water-soluble nutrients which is provided to the plants for nourishment in a hydroponic system....
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Nutrients
The elements needed by plants for normal growth and health. The major nutrients (MACRONUTRIENTS) are nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), but there are numerous MICRONUTRIENTS (also called TRACE...
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Perlite
Sand or volcanic glass which has been expanded by heat; perlite holds water and nutrients on its many irregular surfaces. Mineral soil amendment....
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pH
A scale from 1 to 14 that measures the acid to alkaline balance of a growing medium (or any other substance). In general, plants grow best in a pH range...
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Phosphorus (P)
Phosphorus promotes and stimulates early growth and blooming and root growth. It hastens maturity and seed growth, and contributes to the general hardiness of plants. Phosphorus is a macronutrient....
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Photoperiod
Day length; the relationship between the length of light and dark in a 24 hour period....
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Photosynthesis
The process by which plants use light energy to collect carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and convert it to chemical energy in the form of sugar....
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Potassium (K)
Potassium promotes disease resistance and good development of carbohydrates, starches and sugars, and it increases fruit production. Potassium is a macronutrient....
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Propagate
Sexual propagation: to produce seed by breeding different male and female flowers. Asexual propagation: to produce plantlets (also known as CLONES) by taking cuttings....
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Pyrethrum
Natural insecticide made from the blossoms of various chrysanthemums....
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Reservoir
The container in a hydroponic system which holds nutrient solution in reserve for use....
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Rockwool
Inert, soilless growing medium consisting of woven, thin strand-like fibers made from molten volcanic rock and limestone, which is heated to over 2900 degrees F, extruded, and formed into slabs,...
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Secondary nutrients
Calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) are considered to be the secondary nutrients....
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Systemic
Used in reference to a disease within the plant tissue, not initiated from the external cells. Also refers to materials and compounds which are taken up or absorbed by the...
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Vermiculite
Mica which has been processed and expanded by heat. Vermiculite has excellent water-retention qualities and is a good soil amendment and medium for rooting cuttings....
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Wick
Part of a passive hydroponic system using a wick suspended in the nutrient solution. The nutrients pass up the wick and are absorbed by the medium and roots....
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Zinc (Zn)
Like copper and manganese, zinc is linked to chlorophyll synthesis....
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Fungicide
A product that destroys or inhibits fungus....
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Fungus
Any of a major group (Fungi) of saprophytic and parasitic spore-producing organisms usually classified as plants that lack chlorophyll and include molds, rusts, mildews, smuts, mushrooms, and yeasts. Common fungal...
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Germination
The process of causing the initiation and development of a plant from seed....
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Harden-off
To gradually acclimatize a plant to a more harsh environment. A seedling must be hardened-off before planting outdoors....
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Hormone
Chemical substance that controls the growth and development of a plant. Root-inducing hormones help cuttings root....
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Hybrid
The offspring from two plants of different breeds, variety or genetic make-up....
