Greenhouses involve the creation of favorable microclimates, where cultivation is possible throughout or part the year in order to obtain high, quality yields in short time. Stable greenhouse environments are: temperature, light, carbon dioxide, relative humidity, soils/substrates to provide appropriate physical, chemical and biochemical properties. Withhumates, roots can absorb and store nutrients more efficiently and effectively, while the pH is stabilized, resistance against diseasesachieved and photosynthesis is increased. When photosynthesis is increased, plants create and store carbohydrates more quickly and efficiently resulting in more energy to the plant. Humates create well developed root systems which allows for more uptake of all the necessary.
Primary goals
- Improve nutrient efficiency and uptake
- Support healthy root systems
- Reduce plant stress in closed systems
- Enhance micronutrient availability
Recommended products
- ✅ Fully Soluble Liquid Humate ONLY
⚠️ Dry humates are not recommended for hydroponic systems.
“In hydroponic systems, humates act primarily as micronutrient chelators and root-support compounds—not as soil builders.”
Key benefits when used correctly:
- Chelates iron and micronutrients
- Improves nutrient stability
- Supports root signaling
- Helps buffer mild stress
⚠️ Over-application does not improve results and can cause staining or imbalance.
PRODUCT: Fully Soluble Liquid Humate
Best for: Root-zone soil conditioning, orchard floor improvement, long-term soil health
Required characteristics:
- True solubility (no suspension)
- Micro-filtered
- Low ash / low salt
- Compatible with drip emitters and recirculation
Application RATES
Recommended Rates (tree & vine)
Hydroponics = VERY LOW RATES
All rates are expressed as ppm (parts per million) or oz per 100 gallons.
General Hydroponic Systems (NFT, DWC, Drip)
Starter / Safe Range:
- 5–10 ppm humic substances
- ≈ 0.5–1.0 oz liquid humate per 100 gallons of solution
Upper limit (do not exceed without testing):
- 15 ppm
- ≈ 1.5 oz per 100 gallons
Coco Coir / Soilless Media (Drain-to-Waste or Recirculating)
Coco behaves more like soil than water.
Recommended rate:
- 10–20 ppm
- ≈ 1–2 oz per 100 gallons
Frequency:
- Once every 7–14 days
- Or continuous low-dose feed at lower ppm
When to Apply
✔ Best uses:
- Early vegetative stage
- After transplant
- During micronutrient deficiency correction
- Stress periods (heat, EC fluctuations)
❌ Avoid:
- Late heavy fruiting at high ppm
- Constant high-dose recirculation
- Mixing blindly with unknown additives
Mixing Order
Drop down:
Correct order
- Water
- Liquid humate (fully dissolved)
- Base nutrients
- Micronutrients
- Adjust EC and pH last
⚠️ Avoid adding humate directly into concentrated stock tanks unless heavily diluted.
System Safety Notes
Drop down:
✔ Safe when used at low ppm
✔ Will not clog lines if diluted properly
✔ Compatible with most nutrient programs
⚠️ Cautions:
- Can darken solution color
- Root staining ≠ root damage (cosmetic)
- Always test on a small system first
“More is not better in hydroponics. Excess humate can stain roots and interfere with nutrient balance.”
Recommended Programs
Program A: Conservative Continuous Use (Most Common)
Best for: Leafy greens, herbs
Drop down:
- 5–8 ppm continuously
Program B: Periodic Root Support
Best for: Fruiting crops, vine crops indoors
Drop down:
- 10 ppm once per week
Program C: Coco / Soilless Boost
Best for: drip-fed coco systems
Drop down:
- 15–20 ppm every 10–14 days
FAQ
Q: Will humates clog emitters?
A: No, when fully soluble and used at recommended dilution.
Q: Can I use this in organic hydroponics?
A: Humates are commonly used, but certification rules vary—always verify.
Q: Why are rates so low compared to soil?
A: Hydroponic systems are closed and highly efficient. Very small amounts go a long way.