tomatos and sodium chloride

Watch Reply
More
Mark unread Print Skip to new
Baos Leduc , Canada Jun 06, 2010

I have an aquaponics setup with live fish. Unfortunately I've had to salt the tank at 1 table spoon per 5us gallons to keep the fish healthy. My tomato plants are not doing so well. The leaves have gone yellow and appear to be dieing off. Since it doesn't look like I'll be able to do without the salt anytime soon. I was wondering if they are just adjusting to the salt, dieing, or if I would be better off getting a different type of tomato which is ok in aquarium salt(sodium chloride). Also any other recommendations for what I can grow in this water? I have cucumbers doing really well. Possibly if you knew of any brackish water tomatoes they might work.

Post #7863924
Quote
Cearbhaill Russell, KY(Zone 6b) Jun 06, 2010

I think Monsanto is working on genetically engineering salt tolerant food crops, but it's a ways off.

I think you are just going to have to separate your tomato plants from your fish, or switch to a fish species that does not require salt in the water- there are many.

Maybe visit an Aquaponics forum?
IMO the scope of your questions need very specialized answers.
I hear this one is good-
http://www.backyardaquaponics.com/forum/

Post #7865096
Quote
Jim41 Delhi, LA Jun 06, 2010

Salt water destroyed many acres of farm land in Russia year ago. In our area farming is a way of life. With the advance of irrigation nearly all the farmers irrigate. Over the years with so much irrigation, the aquafier can't replenish fast enough and they are have to deeper and deeper to get water. Now they are having problems because they are getting a certain amount of salt water with the fresh. In places the land is being damaged pretty bad. I think you had better find another source of water for your plants. If your tomatoes are turning yellow chances are they are going to die. So sorry about your plants.

Post #7865222
Quote
Baos Leduc , Canada Jun 08, 2010

Perhaps it is not the salt content that causes the tomato issue. I read that API Aquarium Salt isn't pure NaCl. It appears as though it has raised my ph a little to make a ph of 8.0. My tap water is usually around 7.6 to 7.8. I don't know what it is after it sits for a while. I am very good at adjusting ph simply because I won't play with it. a set scoop of ph down when I add my salt during a water change(because the plants aren't eating enough yet).

Post #7868869
Quote
ecrane3 Dublin, CA(Zone 9a) Jun 08, 2010

Most plants can't tolerate a lot of salt so even if you get your pH back to normal I suspect the tomatoes are still going to have problems with the salt. When grown in soil, tomatoes do best with some lime to keep the pH up--I don't know if 8 would be too high or not but I suspect the salt's a bigger factor in the stress you're seeing.

Post #7869234
Quote

Post a Reply to this Thread

Please or sign up to post.
Back to Forum Homepage

More Beginner Gardening Threads

Go to all Beginner Gardening threads
BACK TO TOP