Article 4-1 Leaves
Turn Upward
g'day guys. I
have a urgent problem, i am growing from a strain and they
are about 25cm tall, and four sets of branches out. the prob is cupping of
the leaves towards the end of the day, slow growth, and not drinking much.
they are seedlings not clones. My running conditions are: feed, 1500ppm,
being water 360ppm, nutrients1140ppm,=1500ppm, ph=5.5-6.5, air
temp=26c,morn-34c,night just before turn off when cupping is at its worst.
tank temp=26-30c, they are looking ok in morn, but as day goes on they
start to cup upwards from the sides of the leaves almost like the closing
of a book. everything else seems ok (ie) greenness, robust, normal leafs, etc,
would hope to get a reply a,s,a,p. all the best. yours sincerely, thanks .
Thanks for the
email.
Firstly, it sounds like you are dealing with water high in calcium and
magnesium carbonate and possibly sulfur ("hard water"). If the fertilizer
you are using attempts to supply these element assuming they are not present
to begin with, you can reach excess levels. When this occurs, nutrients such
as phosphorous can become unavailable. You can use commercial fertilizers
such as General Hydroponics 3 part nutrients, with their "hard water micro"
formulation. You can also get a water test to determine how much of the
above mentioned elements are supplied by your water and create a nutrient
solution around those quantities.
Or try the following Hardwater bloom nutrient formula:
per U.S.
Gallon (3.785 L) water
2 grams
Monopotassium Phosphate (0-52-34)
2 grams Potassium Nitrate (Salt Peter)
2 grams per 10 gallons Chelated Trace Element Blend
*Adjust
strength to 1200 ppm or as required.
The above
should work, and with some adjustments may prove to work well for
you.
Your overall
nutrient strength is too high for the temperatures you describe.
Flush the system with plenty of fresh water. Use distilled water if
possible. Try running your nutrient solution at quarter to half of your
current overall strength.
You can coil stainless steel tubing and place it in the reservoir. Cold
water is then circulated through the coils, allowing more oxygen to be held
in the water (dissolved oxygen) for healthier root systems. Pythium can be
problematic in the conditions you describe. Inline U.V sterilizers can help
prevent Pythium from developing.
You may have developed "soft" growth from the excess of high soluble
nitrogen and high temperatures. Plants are then more susceptible to disease.
Potassium Silicate can help to strengthen cell walls and protect against
draught, but will typically decrease the % dry matter, as it tend to retain
moisture within plant material.
If I was going to
set up a large hydro system, what system would be the
best to use? How can I contact a distributor? Who is the manufacture of the
system?
Would an NFT system be the most productive and lucrative system?
Is there anyone I can contact for literature?
PS: I'm looking for the best most cutting edge available equipment.
It sounds like you want the "Ferrari" of hydro systems. Most high-performance
systems are temperamental and require a respectable level of understanding.
However, well written instructions and feed charts can introduce less
experienced growers to incredible results.
Large scale systems are available commercially, or can be constructed from
well sourced materials. There are many advertisements from reputable
companies in Maximum Yield, visit one of their websites or request
information to a mailing address.
With regards to particular systems you may consider the following:
N.F.T. systems can be very productive. Most tend to be manufactured for
plants with smaller root systems. For larger plants, increased air space
around the roots for gas exchange is preferred. With larger root systems and
longer channels, nutrient gradients and decreased dissolved oxygen levels at
plant sites further from the point of solution injection may occur. Plants
producing significant mass will require additional support. Be careful of
high root temperatures.
Water based systems utilizing larger volumes of faster moving nutrient
solution with several points of injection can overcome some of the draw backs
associated with earlier N.F.T. systems.
Rockwool with drip irrigation or the more simplistic flood and drains systems
can be very productive. Growing in rockwool usually requires some experience
or research for impressive results.
For plants taller than 3' in finishing height and widely spaced, a bucket
system is very well suited. It can easily be constructed using opaque 5
gallon poly buckets with lids and is less temperamental to operate.
Look for systems that are founded on tried and true principles of hydroponic
plant production to ensure results and try not to be in a rush if you can
help it.
When in doubt with your new system consider contacting the manufacturer or
drop me a line!
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