Sources containing hydroponics information on plant nutrition and plant biology will cite each specific nutrient and explain, in detail, what it does.
Don't worry, that is not my intention here... but it is necessary to understand in a basic way what each nutrient is good for to gain a better understanding in how you pick or mix your own nutrients. The following table does just that:
| Element | Nutrient |
| Potash | The same as potassium. Used to help with the assimilation of energy resulting from photosysnthesis. |
| Nitrogen | Needed for stem and leaf growth and used for other basic functions as well. |
| Phosphoric Acid | Used in the development of flowers, fruits and plant roots. |
| Calcium | Helps root growth and aids in the absorption of potassium. |
| Magnesium | Helps spread phosphorus throughout a plant and is an essential part of chlorophyll. |
| Sulphur | Increases a plant's sensitivity toward phosphorus letting it work more efficiently and used in the production of glucose. |
| Boron | No one really knows what it does but it is needed in small quantities by plants. |
| Copper | Essential part in chloropyll production. |
| Iron | Also essential in chlorophyll production. |
| Manganese | Helps a plant absorb nitrogen. |
| Molybdenum | Helps plants use nitrogen. |
| Zinc | Aids the essential functions of a plant. |
