Nutrient Mixing In Hydroponic Systems | Everything You Need To Know

Nutrient Mixing in Hydroponic System: 101 Guide

Imagine you have a hydroponic system and want to fertilize it. You ordered a fertilizer bag from the online or local store. And in mind, you thought, it's pretty easy. 

You walk to your garden, having a bag of nutrients in hand. And instantly, you realize that you don't even know...

• In what proportion should I mix it?
• Timing is essential or not?
• What if I add it with water?
• Should I wear gloves
• What if it goes straight into my eyes?

(Well, not the last one. But still….)

All of a sudden, you are confused. But Don't worry! Just sit back and relax. Here is a complete guide of how to mix nutrients in a hydroponic system.

So, without wasting any time, Let's get started.

Hydroponics Nutrient maintenance

I have divided the hydroponic nutrient requirement into three main parts:

• Selection of Fertilizer
• Nutrient Packages
• Additives

1.         Selection of Fertilizer

If you are new to the world of hydroponics, then this guide is a must-read for you.

 The demand for nutrients varies in every variety of plant. And that's why choosing a fertilizer also demands upon it.

Fertilizers are of two types: wet and dry. If you are a non-commercial grower, wet fertilizer, or nutrient solution will be ideal for you. 

Dry-type fertilizers are used by commercial growers. Because dry type fertilizers are cost-effective and easy to spread in the field.

Nutrient mixes come with different proportions of NPK( Nitrogen, phosphorus, and Potassium. It varies according to each plant species.

The nutrient mixture used in the tomato plant will be different from lettuce and so on…

 

Therefore, choosing a fertilizer according to the plant needs will not only boost its health. It will increase your harvest yield as well.

Ø FERTILIZERS PACKAGES

Fertilizers help in making your soil fertile. They also help in the vegetative growth of the plant.

Fertilizers are mixed with compost. There are different types of fertilizers available in local or online garden stores.

Ø Different Fertilizers Packages

 You can add any fertilizer having a moderate amount of constituents. But I would encourage you to use fertilizers mixed with biochar, microbes, and other amendments. 

 

There are some of the other fertilizer products as well. Have a look at them!

 

BILL'S PERFECT FERTILIZER, 1 GAL

FOXFARM AMERICAN PRIDE DRY FERTILIZER

 

Ø  How much should you add?

As I already mentioned, it is entirely up to a variety of plants and the system you are using.

Here are the recommended nutrient mixes for some plant varieties:

Plant variety	N	p	k	Ca	Mg
Conc. [mg/I (ppm)]
Cucumber	195	39	278	145	38
Tomato	188	38	305	140	47
Melon	197	44	280	113	30
Strawberry	48	23	145	63	18
Pepper	188	43	278	114	38
Roses	172	43	288	119	40

 

 

2.         Adding the nutrients

The survival of your plant is always in your hands. It depends upon how much you love your plants. 

Nutrients are an essential part of the plant growth cycle, respiration, and photosynthesis. 

Nutrients have two basic types: Macro and Micronutrients

Ø Macro Nutrient

The nutrients required by plants in large quantities are called  Macro Nutrients. 

They mainly include Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Calcium, Sulfur, and Magnesium.

Ø Micro-Nutrient

 Micro-nutrients are required in a small amount. But their importance can't be overlooked.

Zinc, Boron, Iron, Manganese, etc. are essential Micro-nutrients.

3.         Selection and Preparation of Nutrient Solution

If you are a beginner, I would recommend you buy the nutrient package from the online store. You can also buy it from your local garden shop.

It will save you time as well as money. 

When you think you have gained enough experience in mixing nutrients, you can make your own nutrient mix.

The hydroponic nutrient package bought from the online or local store has three numbers in percentage on the back. These are the three most essential minerals, i.e., NPK.

For example, suppose your bag has a ratio of 20:20:20. It means that your nutrient solution will be 20% nutrient solution while the rest is water or other chelates.

No doubt, the ratio on the bag differs from each plant variety.

We have different mixes of nutrients that will help your hydroponic plants strive and thrive.

Ø Nutrient package

Nutrient mixtures come with different proportions. The single part nutrient and 2-part nutrients are most commonly available. 

Here, I have a question for you! Do you want your plants to have optimum growth or save your dollars? Saving a few dollars while compromising plant yield is never a good option.

 

Therefore, I would suggest you use our single part Rock Fusion Grow base nutrient.

The best thing about this product is it is suitable for all hydroponic growing systems. Amazing! Isn't it?

4.         Additives

Just like your body needs a healthy diet, your plants need additives. Make them smile by giving your best . Because  in the end, it’s all about how much you love your garden.

Ø Nitrogen

Do you know how much nitrogen is present in our atmosphere? Yeah! You guessed it right. It's 78% of the total gases present in our atmosphere.

But if that much nitrogen is present, then why we provide nitrogen fertilizer to our plants? Here is the answer.

Most of the nitrogen present in our atmosphere is in a non-available form. So, what is it that we need to make it available to our plants? Well! Someone else will do this job for you.

Azos are the naturally occurring bacteria present in our atmosphere. It converts un-useable nitrogen into a useable form.

We  have made your job easier. You can buy our Xtreme Azos Beneficial Bacteria Pack to help in the vegetative and root growth of your plant.

Ø Calcium Carbonate

Nutrient mixes also come in the form of calcium carbonate. Calcium carbonate helps in permeating plants foliage.

So, from where to buy it? Relax! We have everything you need. Our Calcrab calcium carbonate foliar spray provides everything your plant needs.

 

5.         Mixing of Nutrients

Most of the people make a very major mistake here! They get confused when it comes to the mixing of nutrients.

 I will guide you step-by-step, how to add nutrients.

If you are using Epsom salt, calcium carbonate, and NPK together, make sure to mix them in a tank. It will provide space and turbulence that are very crucial factors.

Make sure to follow all the instructions properly on the package label. 

Don't forget to check the level of nutrients daily. You will have to add nutrients every one or two weeks.

 

 

Final words

Thanks for sticking with me till the end. Now, if you know everything about nutrient mixing for hydroponic systems, what are you waiting for? 

Your hydroponic system is calling you. I hope that this post was helpful to you. But if you are still unclear or have any questions, don't forget to ask your query in the comments. Have a good day!