Beneficial Bacteria in Your Hydroponics Systems

What’s the difference between a good indoor garden and a superior one? Often it’s the use of beneficial bacteria.

These are strains of bacteria designed to work together with your plant to increase nutrient uptake and the health of your plants. Here are just a few of the many beneficial things the right kind of bacteria can do for you in your hydroponics systems.

Fix nitrogen

Nitrogen is one of the most crucial elements for plant growth. It is plentiful in the air but, unfortunately, isn’t generally usable for plants until converted into ions.

Plants don’t have the ability to make this conversion on their own. The best way to make it happen is to add a nitrogen fixing bacteria, such as Paenibacillus to your system. When this bacterium is introduced into a nutrient solutions, it can convert the useless N2 into more useful NH3 or NH4.

Strengthen & increase root size

Beneficial bacteria help to increase the nutrient uptake of the roots. As a result, the roots become thicker and fuller. This, in turn, can lead to increased nutrient uptake and healthier plants.

Germinate beneficial fungi

Certain types of beneficial bacteria can help create additional beneficial organic materials in the root zone and reservoir. This not only makes the nutrient solutions more usable for the plant but helps fight off undesirable bacteria. Some bacteria will even help speed germination and development of other beneficial fungi. As a result your plants are greatly enhanced and receive extra protection.

Increase cloning success rate

Many growers use products containing beneficial bacteria to create a more favorable environment for young, vulnerable roots. This increases the amount of nutrient uptake during the important early stage and increases your success rate.

Makes foliar sprays more effective

Foliar sprays are an excellent way to increase the amount of nutrients delivered to your plants. However, because you are introducing a large amount of moisture, the spray can lead to the formation of mold and mildew. Some types of bacterial strains, when added to foliar spray, can help prevent mold and mildew by forming a defense against this condition on your leaves.