Quick Answer

A complete DIY hydroponic nutrient recipe for UAE uses 6 chemical salts per 100 litres: Calcium Nitrate (90g), Potassium Nitrate (60g), Monopotassium Phosphate (25g), Magnesium Sulfate (50g), Chelated Iron EDDHA (5g), and Micronutrient Mix (2g). Adjust pH to 5.8–6.2 with phosphoric acid after mixing. Total cost: AED 0.50–1.50 per 100L — 5–10× cheaper than commercial liquid nutrients.

Complete UAE Hydroponic Nutrient Recipe (per 100L water)

Expected EC (in RO water): ~2.0–2.2 mS/cm | Expected EC (in UAE tap water): ~2.7–3.2 mS/cm (tap water adds 0.6–1.0) | Adjust pH to: 5.8–6.2

Recipe Adjustments by Crop Type

Important Mixing Instructions for UAE

1. NEVER mix Ca(NO3)2 and KH2PO4 directly — combine separately in water or they precipitate as calcium phosphate (white sediment, lost nutrients)
2. Mix in this order: Start with full reservoir volume; add Ca(NO3)2 first + stir 2 min; add KNO3 + stir; add KH2PO4 + stir; add MgSO4 + stir; add Fe-EDDHA + stir; add micronutrients + stir
3. Adjust pH LAST: After all salts are dissolved, check pH and add phosphoric acid (pH Down) to reach 5.8–6.2
4. UAE tap water adjustment: Measure tap water EC baseline (0.5–1.0 typical). Reduce salt doses by 15–20% if baseline EC is above 0.8 to avoid over-concentration

Cost Comparison: DIY Recipe vs Branded Nutrients

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the DIY recipe as good as commercial nutrients?

Yes — professional hydroponic nutrient solutions are made from the same chemical salts. The difference is convenience (pre-measured vs weighing yourself) and cost. The DIY recipe above is based on the same nutrient targets used by Cornell University and University of Arizona CEAC research programs. With a good scale, accurate measurements, and EDDHA iron for UAE alkalinity, DIY performs identically to commercial products at 5–10× lower cost.

Where can I buy the individual salts for a UAE DIY recipe?

All 6 ingredients are available in UAE: Ca(NO3)2, KNO3, KH2PO4 from agricultural suppliers and hydroponic shops; MgSO4 from pharmacies (Epsom salt) and garden centers; Fe-EDDHA from hydroponic shops; micronutrient mix from hydroponic shops. Bulk purchases (5–25kg bags) from agricultural suppliers significantly reduce per-kg costs for regular growers.

References

1. Cornell University — Hoagland Nutrient Solution (modified for modern hydroponics)
2. University of Arizona CEAC — Complete Hydroponic Nutrient Recipes
3. Resh, H.M. — Hydroponic Food Production
4. FAO — Soilless Culture for Horticultural Crop Production