Blood meal is a type of organic fertilizer made from the dried and powdered blood of animals, it can be used as a supplement in hydroponics to provide plants with additional Nitrogen and other essential micronutrients. Here’s how to use blood meal in hydroponics:
- Mix the blood meal with water: Mix the blood meal with water to create a slurry. The ratio of blood meal to water will depend on the type of blood meal you are using, but a general rule of thumb is to mix 1 part blood meal to 20 parts water.
- Add the blood meal slurry to the hydroponic system: Slowly pour the blood meal slurry into the hydroponic system, making sure to distribute it evenly.
- Monitor the nutrient levels: Regularly monitor the nutrient levels in the hydroponic system, including pH and EC, and make adjustments as necessary. Overuse of blood meal can lead to nutrient imbalances, so it’s important to use it in moderation.
- Repeat the process: Repeat the process of adding blood meal slurry to the hydroponic system every 2-4 weeks, or as needed.
It’s important to note that blood meal contains a lot of Nitrogen, which is important for vegetative growth, but it also contains other essential micronutrients like Iron, Calcium, and other trace elements. You should use it in combination with other nutrient solutions and adjust the frequency and amount accordingly to your plants’ needs.- Also, it’s important to consider the source of the blood meal, if it’s from animals that were treated with hormones or antibiotics, this could be harmful to plants and humans. And also, it can have an unpleasant odor which could be a concern for indoor hydroponic systems.