We all are aware that the nutrients are to be made available at different growth stages.
Having a hydroponic setup is itself rewarding and motivating. To obtain a better yield from a hydroponic setup, you need to acknowledge what nutrients are required, how much and when they should be used as growth enhancers? Don't we all think that the saying 'You reap what you sow' is true when we read about nutrients in hydroponics

Well, yes! We need to understand the basics of nutrient composition. Dependency on the readymade nutrient solution is a quick fix but not sustainable for a long time. Sustaining readymade nutrient solutions have a hefty wad of cash burning holes in the pocket. So how do we maintain our expenses and still expect equal to more gains from our hydroponic setup?

To start with, it is just like nurturing a child from afar. All it needs is nourishment, love, care, attention and values. Likewise, your hydroponic plants need essential nutrients no matter where and how they get them. So all you need now is to know the right procedure for making a nutrient syrup for your hydroponic plants in the most affordable way.

Here are some tried and tested cost-effective ways of making your homemade hydroponic nutrients.

• A nutrient formulation for small non-circulating hydroponic systems
This one-part mix is an ideal formula for small hydroponic setups where the plant roots are dipped in the solution such as Deep Water Culture or raft systems. It has been proven to deliver us good results.
However, you will need to keep your plants under observation and monitor them to see no indication of deficiencies or nutrient burns.
You can simply buy -
Masterblend Tomato of 4(N)-18(P)-38(K) : 10 gms composition
Calcium Nitrate of 15.5 (N)-0(P)-0(K):10 gms composition
Epsom Salt 5 gms

You can use this nutrient formula for a 5-gallon container of water. However, this formulation will have to put its foot down according to the plant you decide to grow as the salt and Electrical Conductivity tend to increase at the time of harvesting from your setup. To use this solution in a circulating system you just have to increase the quantities until there is enough solution to fill the tank.

• Add compounds to former solution
This nutrient mix needs more compounds than the first, yet it is easy to mix. After mixing, you need to add 10 grams of the liquid for each gallon of water present in the tank.
Potassium nitrate: 255g
Magnesium Sulphate: 170g
Iron Sulphate: 1/2 teaspoon
Powdered Ammonium Sulphate: 43g
Calcium Phosphate: 198g
Monocalcium Phosphate: 113g

Mix your dry ingredients to form a powder, and then add 10g of this nutrient powder per gallon of nutrient-rich water required. For precautionary measures, wear goggles and suitable protective clothes as this dry mix is very concentrated and can cause irritation. All your pH levels and EC levels will need checking after addition.

Sanket Jiwane