There are different ways to prepare different concentration of nutrients for hydroponic growing, depending on the scale, the accuracy, and the convenience of the operation. Some of the common methods are:
Using a single fertilizer formula that contains all the macro and micro nutrients in a balanced proportion, such as 20-10-20 or 15-5-15. This method is simple and easy, but may not provide the optimal nutrient ratio for different crops or stages of growth.
Using two or more fertilizer formulas that can be mixed in different proportions to achieve different nutrient ratios, such as 4-18-38 and 15.5-0-0 (calcium nitrate). This method allows more flexibility and control over the nutrient composition, but requires more calculations and measurements.
Using individual fertilizer salts that can be weighed and mixed separately to create a custom nutrient solution, such as potassium nitrate, mono potassium phosphate, magnesium sulfate, etc. This method provides the most precise and tailored nutrient solution, but requires more equipment, skills, and time.