When growing plants, many believe that the best solution is to use soil. The best option would be clay pebbles for hydroponics. More details about the features of its use will be discussed in this article.
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Using expanded clay pebbles in hydroponics
Expanded clay in hydroponics has several advantages.
Moisture retention. Ensuring good drainage
If you live in a region where there is little water, then organic expanded clay pebbles can be used to maintain humidity indicators.
This is the best option if you have young plants in the net pots. Even if you need to leave for a few days, it can retain moisture, and the plants do not experience a lack of water.
The pores of the pebbles absorb water and nutrients. At the same time, a reserve is maintained that is consumed by plants.
Almost all manufacturers cannot boast of high-quality drainage. This can damage the root system. Clay pellets perfectly absorb water, so any damage is excluded.
Better aeration
If the ground is dense and there is no air inside due to excess humidity, the plants suffocate.
Roots need to seek air inside the soil, so growth rates are reduced. Clay pebbles have a porous texture, so air is retained inside.
At the same time, due to the distance between the stones, sufficient aeration is ensured. Thanks to this, hydroponic growing media is more efficient.
Preservation of ecology
As you know, expanded clay is considered an organic material, and does not contain chemical components. Harmful gases are not used in production. Everything happens under the influence of high temperatures, soil, and water.
Hydroponics are filled with mineral components. They positively affect the health and growth of crops.
Reusable use
Expanded clay pellets have a long service life. Stones can be used multiple times. You can use one package for several seasons. In the future, this helps to save money, and you sure that the product is completely environmentally friendly.
Stones need to be rinsed before being reused. As soon as a lot of salt accumulates on the surface, the light-expanded clay aggregate needs to be replaced, as it will be unusable. If you notice organic matter on the surface, it is better to use a different package.
Ease of collection and planting
Clay pebbles are loose, so plants have enough freedom to grow. It is easier for you to harvest and plant crops. In this versatile growing media, the plant roots will not be damaged.
The containers are easy to clean and can be reused. You can be sure that the root balls are easily cleared from the ground.
Large biological area
As you know, microbes have a positive effect on the formation of the ecosystem. Expanded clay pellets have a smooth texture, however, the number of microbes does not drop too much. Inside the biological surface area, many beneficial microbes accumulate, which can use organic matter and form a nutrient medium.
The lack of microbes leads to the fact that the system is not stable. Clay pebbles are not a standard for a large biological area, however, they have good performance.
Cons of clay pebbles in hydroponic systems
It is important to mention the disadvantages of clay pebbles in hydroponics. The water quickly comes out, so frequent watering is required. Plants need to be checked regularly. In hot weather, more abundant watering is required.
If you skip a few waterings, the plant dries out and dies. If you have taken care of the formation of the irrigation system, then there is no problems in the future. If the plants do not require constant humidity, you do not notice the disadvantages at all.
The second disadvantage is that clay pebbles can penetrate the pumps. This often happens before the stones are saturated. If the problem is not noticed in time, a complete replacement of the system may be required in the future. You need to understand that this does not happen often, especially if you regularly inspect the growing media.
Before you start using a hydroponic system, you should rinse it out of excess dust. Otherwise, the filters will clog. The third disadvantage is the high cost. However, you need to understand that over time, all costs are recouped because you can use the stones several times. For most people, this minus is insignificant.
If you use clay balls correctly and provide enough maintenance, you do not notice any disadvantages. This is a great solution for beginners who are just starting to grow bag-covered plants in small quantities.
If you plan to grow a lot of plants, then it is better to look for other options. The main thing is that they satisfy your needs in quality and price.
Proper use of clay pebbles for hydroponic
Clay pebbles must be used correctly. More details about all stages will be discussed below.
First stage
First, you need to buy clay pebbles. Choose products that are sourced from reliable manufacturers. Before use, it must be rinsed to remove debris. This prevents clogging of the aquaponics systems. Fill a plant container with pebbles, filling it 1/3 full.
Place the seeds inside the pebbles. If you grow seedlings, you can plant them immediately in pebbles. After you need to prepare a nutrient solution using water. All instructions are written on the packaging with fertilizers. Follow the instructions to fully nourish the plants.
Pour the prepared solution into the container. Cleaning and replacement of fertilizers will be required periodically. This will need to be done every 2-3 weeks. The replacement may be required more frequently. Focus on what plants are in your grow media.
Second phase
Water the container every day several times. If you use clay pebbles, then first check how much water it needs. Clay must not be in contact with water for a long time. Therefore, it may have to be watered once a day.
See if water flows. If it does not drain, algae develop inside, which can harm the plants. After that, it remains only to wait for a good harvest.
When it comes to clay pebbles in hydroponics, there are many questions to ask. The answers to them will be presented below.
Are clay pebbles good for hydroponics?
Can you grow in just clay pebbles?
Can you start seeds in clay pebbles?
Results
As you can see, the use of clay pebbles in hydroponics is a good solution. This is the best option that helps maintain moisture and nutrient levels at the right level.
Yes, it may seem that the prices for clay pebbles are quite high, which stops people from buying them. However, in the future, all costs will quickly pay off, because the stones can be used several times if they are first cleaned with high quality. Read about how grow hydroponic herbs at home
