Each of the following deficiency solutions are a modification of Hoagland's solution. These recipes are for making either 6 or 18 liters of a 2X solution to grow a plant hydroponically. Each chemical in a recipe is either a 1/2 or 1 molar solution. For example the calcium nitrate in the -Mg recipe is a 1 molar solution and 180 ml is added to 18 L of de-ionized water. The Micro solution recipe is at the end of this page.

We use Ace tomato for our deficiency demos. The seed is planted in one pot 35 days before we need to show deficiencies for nitrogen, calcium, or magnesium. The other deficiencies require an extra two weeks. In three weeks we move the young plants to a complete hydroponic solution. 7-10 days later we move them into the deficiency solutions. We always move a few into a complete solution for a comparison. Our hydroponic containers are one quart Mason jars painted with one coat of black paint then two coats of white paint. In the past we wrapped our jars with foil instead of painting. Our growing conditions are in a greenhouse with high light(5000 foot candles) and 16 hour photoperiod. The minimum temperature is 60' F and the maximum temperature is 80'-85'F. Conditions less than this will yield less symptoms and will require more time.

For a description of symptoms see Salisbury, Frank B. & Ross, Cleon W, Plant Physiology, second edition, Wadsworth Publishing Company, Inc, 1978.