The formula can be tailored to your particular crop and the ratio of nutrients adjusted depending on the growth stage of the crop and the time of the year. It is convenient to make up batches of fertiliser which are stronger than needed and dilute them through a proportioning device. These batches of nutrient solutions are known as stock solutions. The purpose of this Farmnote is to demonstrate the steps involved in making up a stock solution to a particular recipe. Mixing Fertilisers differ in the amounts that can be dissolved in water.
Most fertilisers dissolve more readily in warm or hot water.
When making up concentrated stock solutions it can be helpful to know the solubility of the chemicals involved. Remember, if a stock solution is heated to dissolve the components, the fertiliser may crystallise when the solution cools down. To avoid this, dilute the solution or use it immediately. Decide which fertilisers are to be used for the nitrogen phosphorus and potassium sources. Dividing any number by a figure less than one will give a bigger answer.