Root Zone EC and Runoff Analysis

Root Zone EC and Runoff

• Runoff EC is influenced by several factors including input EC, root zone EC, and the amount of runoff.
• Increased runoff drives runoff EC closer to input EC by diluting substrate salt concentrations.
• A zone EC within the range of 8 to 9 is considered optimal when paired with a 3.5 input EC level, as this balance allows for effective nutrient uptake by plants and maintains overall system stability. No further adjustments are required at this point.
• Substrate sensing relies more on root zone EC than runoff EC.
• Monitoring runoff pH is important.
• EC meter accuracy reflects the accuracy of the runoff EC reading.
• Analyzing runoff is like observing plant symptoms, while substrate sensors provide data similar to a tissue analysis.
• Substrate sensors offer a direct representation of factors affecting the plant.
• Runoff measurement is highly relative
• Runoff EC and root zone EC are not necessarily equal.
• Proper runoff testing requires P1 full saturation without any leachate, which is nearly impossible on a large scale
• Monitoring overnight EC spikes can inform adjustments to input EC, aligning with plant nutritional needs and potentially reducing costs.

Under Canopy Lighting

• Most large diode manufacturers have consolidated.
• Key considerations include diode quality, warranty, and price point.
• The origin of the diode is less important, prioritize manufacturer trust and diode/power supply quality.
• Spectrum and tunability are key factors.
• Blue spectrum enhances vegetative growth early in the growth cycle.
• Red and far-red spectrums promote ripening later in the flowering phase.
• Goals of implementing under canopy lighting are to improve early structure, enhance ripening, anthocyanin expression, potency, and overall finish.
• Blue light stimulates growth and bud site production during early flowering.
• Red light penetrates deeper into the canopy during later stages, promoting color production and ripening.
• Light spectrum influences anthocyanin expression, potency, and ripening.
• Under canopy lights can compensate for inadequate photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) from overhead lights.
• Blue light benefits growth/biomass, red/far-red enhances maturation.
• Cleanability is essential, especially after spraying.
• Focus on spectrum and tunability when selecting lighting.
• Quality impacts light performance and longevity.
• Take into account lights designed for HPS (high pressure sodium) vs LED rooms, considering their different spectral characteristics.

Light Spectrum and Plant Response

• LEDs can be tunable or offer selectability for HPS or LED environments.
• LEDs used in HPS rooms typically have a heavier blue spectrum.
• HPS lights offer a more full spectrum output.
• A balanced full spectrum is crucial for activating molecules like anthocyanins and phytochromes.
• These enzymes operate outside the absorption ranges of typical chlorophyll A and B.
• Wavelength distributions vary between HPS, CFL, LED, and sunlight sources.
• Plant genotypes selected for HPS react differently to LEDs, requiring spectrum matching for similar output.
• Spectrum influences plant morphology.
• Track and log expression based on the lighting spectrum used.
• Prioritize end results and customer satisfaction.
• Some strains require specific light, irrigation, and environmental conditions for proper ripening.
• Evaluate the impact of experimental changes that yield new results.
• Collect data and thoroughly understand the impact of implemented changes.

Stable Genetics and Commercial Production

• Genetics desired by consumers may not always be easy to cultivate.
• Fine-tune cultivation systems and make precise adjustments for different strains, especially in irrigation and environmental controls like EC and temperature, have a significant impact on production.
• Limited comprehensive information on strains exists.
• Many growers rely on intuition but need tools to measure and replicate results.
• Technology aids in data collection.
• While rotational crops benefit from soil testing, cannabis relies on it.
• Data and harvest metrics are crucial for production analysis.
• Efforts can become more challenging with scale, so it's important to differentiate between gardening and farming practices.
• AI aids in crop registration and journaling.
• While plant enthusiasts may favor visually appealing plants, viability is essential.

Making Improvements Without Large Risks

• Integrate proven scientific methods with practical experience.
• Implement small adjustments based on a clear hypothesis.
• Assess the impact of each parameter on plant growth.
• Crop registration facilitates tracking.
• Utilize genetic templates to standardize processes.
• Document all experimental aspects of what is happening and what is being grown.
• Limit the number of variables in experiments.
• Complete the program and follow through with data collection.
• Document equipment malfunctions or failures, as well as environmental changes, and assess the outcomes.
• Evaluate the suggested maintenance intervals for equipment.
• Genetic variability is normal and should be planned for.

CO2

• Plant mass mainly consists of carbon.
• CO2 directly influences water use efficiency.
• Stomata open to allow gas exchange.
• When CO2 concentration is low, plants exchange more air to meet carbon demands.
• Increased air exchange leads to greater water usage.
• Guard cells regulate stomata aperture.
• Correct CO2 levels maintain optimal stomata shape, which balances transpiration.
• CO2 levels affect stomatal openings, thus affecting water use.
• Monitor CO2 usage to prevent depletion.
• High turgidity is healthy but not sustainable all day.
• Avoid overreacting and adding unnecessary variables.
• Strains vary widely and should be carefully tracked.
• Prevent strain mix-ups with clear labeling.
• Label irrigation wires and electrical parts like breakers for safety and simplicity.
• Use a multimeter, or consult with a professional, for electrical troubleshooting.
• Ensure correct power and wiring.
• When in doubt, use bigger wiring because it is generally better.