Hydroponic nutrients are the key components of a plant’s growth. They are typically composed of various levels of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium, magnesium, and a variety of micro minerals plants need to grow. They are typically applied for all growth stages of your plants and provide the majority of the plant's nutritional requirements. Some grower's may use base nutrients to supplement a nutrient rich soil in smaller (typically 1/4 to 1/2 depending on soil strength and pot size) of the recommended dose.