I want to calculate nutrition solution volume for hydroponic system. There are many references that learn "how to calculate own nutrition solution" step by step like (https://e-gro.org/pdf/E305.pdf). According to these references, there are several key points to take into account, including: percent elemental composition of a fertilizer, injector ratios, size of stock tank, and compatibility of fertilizer salts in stock tanks. But many references introduced using EC as a method for adjust nutritions. In other word, we vary nutrition volume to set EC value at optimum range. Now my question is, when I had calculated nutrition solution using above mentioned steps, is it necessary to adjust the EC too? and how can I adjust EC while I calculated the exact volume of nutrition solution before?
I think I should use "EC adjusting method" for General or commercial solutions while "calculating method" for own solutions.
Preparation of Arnon and Hoagland's Complete Nutritional Recipe:
Macronutrient Elements (100 mL stock): The stock solution given below is prepared in a volume of 100 mL. For this;
a. KH2PO4 : Required quantity, 2.3gr
b. KNO3 : Required quantity, 6 gr
c. Ca(NO3)2 : Required amount, 4.9g
d. MgSO4 : Required quantity, 4.9g
The amounts given above, in turn, dissolve slowly in about 80 mL of pure water, and the final volume is completed to 100 ml. The prepared macronutrient stock solution is stored in the refrigerator. From this prepared stock solution, 10 mL is used to prepare 1 L of a complete nutrient solution (10 mL/1 L).
Micronutrients (100 mL stock):
e. H3BO3 : Required quantity, 0.286 g
f. MnCl2 .4H2O : Required amount, 0.181 g
g. ZnSO4 .7H2O : Required quantity, 0.022 g
h. CuSO4 .5H2O : Required quantity, 0.008 g
j. H2MoO4 . H2O : Required amount, 0.009 g
The amounts given above are dissolved in turn in about 80 mL of pure water, and the final volume is completed to 100 ml. The prepared micronutrient stock solution is stored in the refrigerator. From this prepared stock solution, 1 mL is used to prepare 1 L of a complete nutrient solution (1 mL/1 L).
Preparation of iron stock solution Stock solution (40.34 mM Fe-EDTA): 0.74 g Fe-EDTA is taken and slightly heated in 40 mL of pure water to dissolve. The final volume is completed to 50 ml. This solution is stored in a bottle covered with aluminum foil (in the dark) in the refrigerator. From this prepared stock solution, 0.5 mL is used for 1 L of full nutrient solution (0.5 mL/1 L). With this process, 0.02 mM Fe-EDTA is found in the medium. The Fe-EDTA solution is not stored for a long time. It is freshly prepared and used. It is protected from direct light.
It isn't clear if you are trying to grow plants for their produce/biomass/yield etc, or are investigating a particular nutritional need.
If it is nutrition (uptake efficiency, minimum requirements, symptoms of deficiency or toxicity etc), then I would tend towards making up accurately prepared solutions with pure salts and replenishing the solution every 2-5 days depending on the volume you are dealing with.
On the other hand, if all you want to do is grow plants to produce biomass as quickly as possible, then go with an EC based regime. Be aware however that EC measures total salts and your plants may be running down the supply of one particular nutrient faster than the others, thus increasing the others to a (potentially) toxic concentration. I don't know how people who advocate EC recommend dealing with that issue, but I'd be changing solutions regularly regardless.
The framing of the question suggests that you might be designing a system, i.e., you are asking an engineering question. If you clarify the context you may get more useful information
The nutrient volume depends on the crop where you will use it. Say tomatoes or lettuce. There are particular nutrient recommendations for such crops.
When your nutrient solution is ready, the EC meter will give you a hint on the amount of salts (nutrients) present in your system. You can adjust it by adding solution to increase EC or add water to lower EC depending on your crop requirement. Be sure to check also the pH level and temperature for this greatly affects adsorption of nutrients by the crops
Calculating the nutrition solution volume for a hydroponic system depends on several factors, including the type of plants being grown, the stage of growth, and the size of the hydroponic system. Here are the general steps to calculate the nutrition solution volume for a hydroponic system:
It's important to note that these are general guidelines, and you may need to make adjustments based on your specific plants and system. Additionally, it's important to monitor the nutrient solution regularly to ensure that the plants are getting the nutrients they need and that the solution is not becoming too diluted or too concentrated.
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