Fundamental concepts and terminology used throughout Hydrogene
Before diving into Hydrogene, it’s helpful to understand the key concepts and terminology we use throughout the platform.
Soil Analysis
A soil analysis is a laboratory test that measures the chemical and physical properties of your soil. This includes:
- pH Level: Measures soil acidity or alkalinity (scale 0-14)
- EC (Electrical Conductivity): Indicates salt concentration
- CEC (Cation Exchange Capacity): Soil’s ability to hold nutrients
- Organic Matter: Percentage of decomposed plant/animal material
Nutrient Categories
Macronutrients
Primary nutrients required in large quantities:
| Nutrient | Symbol | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Nitrogen | N | Leaf growth, chlorophyll production |
| Phosphorus | P | Root development, flowering |
| Potassium | K | Disease resistance, water regulation |
Secondary Nutrients
Required in moderate amounts:
- Calcium (Ca): Cell wall structure
- Magnesium (Mg): Chlorophyll component
- Sulfur (S): Protein synthesis
Micronutrients
Essential in trace amounts:
- Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Zinc (Zn)
- Copper (Cu), Boron (B), Molybdenum (Mo)
Fertilizer Recipes
A fertilizer recipe in Hydrogene is a calculated blend of nutrients designed to:
- Correct deficiencies identified in soil analysis
- Meet target nutrient profiles for specific crops
- Account for water quality and existing soil nutrients
Projects and Fields
- Project: A container for organizing related soil analyses and recipes
- Field: A geographic area within a project (can have multiple zones)
- Zone: A subdivision of a field with distinct soil characteristics
Target Profiles
A target profile defines the ideal nutrient concentrations for:
- Specific crop types (tomatoes, lettuce, cannabis, etc.)
- Growth stages (vegetative, flowering, fruiting)
- Growing methods (soil, hydroponic, coco coir)
Note: Hydrogene includes pre-built target profiles for common crops, and you can create custom profiles for specialized needs.