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1. Macronutrients
There are six macronutrients that plants need in large amounts. These nutrients are Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), and Sulphur (S). Below are the list outlines of the function of these macronutrients within the plants.
Nitrogen is the basis of all proteins and is essential for building structures, photosynthesis, cell growth, metabolic processes, and chlorophyll production. Nitrogen is a key element in aquaponic nutrient solution and serves as a proxy indicator for other nutrients. Usually, dissolved nitrogen is in the form of nitrate, but plants can use small quantities of ammonia and free amino acid to grow. Excessive nitrogen can cause excessive plant growth resulting in lush, soft plants susceptible to diseases and insect damage and difficulty in flowering and fruiting.
Phosphorus is essential for photosynthesis and the formation of oils and sugars, and encourages germination and root development in seedlings. Phosphorus deficiency can cause low root development.
Potassium functions as a cell signaling via controlled ion flow through membranes control the stomatic opening and are involved in flower and fruit set. Potassium is involved in producing and transporting sugars, water uptake, disease resistance, and fruit ripening. All plants need potassium and can be affected by low levels of these nutrients.
Potassium deficiency in aquaponic plants needs treatment. Because a lack of potassium can negatively affect photosynthesis, which can also affect plant growth, it can also make the plant susceptible to infection or infestation that could lead to plant death.
Calcium is essential for the plants' healthy growth and sturdy cell walls and helps maintain plants' strength and shape. It is involved in the strengthening of stems and contributes to the production of flowers, fruits, and vegetables. Squash, tomatoes, and peppers are some plants susceptible to calcium deficiency.
It is essential to treat calcium deficiency to prevent ruining the harvestable fruits or vegetables. Low calcium levels can also stunt plant growth and can cause plant death.
Low magnesium is a common plant deficiency in aquaponics. Magnesium plays a vital role in the plant's internal functions. Magnesium helps in breaking down the chlorophyll. Treating magnesium deficiency is essential to the overall health and growth of the plants.
Sulfur is essential for the production of some proteins, chlorophyll, and other photosynthetic enzymes. Sulfur deficiencies are rare in aquaponics.