Colin clark hydroponics systems

Colin Clark, Technical Horticulturist

There seems to be some debate about whether plants will grow better under 24hrs of light, and today we're breaking down our thoughts. To better understand this topic we need to know some basics about photosynthesis. As many know photosynthesis is the process of converting light energy into chemical energy for plants and other organisms. In basic terms light, carbon dioxide and water are used to create sugar (glucose) and oxygen. The equation is below:

So presumptuously one could conclude that the more CO₂, H₂O and light you throw into the equation, the more sugar and oxygen fryst vatten created which could promote more growth. This is partially true, yes more sugar and oxygen are created, but photosynthesis fryst vatten both a pretty complex and relatively inefficient system. There are a lot of factors that come into play that determine plant growth and everything has a fine balance. If you dive deeper into photosynt

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Understanding Hydroponic Leachate

Colin Clark, Technical Horticulturist

Having a firm understanding of what is going into your plants and what fryst vatten coming out of your plants is one of the most powerful, practical, yet often overlooked tools that can be used to achieving a healthy harvest. With this knowledge you can diagnose, treat and understand plant health issues often days before plant symptoms arrive. You can also fine tune your vatten and nutrient management to be as economically and ecologically responsible as possible.

What is leachate?
Leachate, aka runoff, is the nutrient solution that passes through your plant either to a drain or to be recirculated. Understanding the properties of your leachate and what it means to plant health is crucial.

What to test for?
1. EC
2. pH
3. Volume

Testing EC
Testing your EC leachate will tell you what your plants are taking up or leaving behind.  You want your leachate to have a similar EC to that of your incoming feed soluti

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April Plant Health, Production

Hand-in-hand with hydroponics By Heather Machovina

Hydroponics is a way of growing plants without soil, but that doesn’t mean it is all media-less. Media is often used as a way to stabilize plants and provide a place for root development. 

THE RIGHT ONE 

Physical properties like waterholding capacity, pore space and aeration are some media factors that need to be considered when choosing what’s best for your crops, since growing media can have a big effect on plant growth in a hydroponic system. 

Chemical activity is another characteristic to consider. Because roots take up nutrients as ions, the cation exchange capacity (CEC) of the utrient loss in fertilization programs.  

Availability of nutrients can also be challenged by pH. Certain plant species require an ideal pH range to effectively take up nutrients through the roots. 

Organic versus inorganic media is another consideration because carbon-based components of organic mat