There are two basic methods that can be used to provide nutrients to plants in hydroponic techniques. You can buy ready-made nutrients (premix } or mix them yourself. Ready-made nutrients provide everything a plant needs, but the water source you specifically use may require slightly different levels of nutrients. Mixing hydroponic nutrients yourself is more economical while allowing you more flexibility in using nutrients.
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Part 1 of 2: Choosing Nutrients
Step 1. Find out what is in your water
Send a sample of the water you will be using to the laboratory if possible. With good “soft” water, you can add whatever nutrients your plant needs to support its optimal growth. However, for "hard" water, you may have to use the reverse osmosis method to filter out all the heavy metals contained in it.
- You can also use a dissolved solids meter to check the water regularly. It is also known as an electrical conductivity meter or parts per million (BPJ).
- Calcium and magnesium carbonates are quite common in tap and well water. Both are nutrients that plants need, but only in limited amounts. Knowing the content of these two elements in the water will determine how much nutrients should be added, if necessary.
Step 2. Understand the essential macronutrients
The essential nutrients used include calcium nitrate, potassium sulfate, monopotassium phosphate, and magnesium sulfate. Each of the constituent elements of these nutrients will provide different benefits.
- Hydrogen will form water by bonding with oxygen.
- Nitrogen and sulfur play an important role in the supply of amino acids and proteins.
- Phosphorus is used in photosynthesis and overall plant growth.
- Potassium and magnesium serve as catalysts in the formation of starch and sugar.
- Magnesium and nitrogen also play a role in the production of chlorophyll.
- Calcium is a constituent part of cell walls and plays a role in cell growth.
Step 3. Determine the right micronutrients
Micronutrients, also called trace elements, also play an important role, but are only needed in very small amounts. These elements affect growth, reproduction, as well as affect other nutrients in plants.
- Micronutrients include boron, chlorine, copper, iron, manganese, sodium, zinc, molybdenum, nickel, cobalt, and silicon.
- Preferably, there are 10 micronutrients in your hydroponic nutrient mix.
Step 4. Check the water temperature
The best temperature for the plant is lukewarm: neither warm nor cold to the touch. If your solution is too cold, the plant will not germinate. Plants will actually get moldy or rot. Meanwhile, if your solution is too hot, the plant may die from stress or lack of oxygen. The optimal water temperature is 18-27 degrees Celsius.
- Plants that thrive in cool climates will thrive in cool water. Meanwhile, plants that grow in warmer climates are better suited in warmer water.
- When putting water into the reservoir, make sure it is close to the temperature of the water already in it.
Step 5. Maintain pH balance
You can use a pH meter to check the pH balance of the solution. Preferably, maintain the pH balance of the solution between 5.5-7. The pH balance of the water will ultimately affect the ability of plants to absorb nutrients.
- Changes in pH, increase or decrease, are normal. This balance will naturally change as the nutrients are absorbed by plants. There is no need to add too many chemicals to respond to this change in pH balance.
- If the plant growth medium is of low quality, the stability of the pH balance of your solution may be affected.
- Most water treatment systems increase the pH of the water by adding calcium carbonate. The average pH balance of PAM water sources often reaches 8.0.
- Keep in mind that a pH meter will give different results in different water temperatures. So, check the temperature of the water before adding chemicals to it.
Part 2 of 2: Mixing Nutrients
Step 1. Fill the container with water
Most hydroponic formulas require 2-3 reservoirs. Be sure to use food grade containers. If you can, use distilled water or water that is passed through a reverse osmosis system. Tap water often contains ions and other elements that are harmful to hydroponic systems.
- For small nutrient reservoirs, a 4 liter used milk bottle can be used. Meanwhile, for a larger size, use a container measuring 20 liters of water.
- If you cannot provide distilled water, leave the water you will be using for 24 hours in an open container to remove the chlorine content.
- If you plan to use tap water, test the water first to find out what it contains.
Step 2. Measure nutrients
In a 2-pot system, prepare plant-specific nutrients such as potassium nitrate or chelating micronutrients separately. Meanwhile, other containers can be filled with ready-to-use fertilizer or other nutrient mixtures.
- Use a chemical-specific plastic measuring spoon and sterile filter paper to collect the dry chemicals. Measure out the liquid nutrients in a measuring cup or beaker with a scale.
- For example, for a full 20 liter container of water, measure 5 teaspoons (25 ml) of CaNO3, 1/3 teaspoon (1.7 ml) K2SO4, 1 2/3 teaspoons (8.3 ml) KNO3, 1 1/ 4 teaspoons (6.25 ml) KH2PO4, 3 1/2 teaspoons (17.5 ml) MgSO4, and 2/5 teaspoons (2 ml) of the micronutrient compound.
Step 3. Attach the funnel to the mouth of the reservoir
Even without a funnel, you can mix the nutrients, but there is a chance that the chemicals will spill over causing a change in the balance of nutrients in the solution. Plus, a small plastic funnel will make it easier for you to pour the chemical into the container.
- Some nutrients and other additives can be irritating or harmful to the skin. Using a funnel should help you avoid chemical spills.
- Check the pH of the water in the hydroponic system after adding nutrients. Hydroponic nutrients will usually lower the pH balance of neutral water. So, you may need to use additional ingredients to restore the pH balance afterwards.
Step 4. Add nutrients to the water
Pour in the nutrients one at a time, slowly so they don't spill, overflow, or drain. A slight depletion of nutrients won't cause any major problems for your system, but the faster the plant adjusts to the nutrient supply, the more effective the solution will be.
- The amount of nutrient solution you need is largely determined by the hydroponic reservoir you are using. There is no definite way to determine it. Therefore, to find out, you have to experiment.
- In general, you should use enough solution so that the reservoir pump doesn't suck in air once it's started.
Step 5. Cover and shake the container
Make sure the container lid is firmly attached, or the container is tightly closed. Shake the container with both hands for 30-60 seconds to mix the nutrients. If the lid is not firmly attached, you may have to hold it in place with a finger or two while shaking.
- Remember that if the container is too large or too heavy to shake, you can stir the solution with a stir bar or long cylinder.
- While whisking often gives a more even mixture, you can also get an even mixture by stirring longer.
