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Hydroponics is a sustainable way to grow food and medicinal crops. Among the many benefits of growing in this type of environment is faster growth, fewer weeds, and improved nutrient control. However, root rot in hydroponics is one of the most challenging issues growers face.
If you don’t recognize the signs and attend to the root rot immediately, you run the risk of losing your yield. Fortunately, there are ways you can treat root rot before it causes significant damage to your crops. Follow our guide to learn why rotting roots are a problem, how they develop, various types, and ways to manage and prevent them from occurring.
Why Root Rot is a Problem in Hydroponic Systems
Roots are the most important part of a plant as they have three major functions that support its growth and survival. When root rot occurs, it can severely affect these functions:
- Anchor: Strong roots anchor plants into hydroponic solutions, which is important for crops that are top-heavy. This anchoring system ensures that plants stay stable and firmly upright so they can grow and develop properly. But when hydroponic root rot happens, your crops may start to sag or fall over.
- Nutrition and hydration: Another important aspect of roots is their ability to absorb water and nutrients. The advantage of a hydroponic growing system is that roots are directly exposed to a nutrient solution, so it’s easier for them to absorb what they need. On the other hand, if the roots start to rot, it will prevent the absorption of nutrients and water.
- Root reserves: Lastly, roots store carbohydrates and nutrients to support plants during severe conditions, and they support new growth. When these roots are compromised, it can prevent them from storing the energy they need to survive.
How Does Root Rot Develop in Hydroponics?
Major causes of root rot in your hydroponic system include:
- Mold or bacterial growth
- Lack of oxygen
- Contaminated nutrient solution
- High water temperatures as it reduces oxygen levels
- Contaminated equipment
- Pests like fungus gnats that carry pathogens
Another cause of root rot is not keeping your hydroponic systems clean. A dirty system is more susceptible to the growth of fungus, bacteria, and mold.
Types of Root Rot in Hydroponic Systems
Hydroponic growers can experience various types of root rot. Pythium fungus is one of the most common types in hydroponics as it’s a pathogen that develops in soilless growing environments. This is because Pythium thrives in conditions that have high humidity, and causes roots to become brown and slimy.
Another type of root rot is Fusarium, which is a fungus that causes vascular wilt that blocks the flow of water and nutrients. As a result, roots may turn brown, which will stunt crop growth. You’ll also notice yellowing leaves and wilting.
How to Identify Root Rot
When roots begin to decay, they’ll start to turn a dark brown color. They may also become slimy, and they will lose their structure. In some instances, decaying roots may also give off a foul odor. Furthermore, some fungi can cause leaves on crops to yellow, wilt, and die due to a lack of nutrients from rotting roots.
Healthy roots on a hydroponic plant should be white or tan in color and have strong structures that are abundant. A good root system will also be succulent, which indicates that they’re absorbing a good amount of nutrients. There are a number of ways you can prevent root rot, and it starts by keeping your system clean.
How to Treat Root Rot
If you’re noticing signs of root rot, there are ways you can treat it so that the problem doesn’t become worse. It’s also recommended to take specific measures to prevent root rot in hydroponics, so you don’t have to deal with damage control. Follow these practical tips to help you treat or protect your root system.
Maintain Proper Temperatures in Your Hydroponic System
Did you know that if your nutrient solutions rise above 75°F, the oxygen levels in your hydroponic setup decrease? This means that pathogens can thrive, which will cause decay in the root zone. Try to keep your hydroponic environment at 65–70°F so your roots can get the oxygen they need to survive and grow healthy crops.
Keep Your Hydroponic Systems Clean
One of the common reasons why rot occurs in your hydroponic garden is that the system is dirty. If your hydroponic setup is dirty, it will be more susceptible to the buildup of mold, green water, and mineral deposits. All these factors can attack your root system.
Read more: 7 Steps to Clean Your Hydroponic System
Use Clear Zona to Prevent Root Rot in Hydroponic Systems
Fortunately, there are eco-friendly products you can use, like Clear Zona, to keep your hydroponic system clean and without damaging your crops. Clear Zona is designed to degrade:
- Green water
- Mineral deposits
- Biofilm
- Sludge
Clear Zona is a product that doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals like Hydrogen Peroxide or chlorine. You can also use the product during Pre-Production, Production, and Post-Production applications. The purpose of Clear Zona is to keep your hydroponic water clean and help combat root rot issues at their source by breaking down the organic material that fosters harmful microbial growth.
Its catalytic enzyme and beneficial microbe formulation work together to degrade biofilm and sludge that suffocate roots, to restore oxygen flow and promote healthy root development. By keeping your system clean, Clear Zona reduces the risk of root rot and helps maintain consistent nutrient uptake that results in stronger, more resilient plants.
Always Use Clean Equipment
Many times, bacteria and pathogens can get into your root system when you use dirty buckets to fill your hydroponics or contaminated tools. Before using any sort of equipment to harvest crops or maintain your yield, clean them thoroughly with soap and water. Make sure you rinse your equipment thoroughly to prevent chemical soaps from entering your hydroponics.
Additionally, you also need to keep your irrigation and tanks clean. To keep your lines clean, you can use a product called Clear Flow, which is a natural, chemical-free solution designed to maintain clean hydroponic systems and promote healthy root environments.
What is Clear Flow?
Clear Flow is formulated with non-GMO catalytic enzymes, so it safely removes biofilm and mineral buildup one layer at a time rather than aggressively stripping systems. This gradual process helps restore flow through irrigation lines and around plant roots without damaging crops or equipment.
For older systems with heavy buildup, a shock treatment is recommended to loosen accumulated debris before beginning regular maintenance. Once the system is cleared, growers can sustain optimal performance by adding 5mL of Clear Flow per gallon of fresh or top-off water to prevent future buildup.
Because it contains no chlorine, acid, or hydrogen peroxide, Clear Flow can be used safely throughout all stages of plant production to support consistent nutrient delivery and reduce the conditions that encourage root rot.
Add an Airpump to Your Hydroponic Reservoir
Another easy and practical root rot prevention measure is adding an air pump to your reservoir. This is necessary for drip or Aeroponic systems. An air pump can increase the oxygen levels in your hydroponic system, and it keeps it moving to prevent stagnation. If you have a Deep Water Culture (DWC) system, then an air pump is needed to prevent root rot.
Control Light Exposure on Roots
Roots are extremely sensitive to light, and direct exposure can cause stress and prevent the roots’ ability to absorb nutrients. Additionally, exposing your roots to light can cause algae growth, which will compete with them for nutrients and cause your crops to die off. To prevent light exposure on roots, use opaque containers and light-proof tubing and cover any openings around the base of your crops.
Final Thoughts – Prevent or Treat Root Rot with Clear Zona and Clear Flow
Root rot in hydroponics can devastate crops because it cuts off nutrient absorption, which leads to stunted or dying plants. Keep irrigation systems clean to prevent this costly issue. Harsh chemicals may offer quick fixes, but can harm both plants and equipment.
That’s why eco-friendly treatments like Clear Flow and Clear Zona provide a safer, more sustainable solution, all while supporting healthy root systems. Use these products regularly to protect plants, maintain system efficiency, and prevent future root rot problems.
Featured image credit: https://extension.umn.edu/how/small-scale-hydroponics#managing-disease-2645562