SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION Crop Steering Overview

WHAT IS IT?

Crop Steering is the strategic manipulation of climate and rootzone environment to influence how a plant partitions resources during different phases of growth. At any given time, growth will be somewhere on a spectrum between “vegetative” and “generative”.

By manipulating parameters like feed EC, substrate EC, water content, irrigation frequency, and net dryback, we can change how a crop partitions resources and ultimately improve yield, quality, and efficiency.

Vegetative And Generative Cues

These resource-partitioning effects are accomplished through the use of vegetative and generative cues; changes to specific parameters that signal the plant to shift resources towards vegetative growth (stems, leaves, shoots, roots) or generative growth (fruits and flowers).

VAPOR PRESSURE DEFICIT (VPD)

is the difference in water pressure between the inside of a leaf (100% RH) and the air surrounding the leaf. This difference is one of the primary drivers of the “pull” side of transpiration from the leaves and is dependent on leaf temperature, air temp and air RH. It is generally measured in kilopascals (kpa). Keep VPD within these ranges for optimal plant performance. Generally night time VPD should be higher (dryer) to reduce the likelihood of fungal pathogens.

This table summarizes a number of vegetative and generative cues. Contact your Front Row Rep for more information on the specifics of irrigation and EC.