Analysis of Solution, Tissue, and Media
Knowledge of the nutritional status of al
components of a soilless culture system is importan
for two reasons: (1) it is the only means of judgin
how successful management practices have been i
attaining the objectives of the fertilizer program i
terms of the availability of nutrients and the nutrien
levels in the tissue; and (2) it helps diagnose th
causes of any abnormal plant symptoms that ma
occur. The costs of this knowledge are a form o
insurance toward success. Periodic laborator
analysis of the nutrient solution is imperative i
recirculated hydroponic systems, especially if use o
the solution is extended over a period of weeks. It i
equally important in solid-medium systems in orde
to evaluate the operation of the fertilize
proportioner and the preparation of concentrates.