How is Fertilization Done in Soilless Farming? Critical Criteria and Automation

Soilless farming (hydroponics) is a high-tech production model where plants receive the nutrient elements they need through water and nutrient solutions instead of soil. Since there is no buffer like soil in this method, the fertilization (fertigation) process is of vital importance. An incorrect dosage or pH imbalance can lead to irreversible damage in plants within hours. For this reason, fertilization in soilless farming must be much more precise, measurable, and manageable compared to traditional agriculture.

In this guide, we will examine the basic principles of fertilization in soilless farming, the critical criteria to be considered (pH, EC), and how this process can be perfected with Esular Smart Agro automation systems.

The Basic Principle of Fertilization in Soilless Farming: Fertigation

Fertigation is the process of applying fertilizer together with irrigation water. In soilless farming, plants take up dissolved ions in the water through their roots. Therefore, it is essential that the fertilizers used are 100% water-soluble and leave no residue. The prepared nutrient recipe (A and B tanks + Acid tank) varies according to the phenological stage of the plant (seedling, growth, flowering, fruit).

Critical Criteria to be Considered in Fertilization

For successful hydroponic production, two main parameters must be kept under constant control: EC (Electrical Conductivity) and pH (Acidity/Alkalinity).

1. Electrical Conductivity (EC) Management

EC indicates the total amount of dissolved salts in the water, namely the nutrient density you provide to the plant.

• Low EC: The plant cannot receive enough nutrients, its development slows down.
• High EC: Osmotic pressure increases in the roots, the plant cannot take up water ("burning" occurs) and toxicity occurs.

Every plant's EC tolerance is different. For example, while the ideal EC for lettuce is 1.2-1.8 mS/cm, this value can vary between 2.5-5.0 mS/cm for tomatoes. Esular's wireless EC sensors provide data to the automation system by monitoring these values instantaneously.

2. pH Balance and Nutrient Uptake

The pH value determines the acidic or basic character of the water. The importance of pH in soilless farming is that it directly affects the availability of nutrient elements to the plant. The ideal pH range is generally between 5.5 and 6.5.

• If pH rises too high (alkaline), microelements such as Iron (Fe) and Manganese (Mn) precipitate and the plant cannot take them up.
• If pH drops too low (acidic), roots may be damaged and the uptake of macroelements is disrupted.

How Do Automatic Fertilization (Dosing) Systems Work?

Manual fertilization is open to human error and is not sustainable. In industrial and professional greenhouses, automatic dosing units such as the Esular Smart Agro series are used. The working logic of these systems is as follows:

1. Measurement: The system measures the instantaneous pH and EC value of the water passing through the main line via sensors.
2. Comparison: Measured values are compared with target values (Set Point) determined by the agronomist.
3. Injection: If EC is low, injection is made into the water from fertilizer tanks; if pH is high, from the acid tank with millimetric precision.
4. Homogenization: The water and fertilizer mixture is made homogeneous and delivered to the plant roots.

Advantages of Esular Smart Agro Series

Esular Smart Agro automatic fertilization machines work using the Venturi principle or injection pumps. They can manage between 4 to 6 different fertilizer tanks and offer wireless control possibilities.

• Remote Management: You can manage your greenhouses from your mobile phone or computer.
• Data Logging: Reports historical EC/pH changes and fertilizer consumption.
• Alarm System: When values reach dangerous limits, the system stops automatically and sends a notification to the user.
• Recipe Management: Different fertilization recipes can be saved for different products or growth stages.

Recommended Technology: Esular Smart Agro

Success in soilless farming comes through standardization and precision. The Smart Agro series developed by Esular provides both pH/EC regulation and manages irrigation timing.

Conclusion

Fertilization in soilless farming is not a simple plant nutrition process, but a precise chemical process management. Keeping pH and EC values under constant control is a necessity for plant health and high yield. Using automatic dosing systems like Esular Smart Agro instead of manual methods provides fertilizer savings, reduces labor costs, and guarantees standard quality in production.

---