Most popular and suitable compounds for nutrient solutions.

Macro elements.

Calcium is supplied by calcium nitrate, this also supplies a portion of the nitrates, any additional nitrogen should be supplied by potassium nitrate or with the use of Nitric acid in pH correction.

Potassium nitrate supplies a major portion of the potassium.

Phosphorous is supplied by potassium phosphate, this also supplies a portion of the potassium.

The balance of the potassium is supplied by potassium sulphate. This supplies a portion of the sulphates the majority of which is supplied by magnesium sulphate, while also supplying the magnesium required.

Micro elements.

The micro elements can be obtained as a premix from a commercial supplier as they save a considerable amount of trouble in weighing to the very accurate levels required. A commercial mix can be tailored to suit the water supply and the crop being grown.

If you wish to mix your own then use a blend containing:

Iron chelate, Boric acid, Manganese sulphate,Copper sulphate, Zinc sulphate and Ammonium molybdate.

Be aware

While there are some company’s who produce good ‘single mix’ nutrient formulas the basic chemical rule is that materials such as Calcium nitrate and Magnesium sulphate will react when brought into contact with one another and a chemical precipitation will take place with the result that the sulphate will exchange with the nitrate and form an insoluble compound ‘calcium sulphate’ who's common name is gypsum - this material is useless in a nutrient solution. In order to steer clear of such problems, most hydroponic nutrient formulas are supplied in two or more separate packs and the materials within each pack which could cause problems are kept completely apart until such time as they are diluted down to growing strength nutrient - at this very weak strength no chemical reaction will take place.