Lower Nitrogen Levels During Flowering

[BigDaddyOffGrid]

Hi All,

Has anyone tried to limit the nitrogen levels, and raise the phosphorus levels during the fruiting/flowering phase?

I know it would be difficult to accomplish with a constant flow of water from the fish tank (nitrified), but I've read in several places that this mimics nature, produces higher yields, and better tasting fruit.

It also may be difficult due to the fact that most grow beds are growing different plants at different stages.

Anyway, I'm just curious to see if anyone has tried it, and if so, what the results were.

Thanks!

- BDOG

[Ravnis]

I had purchased a phosphate test kit from api to check phosphate levels. They were high while nitrates were very low. In this particular case , nitrogen levels were naturally kept low, while phosphorus intake was exceedling high. I do not have enough data to know if this is a common occurance as this particular case was growing duckweed and tomatoes.

[BigDaddyOffGrid]

Ravnis,

Interesting... I'm in the middle of planning a fairly good sized AP system, and I'm debating on whether or not I should install an extra valve right before the point where the fish water goes into the grow beds. Or, if it would make sense to install several smaller valves on each of the grow beds so I could do some planned "zone" planting. The valve would have two incoming sources of water; one from the fish tank, and one from an external reservoir. The external reservoir would have a natural, organic solution with a higher phosphorus content, and a low nitrogen content. If this system was in place, I could essentially "dial in" a different water mixture at any stage of the process.

However, I wanted to see if this extra flowering / fruiting was just as apparent in AP systems as it has been recirded in more traditional farming. I also know that this has long been "common knowledge" in certain hydroponic circles, if you know what I mean.

In short, if this change in nutrient levels produces a better yield and a better fruit / vegetable, it might be worth it to figure this into the new AP system equation. I would feel a lot better if someone out there has tried this and experienced a positive result in an aquaponics set-up. The extra valves and plumbing would add up to several hundred dollars, so I am a bit cautious.

Don't get me wrong... AP veggies are already better looking and tasting (IMO) that those grown in dirt, so I am not complaining... Just trying to take advantage of any technology/tactic/technique that could make it even better.

From what I gather, you are saying that this higher phosphorus level sort of happened by accident, and wasn't planned... Let me know if you noticed any difference in those tomatoes.

Thanks!

- BDOG