Using the hydroponics PPM chart is a skill that any hydroponic farmer must learn to keep the garden going on the right track.
Since hydroponic gardens are known for mainly growing thanks to nutrient concentration, you need to watch the PPM level to control the number of nutrients that plants receive.
On the other hand, if the plants take in an excessive amount of nutrients, they can also suffer from toxicity.
What Is A Hydroponics PPM Chart?
Hydroponics PPM chart is a tracking system explicitly used for hydroponics farming, a planting method without soil. The term PPM (Parts Per Million) refers to the soluble matter and concentration of minerals in the watering nutrient solution you are using.
This measurement unit is the backbone of plant growth. One PPM is one milligram of solubles per liter of water, which is a tiny amount to test.
Since different plants have different nutrient requirements, a PPM chart for hydroponics is a great tool to help farmers maintain a suitable environment for the best reproductive growth.
It would be best to get a reliable PPM chart, which is available online, as references. With this tool, you can ensure to adjust the number of nutrients in the water to keep your plants thriving, bringing you a flourishing garden.
PPM, pH, EC, and TDS: What’s the Connection?:
How To Calculate PPM Level And Read PPM
First, you need to convert PPM to milligrams per liter (mg/l) using the following conversion ratio: one PPM equals one mg/l.
For example, let’s say the recipe requires 500 PPM of nitrogen, meaning we need 500 milligrams of nitrogen in one liter of water-feeding solution.
After you know how to measure hydroponics PPM precisely, PPM reading is the next thing to learn.
You will need to purchase a TDS meter (TDS stands for Total Dissolved Solids) or an EC (Electrical Conductivity) meter to track the PPM of the watering solution.
Dip the meter into your water and wait for a couple of seconds for the number to appear.
This number shows whether your water has the ideal PPM for your plant’s growth cycle or not. You will expect different numbers for different types of hydroponics plants you have.
For example, the ideal PPM for lettuce is from 560 to 840. Meanwhile, tomatoes and beans require a much higher range, from 1400 to 3500.
How To Adjust The PPM Level
If PPM Is Too High
If the hydroponics PPM levels of the plants are too high, you can:
Add more water: The key is to add fresh water without putting in any substance. By adding more clear water to the plants or the mixture you are using to water them, you diminish the nutrients to water ratio, therefore lowering the PPM level.
We recommend this method to owners of a small indoor garden or those who need a temporary solution.
Use a heavy-duty water filter: Water filters like Reverse Osmosis systems or purifier machines can force-separate nutrients from the tap water, which are considered contaminants.
This method requires an extra investment, but it is a sustainable option if a considerable tank strain.
Too many additives can cause plants’ stunted growth. For example, the max PPM during the lowering stage of hydroponic plants is around 1000, and if it receives more than that, the plants will grow quickly in terms of size but poorly when it comes to quality.
If PPM Is Too Low
Adding more nutrient levels to water sources is much easier than filtering them from them. Here are some tips that you should keep in mind:
- You have to measure the PPM level first to determine the number of additives that the plants need. You can do this by using a PPM meter or a truncheon meter.
- PPM equals mg/l, so when you measure the nutrients to add to the water, make sure that you have the ratio in mind.
For example, the PPM level of your asparagus crop is 1000, meaning it calls for 200 more. You need to mix 200 milligrams of nutrients with one liter of water to get the correct ratio.
If the amount of water you prepare is 5 liters, the number of nutrients added should be 1000 milligrams or 1 gram.
- You have to mix each type of nutrient carefully into the water before you add another one.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to manage the hydroponics PPM chart, your crops are one step closer to developing entirely in a healthy state. Alongside the PPM level, the pH level in the water also is an essential factor.
If you are hesitating between buying a truncheon meter or a PPM meter, we suggest the truncheon one since it includes pH measurement, among other features. Happy farming!
