Are you just getting started with a new hydroponic system and having difficulties with growth? Indoor growing methods are a proven way to control the health and environment for your indoor garden, while also increasing yield and reducing the time of upkeep. But if your results have become unpredictable, or even poor, Algae might be a problem to keep an eye out for.
Despite the fact hydroponic systems are usually low maintenance, problems with algae blooms can hamper your plants health. Fungus gnat larvae can invade your hydroponic garden's root system without you even knowing what is happening. Many new gardeners don't recognize that the little flies fluttering around their garden could be related to the death of their crop, since the adult flies themselves are not hurting the plants. However in the plants roots, the gnat larvae could be causing serious damage. These gnats love algae. Lately, algae has been mentioned in the news for the destruction it has done to our oceans in a process called "upwelling". As algae blooms, dies and decomposes, it removes all of the dissolved oxygen from the area it is in, creating massive areas of 'deadzones' that can suffocate fish that enter into the area. Inside your hydroponic system, this same process may suffocate your plants root system, starving them for O2. As algae decomposes, it also creates a food source for pathogenic fungi, creating more challenges for your system. So then, algae control is crucial to protecting your indoor crop.
You might be familiar with what algae looks like- an oily, green or dark brown growth that climbs channels, sticks to your pumps or oozes over the top of media. Algae normally smells like mold, and has the ability to clog just about all of your system.
Algae can be fought by blocking light from reaching the nutrient source. Channels and returns should have covers designed to block light. Large beds can also be covered with either plastic or a layer of dry mulch, because algae can not grow on dry surfaces. However, even in the best designed system, there is most likely somewhere that light will still get to the nutrient.
If algae has started growing in your hydroponic system, control can be difficult. While a small amount may be tolerated, when algae growth has become thick and widespread, scrubbing the whole system after crop harvest and starting new with a clean system can be a good idea.
Although many growers may recommend one of the many algicides on the market to destroy algae, the value of these products has been questioned by professionals, and the danger to your plants is plain. At BeanToGreen we always try to think organically, and there are some organic methods that show promise in handling algae without harming your plants.
Grapefruit Seed Extract
GSE is employed in many industries to manage algae, and has been studied and validated by the FDA. Applying it to your nutrient will slow algae without causing harm to your or your plants. You can read more about it http://www.squidoo.com/Grapefruit-Seed-Extract-Benifits---Uses">here.
Hydrogen Pyroxide.
Many gardeners say they are able to control algae by including a few drops of peroxide with their water reservoir every week. While that notion is regularly debated, there is some basis for the idea that it slow algae growth.
Basically, prevention by controlling the light is the easiest method to suppressing algae.
Hydroponic systems are a great way to maximize the production of your indoor garden. But as with any garden, the approach also has its own challenges to overcome.
Have an organic method that works great for you? Share it in our comments section!