Hydroponic nutrient solutions are mixtures that contain natural minerals that soil possess. These types of ready made solutions are used by gardeners because they don’t have to worry about the quality of nutrient solution and the quantity they have to provide for their hydroponic plants or vegetables.
Although there are many good brands of hydroponic nutrient solutions such as the miracle grow, buying such products can be costly for small scale hydroponic gardeners. Although these nutrient formulas are kept secret for commercial purpose, it is not hard for home gardeners to create their own nutrient solutions.
You can buy the chemical compounds that makes Hydroponic nutrient solutions individually and mix them together to make hydroponic fertilizer. However, you must have the exact calculation of how much these compounds need to be mixed together and what to do with them. In hydroponic terms, nutrient solutions are divided into two categories; the macro nutrients and the micro nutrients.
Macro Hydroponic Nutrients are the most important nutritional element required by plants. They are mainly Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), Oxygen, Hydrogen, Calcium, Magnesium and sulfur. Each of these elements have different roles in keeping the plant healthy. For example nitrogen helps plant in making Chlorophyll, amino acids and proteins synthesis.
Micro Hydroponic Nutrients on the other hand is used to make the plant grow to its optimum level. These elements that makes micro nutrients includes Boron, Chlorine, Copper, Iron, Manganese, Sodium, Zinc, Molybdenum, Nickel, Cobalt and silicon. Each of these components have their own role to play in helping the plant grow. For example, chlorine is used to help the root of the plant grow.
The following is a hydroponic nutrient solution formulations and how to mix/dissolve them.
MACRO nutrient solutions;
Minerals ——— gram / 1000 liter solution (fertilizer solution)
Phosphate (P) —————— 18
Potassium (K) —————— 30
Nitrate (N) ———————- 60
Magnesium (Mg) ———————– 31
All these minerals must be diluted separately in hot water and be added inside the solution tank. Use chemical grade items for better dilution.
The MICRO elements are needed only in small quantity.
MICRO nutrient solutions;
Minerals ——— gram / 1000 liter solution (fertilizer solution)
Boron ———————- 1.7
Manganese —————– 3.2
Zinc ————————– 0.45
Copper ———————— 0.28
Iron —————————— 30
Molybdenum ——————- 0.13
All these minerals must be diluted separately and be added inside the solution tank. Use chemical grade items for better dilutions.