MY_UK_SeptOct10 by Maximum Yield

UK September - October 2010

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Roots and Rooting media what you need to know

Get the Taste

flavoUr chemistry OF hYDROPONIC PLants

buzzing about sustainablility the inside scoop

www.maximumyield.com

Indoor gardenING expo long beach indoorgardeningexpo.com

california, usa

october 16-17

Coming up on the Web Featured Articles Fungi and the Ecosystem Fungi in our ecosystem called mycorrhiza assist the natural processes of life and decay, transforming base materials into sustainable food. Chelated Micronutrients Chelated micronutrients are becoming popular because of their high efficiency. Knowing a bit about the various types can help you choose the one that is right for you. The Modernized Gericke System Hydroponics is more high-tech than ever but it pays to look back into history and revisit old ideas, like the Gericke system, which offers us creative growing options.

Expert Advice Connect with Maximum Yield’s new resident expert Simon Hart by clicking on the Simon Says button on maximumyield.com. Submit your growing questions instantly and watch for his reply in the upcoming Simon Says column.

Upcoming Events Maximum Yield welcomes you to the Long Beach, CA (USA) Indoor Gardening Expo on the Pacific coast, October 16-17, 2010. This event will feature exhibitors from around the world showcasing the latest indoor gardening products and technologies. Visit indoorgardenexpo.com for full event details.

I N D O O R

G A R D E N I N G

VOLUME 10 – NUMBER 3 September/OCTober 2010 Maximum Yield is published bi-monthly by Maximum Yield Publications Inc. 2339A Delinea Place, Nanaimo, BC V9T 5L9 Phone: 250.729.2677; Fax 250.729.2687 No part of this magazine may be reproduced without permission from the publisher. If undeliverable please return to the address above. The views expressed by columnists are a personal opinion and do not necessarily reflect those of Maximum Yield or the Editor. Publication Agreement Number 40739092 PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER - Jim Jesson GENERAL MANAGER - Don Moores BUSINESS MANAGER - Linda Jesson SALES DIRECTOR - Lisa Lambersek EDITOR - Jessica Raymond jessica@maximumyield.com ADVERTISING SALES 250.729.2677 Linda Jesson - linda@maximumyield.com Lisa Lambersek - lisa@maximumyield.com Ilona Hawser - ilona@maximumyield.com Gaby Morin - gaby@maximumyield.com Ashley Heppell - ashley@maximumyield.com PRODUCTION & DESIGN ads@ads.maximumyield.com Alice Joe - alice@maximumyield.com Wes Cargill - wes@maximumyield.com Daniel Peters - daniel@maximumyield.com Nicole Tennison - nicole@maximumyield.com ACCOUNTING - Lee Anne Veres leeanne@maximumyield.com

Connect with Maximum Yield

www.maximumyield.com • www.facebook.com/MaximumYield • www.indoorgardeningexpo.com

Tell us what you think at editor@maximumyield.com. We’d love to hear from you.

contributors

Dr. Lynette Morgan holds a B. Hort.

Tech. degree and a PhD in hydroponic greenhouse production from Massey University, New Zealand. Lynette is a partner with SUNTEC International Hydroponic Consultants and has authored five hydroponic technical books. Visit www.suntec.co.nz/ consultants.htm and www.suntec. co.nz/books.htm for more information.

Donald Lester is the plant

products manager at JH Biotech, Inc., a California based agricultural technology company with 27 OMRI certified products. Donald has a master’s degree in agronomy with an emphasis in entomology. He is an agricultural scientist with over 10 years of research experience and 50 scientific publications to his credit.

Emma Cooper is the voice of the Alternative Kitchen Garden podcast and writes about kitchen gardening and environmental issues. An edible plant geek, she tries to grow her own food sustainably with the help of a reluctant husband and two pet chickens. Visit http://coopette.com for more information.

MAXIMUM YIELD UK - September / October 2010

Rob Samborn is the director of

sales and marketing for HM Digital, a manufacturer of water testing instruments, including handheld testers, inline monitors and controllers for TDS, EC, pH, ORP, temperature and volume. He can be reached at rob@hmdigital.com

Philip McIntosh is a science and

technology writer with a bachelor’s degree in botany and chemistry and a master’s degree in biological science. During his graduate research he used hydroponic techniques to grow axenic plants. He lives in Colorado Springs, CO. where he teaches mathematics at Challenger Middle School.

Jose Luis Pinheiro Bartolo is the president of Biobizz Worldwide Inc., a global leader in the production of hydroponic organic fertilizers and soil mixtures. He is passionate about the organic market and providing the highest service and perfectionism that comes direct from his heart and is projected to all aspects of his life.

UK DISTRIBUTION Growth Technology Hydrogarden Future Harvest Developments Europe Nutriculture UK CANADIAN DISTRIBUTION Brite-Lite Group Biofloral Eddis Wholesale Greenstar Plant Products Inc. Hydrotek MegaWatt Northern Hydroponic Wholesale Quality Wholesale USA DISTRIBUTION Aurora Innovations BWGS + BWGS West + BWGS East General Hydroponics Hydrofarm Hydro International National Garden Wholesale / Sunlight Supply R & M Supply Tradewinds AUSTRALIAN DISTRIBUTION Dome Garden Supply Futchatec Growth Technology Holland Forge Hydraspher

CONTENTS september / october 2010 FEATURES 24 28 38

Flavour Chemistry of Hydroponic Plants

Oriental Vegetables for Autumn

TDS and EC Meters for Hydroponics Explained

Roots and Rooting Media

Shopping for Humic Acids

An Ayurvedic Answer: Growing Basil Indoors

by Dr. Lynette Morgan by Emma Cooper by Rob Samborn by Philip McIntosh by Donald Lester

by Sudhir Naik

The Real Organic Hydroponics

Kitchen Composting

by Luis Bartolo

DEPARTMENTS 46

Maximum Yield.com

From the Editor

Letters to the Editor

Simon Says

MAX Facts

Product Spotlight

Talking Shop

Do You Know?

Max Mart

Coming up in November/December

MAXIMUM YIELD UK - September / October 2010

FROM THE editor

jessica raymond

Whether your after optimal flavours or healthful compounds with your indoor-grown crops, enhancing your grow is easier than ever with the next generation of high-tech instrumentation, natural media and beneficial biologicals. The ideas and information available in this issue of Maximum Yield UK make this your most important fall guide to growing your own. These are just a few highlights you will find in the following pages.

Dublin •

For this issue’s Talking Shop we take a short trip across the water to visit Urban Garden in Dublin, Ireland, owned by four friends with a passion for gardening. And our exclusive interview with Future Harvest Development Europe’s Peter Common provides insight into the indoor gardening market in the UK and what products and ingredients will help you attain BIG YIELDS. Well, what are you waiting for? Dive in!

Jessica Raymond, Editor editor@maximumyield.com

letters to the editor The Future of Food Production

Compare and Contrast

I enjoy reading your publication. It is full of useful articles written by the best and most dedicated people in the industry, but I don’t have to tell you that. They wouldn’t be in your magazine if they weren’t the best in the industry. I also depend on your product reviews to keep up-to-date on the ever-changing industry products. The advertisements and the articles are my main influence in making purchasing decisions. They help me make confident, informed decisions. I am not a big, commercial grower; just a hobby gardener. I have been growing in soil for about 45 years and only in the past year have I become interested in hydroponics or as I think of it, the future of gardening. It is the future of food production and I am excited to play with the technology. Again, thank you very much for your great contribution to this emerging way of life.

I appreciate your Win Big… Grow Big contest, and I hope to win something. I liked the article on growing the herb Arnica Montana. You should have more articles like this one. The results showing the active ingredients doubled were interesting. I would love to see other unique crops trialled, like the Purple Dragon variety of carrots. You could also do a comparison trial of amaranth plants in soil versus hydroponics to see the difference in yields. It would be interesting to note the difference in yields when growing crops under different electronic ballast wattages, i.e. 600 versus 1,000 watt versions. I really enjoyed the previous issues featuring LED grow lights. They were well written and interesting. Seeing that LED grow lights are relatively new, you could do an indoor grow room trial using amaranth plants and see what the yield per plant would be compared to electronic ballasts with 600 watt and 1,000 watt version, and in different mediums. This would be very exciting, and it is something that I really want to see in Maximum Yield.

Henry Danforth

Experimenting Indoors – High Yields the CEA Way I love the articles in Maximum Yield. I will be using Erik Biksa’s experimental CEA (Controlled Environment Agriculture) model detailed in the 2008 issues of Maximum Yield UK. This will be an ongoing process. I really like the idea of using the space outside the CEA room to act as a lung. Maximum Yield is doing great work. Your articles are educational and inspiring. I’ve learned a lot from your magazine. Keep up the great work. Hubert Young

MAXIMUM YIELD UK - September / October 2010

Thanks again Vicki

Maximum Yield reserves the right to edit for brevity.

We Want To Hear From You! Write Us At: Maximum Yield Publications Inc. 2339A Delinea Place, Nanaimo, BC Canada V9T 5L9 or editor@maximumyield.com

SIMON says

Hi Simon, I’ve noticed references in several articles to bio-filters being used with hydroponic systems, and how they can provide stability for water cultures. I’m very much into DWC systems, and would love more information on this equipment. Could you point me in the right direction as far as reliable manufacturers and information? Also, how would these differ from a bio-filter for an aquarium? Faron

In a Deep Water Culture (DWC) system, a net pot rests inside a larger water-filled bucket. The plant’s roots are suspended in the nutrient-rich water, which is oxygenated with an air stone, for example. The void between the basket and the water surface increases oxygen to the roots. However, pathogens can spread rapidly between plants if a common reservoir is used. A (biologically active) bio-filter removes or introduces different organic compounds or organisms into a water based system. In an aquarium, bio-filters remove certain elemental compounds, such as nitrates and phosphates, with the use of specific bacteria. This important mechanism prevents algae blooms from accumulating in the tank, helps fish evade health problems and restores system balance. Aquaponic bio-filters are slightly different because in this case the hydroponic garden is used as the filtering system. The plants use organic compounds in the waste water as nutrients prior to being recirculating into the fish farming component of the system. Again the purpose is to decrease the accumulation of unwanted nutrients. Hydroponic bio-filters are quite different, controlling pathogenic organisms from proliferating and harming the plants, particularly in a recirculating DWC system. A more involved option would be developing a filter for the secretion of specific organic acids and growth regulating substances. The substrate used in the filter is the key to success. Initially bio-filters in hydroponics were based on sand (a physical filter). The use of micro-organisms increased the benefits but also changed the material used in the filter. The key property is usable surface area. Remember, as organic material or sediment passes over the material it can clog it. Passage diameter (open spaces) is very important. Material could include aquarium products like biological media. Porous materials such as rinsed lava rock, diatom chunks or lassenite provide a higher initial surface area. A pre-filter layer at the top of your bio-filter would be beneficial to clean out some particulate prior to moving through the bio-filter substrate. You must inoculate your filter with diverse biology. 8

MAXIMUM YIELD UK - September / October 2010

Include some powdered or liquid inoculants with different bacteria and fungi. Consider the use of a quality aerobic compost tea, which will be more microbiallydiverse than available inoculants. Sending your solution into a lab for analysis gives you a specific look at the microbial population, and demonstrates which products to reapply based on their success or failure to colonize the bio-filter system, saving you money in the long term. Remember that as microbes secrete organic acids and enzymes, pH fluctuation can occur and can stabilize at a different value than you are used to in a sterile water system. Don’t be scared of this drift as it should stabilize and is unlikely to affect nutrient availability. Applied biology must be kept alive with organic matter. Plant roots will slough off some organic material from the rhizosphere but additional components in your solution can help. Consider kelp extracts and humates. I would experiment with insoluble granular humates within the filter as a source of microbial feedstock. This would help you avoid some of the issues related to excessive organic compounds within the water system such as foaming and particulate build-up. Good luck in your garden. Simon Hart

Do you have a question for Simon? Send it to simon@maximumyield.com with the words “Simon Says” in the subject line, and your answer will be printed in an upcoming edition.

MAX

facts

hydroponic news, tips and trivia from around the world

Growers Can Boost Benefits of Broccoli and Tomatoes ______ A university study has demonstrated that agronomic practices can greatly increase the cancer-preventive phytochemicals in broccoli and tomatoes. The highest levels of detoxifying enzymes were found in rats that ate selenium-treated broccoli. The amount of one of the cancerfighting compounds in broccoli was six times higher in selenium-enriched broccoli than in standard broccoli powder. Selenium-treated broccoli was also most active in the liver, reaching a level of bioactivity that exceeded the other foods used in the experiment. Broccoli and other plants of the brassica family are unique in having a methylating enzyme that enables plants to store high concentrations of selenium. In a previous study, tomato and broccoli powders eaten together were found to be more effective in slowing prostate cancer in laboratory rats than either tomato or broccoli alone. In their current research, they are experimenting with ways to increase the bioactive components in these foods in order to test the efficacy of enriched broccoli and tomatoes in a new prostate cancer study. (Source: www.sciencedaily.com)

Can Urban Farms Translate Popularity into Profitability? ________________________ City farms are sprouting in all sorts of unlikely places: in empty lots next to apartment complexes, across from high schools and in old industrial centers. Sizeable food-production plots have sprung up all over the United Kingdom. The urban farm movement aims to take control of food production away from large-scale industrial agriculture and root it within local food systems that attempt to ensure food access for the urban poor. Often located in low-income neighborhoods, many city farms operate off the basic premise that healthy, affordable food is a basic human right. “Food justice” is the mantra of most of the organizations in the urban farming movement. However, these urban farms haven’t yet found a way to thrive in the market economy. Most rely heavily on volunteer labour and grant funding. They may be at the forefront of ecological sustainability, but economic sustainability continues eludes them. (Source: www.good.is)

MAXIMUM YIELD UK - September / October 2010

Eating Dirt: The Latest Culinary Trend ______ Anyone who has grimaced as they bite down on sandy lettuce may find this one perplexing. But eating dirt is the latest thing in restaurants around the world. It seems some chefs are so keen on communing with the soil that they are putting it in their dishes deliberately. Some chefs are creating imitation dirt from ingredients like dehydrated beets, or crushed dried-mushrooms. But others are using high-tech devices like the Rotavapor— more commonly used in the perfume industry—to distill soil, the essence of which is used to create an earthy foam. The trend isn’t just confined to chefs— installation artist Laura Parker asks gallery goers to sniff soil samples, and then taste vegetables that were grown in that soil. (Source: www.treehugger.com)

Michael Pollan’s “Food Rules”____________ Michael Pollan’s new book “Food Rules - An Eater’s Manual” is a collection of home spun dietary advice, bringing together 64 simple rules for eating well. In our culture we have become obsessed with very particular ingredients in our food but we still don’t know what we should be eating. Pollan believes we should be paying attention to how our food is grown (preferably locally and organically), the balance of our overall diet (eat like an omnivore) and advises that how we eat has as much importance as what we eat (stop eating before you’re full). Here are just a few of our favourite rules: 6. Avoid foods that contain more than five ingredients. 13. Eat only foods that eventually will rot. 15. Get out of the supermarket whenever you can. 20. It’s not food if it arrived through the window of your car. 36. Don’t eat breakfast cereals that change the colour of the milk. 39. Don’t get your fuel from the same place your car does. (Source: www.treehugger.com)

MAXIMUM YIELD UK - September / October 2010

MAX

facts

hydroponic news, tips and trivia from around the world

Leading Agricultural Scientist Votes in Favour Peak Freshness _______________________ of GM Crops __________________________ The Seasons iPhone application will give you seasonal Gordon Conway, a professor of international development at Imperial College London, said that GM technology should be used to increase crop yields while limiting ecological damage. He believes organic farming should embrace genetically modified (GM) crops as a way to make largescale agriculture more environmentally sustainable. Conway stated that GM agriculture is just as “natural” as conventional plant breeding, disregarding the argument that bypassing evolutionary processes completely is more likely to have unforeseen consequences. While praising organic agriculture for drawing attention to the overuse of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, Conway dismissed its basic premise—that less technologically intensive farming methods are also better for the environment. Conway’s comments come amid a push for more acceptance of GM crops in the United Kingdom, where the public has overwhelmingly rejected the technology and largely prevented its entry into the food market. The chief scientific advisor for the government recently stated that biotechnology’s potential to make global agriculture more productive cannot be ignored. (Source: www.naturalnews.com)

information for fruits, vegetables, lettuces, herbs, fungi and nuts for your location. You can view local seasons versus import seasons and see a graph that shows how “in season” a given food is. This app features 170 entries with photos, a short description and seasonal data. Support is offered for the United Kingdom, US, Canada and Western and Central Europe. It also shows nearby farmer’s markets. Eating seasonally makes for better tasting meals and cuts down on transportation costs. Now you can experience a greater variety of produce at peak freshness just as nature intended. (Source: www.good.is)

A Mini Living Garden ___________________ Postcarden is the innovative company that has designed postcards, similar to the greeting cards with a seed implanted within, that grow into a lush garden in an adorable diorama after opened. After setting up the garden and adding water, seeds usually sprout within three days. The plant, a grassy herb-like fauna, will last approximately two to three weeks and requires minimal sunlight and care, making it an easily cultivated novelty for anyone without a green thumb. Postcarden’s cards are available in shops across the UK and online. (Source: www.good.is)

Bright New Dry Bean for Salads and Other Foods ________________________________ Crimson, a new cranberry dry bean cultivar, is now available for production in the form of foundation seed that could give rise to a new bumper crop of the colorful legumes for 2010. Crimson was developed by Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists from a cross between the commercial cultivar Cardinal and a dry bean breeding line. The combination of the two “parents” has endowed Crimson with viral disease resistance and a high yield of shapely, maroon-speckled seed. Crimson owes its prized seed features and disease resistance to Cardinal, and specifically that cultivar’s genes. The new cultivar also can tolerate the bean rust fungus. Crimson’s high yield comes from a breeding line which brings diversity from a tropic bean into the mix. In tests, Crimson produced on average 150 pounds more seed per acre than Capri, a topperforming commercial cultivar used for comparison. Crimson’s plants also matured two days earlier than Capri. (Source: www.ars.usda.gov)

MAXIMUM YIELD UK - September / October 2010

Strawberries Spark an English Most UK Teabags Not Fully ____________ Landscape Battle ____________ Biodegradable UK consumers go through millions of teabags every day to make their favourite drink yet the vast majority are not fully biodegradable, a consumer organization warns. Most teabags are only 80 per cent paper fibre. They also contain heat-resistant polypropylene. A report published by Which? Gardening reveals that teabags produced by top tea manufacturers are only between 70 to 80 per cent biodegradable. As a result, gardeners are finding the net part of teabags left on their compost heaps. Which? Gardening said the recyclability of teabags did not seem to be high on manufacturers’ agendas, and have found only one brand of conventional teabag which is polypropylene-free. Bags which are fully biodegradable include those that are stitched rather than sealed. Another green option is increasingly popular Japanese-style pyramids such as tea temples containing whole leaf (as opposed to ground) tea. (Source: www.guardian.co.uk)

Gardens with a Green Message ___________ The gold and silver medal gardens awarded at the 2010 Chelsea Flower Show were designed with indigenous and community groups and delivered a powerful message. The Green & Black’s Rainforest Garden gold medal garden was meant to draw attention to the loss of the rainforest due to mining and logging. Created by four Cameroon women, it is green and overgrown and has a mongulu (leaf house) in the middle. The whole creation consists of layers and shades of different greens. Nestled among the greens a mining helmet, gun and chainsaw can be seen, symbols of the destruction of their way of life. The Eden Project Places of Change garden was the biggest ever at Chelsea, taking up the space of three gardens. The community group worked with Places of Change, a capital improvement program funded by government agencies that seeks to improve services for people who are homeless. This year over 500 people were involved in the planning and development of the project. Both gardens are an enlightening learning experience for the participants and the public. (Source: www.treehugger.com)

A dispute snaking its way through the judicial system has been transformed into a battle for the British strawberry. The epic confrontation is over the humble polytunnel. A Herefordshire conservation group challenged a decision by the local council to grant planning permission for polytunnels covering 54 hectares in the picturesque Wye Valley. The Wye Valley Action Association (WVAA) claims the structures are an eyesore, responsible for “landscape blight.” They also claim the structures deter tourists from visiting the countryside, affect water tables and increase traffic. The National Farmers Union, which claims 90 per cent of strawberries grown in Britain are produced under the temporary structures, fears the decision will have wider implications if allowed to stand and will support a legal challenge in the Court of Appeal in November. Much is at stake, not least the length of the farming year. The British strawberry industry is worth almost £400m a year and now stretches from early spring to late autumn, reducing the need for imports. The outcome of the appeal could have implications for fruit growers across Britain. The structures are found in the fruit-growing counties of Gloucestershire, Somerset, Kent and Worcestershire, but are a common sight across the UK. (Source: www.guardian.co.uk)

Thinking Outside the Pot ____________ Designers and craftsters have come up with some inspired ways to grow veggies in microgardens. Some work great and others are just the first step towards a clever idea. Comic books roped together work especially great for microgreens. Take your veggies on the rode with a rolling garden suitcase. Plant in your purse and carry around your favourite herbs and veggies for a snack whenever, and wherever, you feel like it. Reduce your food miles to zero by growing in your fridge. Plant your veggies in old printer cartridges. With a little creativity and ingenuity, the options are endless. (Source: http://planetgreen.discovery.com) MY MAXIMUM YIELD UK - September / October 2010

PRODUCT spotlight

See it. Want it. Find it at your local indoor gardening store. AminoGrow Stimulator for Explosive Results ______ Cash Crop AminoGrow stimulates leaf, stem, root and enzyme production, which in turn stimulates faster and healthier growth in young plants. AminoGrow consists of organic seaweed, kelp, nitrogen and 18 different organic based amino acids. The levels of nitrogen and other key nutrients are vital to ensure your plants donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t suffer from poor yields or yellow leaves (a sign of nitrogen deficiency). AminoGrow is the ideal choice for growers keen on improving their hydroponically grown crops, achieving faster and healthier growth for their plants. Visit your local hydroponics store to learn more.

GGL Regulator Pebbled Wing Reflector _____ Simple design and great performance makes the GGL Regulator a favourite of indoor gardeners. The super reflective pebbled aluminium design of the Regulator provides optimum light distribution, bathing your garden in what it needs to produce the fattest flowers out there. Take it from the master growers of Humboldt County. The regulator optimizes your dollar while still bringing you the best results! Quality inspected and including a socket with a 4.5 meter cord, the Regulator work with both HPS and MH lamps. Use this classic to regulate your garden. For more information visit your local hydro retailer.

House & Garden Foliar Spray __________________________________________ House & Garden Foliar Spray is an effective and concentrated product that provides a boost for motherplants and cuttings. It is absorbed directly by the leaves and gives plants back their dark green colour and vitality. Foliar spray is a gentle plant agent and works within two days. Foliar Spray is a 100 per cent biological plant booster that protects the plant against external threats from insects and mould. Foliar spray also enhances the plants natural balance and promotes lush growth. Foliar Spray contains all main and trace elements. Visit an indoor gardening retailer to learn more.

BIOCANNA Bio Terra Plus ___________________________________ BIOCANNA Bio Terra Plus is an organic potting mix that is made up of 100 per cent natural materials and as such can also be used for organic cultivation. Bio Terra Plus consists of top quality peats, including superior quality white peat. The airy structure of white peat is supplemented with shredded tree bark that has natural anti-fungus properties. BIOCANNA Bio Terra Plus has been pre-fertilized with certified, organic ingredients such as bone meal, bat guano and a variety of trace elements from natural sources. This top quality product meets all international organic standards. Ask for it now at your favourite indoor gardening shop.

MAXIMUM YIELD UK - September / October 2010

PRODUCT spotlight

See it. Want it. Find it at your favourite indoor gardening store.

Green Growing Solutions _______________

GGL Illuminator Air Cooled Reflector _______

The Ultimate Plant Cage™ (UPC) from Global Garden Friends, Inc. is an American made, green certified innovation, made with EcoPure. EcoPure is a 100 per cent organic, non-destructive, biodegradable plastic. UPC opens up the plant allowing light to penetrate all the way to the base so fruit grows large and healthy from the top of the plant to the bottom. The UPC can reduce mould, fungi and pests because airflow is increased to the entire plant. To learn more about the Ultimate Plant Cage™, ask for it at your favourite indoor gardening shop.

Just as the sun rises over the mountains illuminating everything in sight, Global Greenhouse Lighting’s Illuminator evenly distributes light over your entire garden. Built by gardeners for gardeners. The Illuminator maximizes light coverage in large grow areas. Incorporating premium components, pebbled aluminium, a socket with 4.5 meter cord and compatible with HPS and MH lamps, you can’t go wrong. GGL Illuminator 15 centimeter air cooled reflector offers optimum light distribution and maximum canopy penetration. Now available at your favourite hydro shop.

Get Control of Garden Climates with Sunleaves ______________ If humidity and heat are turning every trip to your indoor garden into a hot and sticky situation, open the door to the new Sunleaves Portable Humidifier and Sunleaves Portable Dual-Hose Air Conditioner. This compact, highly efficient dehumidifier extracts up to 20 litres of water per day from the air. Treated air also passes through an activated carbon filter and washable dust filter to reduce particulate matter and odours. The Sunleaves Portable DualHose Air Conditioner is the earth-friendly way to keep indoor garden temperatures and humidity at comfortable levels for people and plants. It uses an ozone-safe refrigerant to keep air cool and dry. For more information visit your favourite hydroponics shop.

New Predator Sighted in Indoor Gardens ____ Sunleaves Predator Series Plug N’ Play Viper 6 is perfect for gardeners on the hunt for an affordable, high-quality reflector. Its durable steel housing and compact size make it ideal for any space, and its 4.5 meter built-in ballast power cord, complete with the industry-standard common plug, makes set up simple. A hinged, airtight lens, 15 centimeter inline vent flanges and aerodynamic mogul socket makes it a perfect fit for gardeners who currently use CO2 enrichment or plan to do so in the future. Ask for the Viper 6 at your local indoor gardening shop.

MAXIMUM YIELD UK - September / October 2010

New Sunleaves Reflector Gets You Growing The Sunleaves Sunspot 10 Plug N’ Play Reflector offers performance and great compatibility at an affordable cost. It has heavy-duty housing; enamel-coated exterior finish; specular German-made reflective interior for maximum light exposure; and a mogul socket that’s designed to maximize airflow through its 25 centimeter inline vent flanges. Perfectly suited for gardens with carbon dioxide enrichment, it features a hinged lens enclosure that provides a completely airtight seal. Best of all, it’s pre-wired with a fixed socket that’s compatible with the industry-standard common outlet. Ask for Sunleaves Sunspot at your nearest indoor gardening shop.

TopMax Goes Organic ____________________________________ TopMax is a 100 per cent organic flowering strengthener that dramatically increases the size and weight of floral clusters, leaving a sweet taste in the finished product. TopMax uses humic and fulvic acids to assist in the flow of nutrients. The main source of humic acid is a deposit called leonardite that comes from trees and vegetation that grew 300 million years ago. Fulvic acid is reclaimed from humate deposits and contains a natural electrical charge that attracts nutrients and minerals. Talk to your local indoor gardening retailer today to learn more.

Dual Action FloraDuo ___________________ FloraDuo is a classic, two part grow and bloom nutrient where each of the elements a plant needs is derived from many sources. Every bottle contains bio-activators that improve general plant health, help them better absorb their food and better resist pathogens and insects. FloraDuo is a complete nutrient, especially designed for fast growing plants. FloraDuo Grow is available for hard and soft waters (recommended for demineralized and reverse osmosis waters). FloraDuo is highly concentrated, economical and cost effective. FloraDuo guarantees a perfect mineral balance for growing and flowering. FloraDuo is also available in the Tripack Starter Kit. For more information visit your favourite indoor gardening shop.

Continued on page 48

MAXIMUM YIELD UK - September / October 2010

flavoUr chemistry of hydroponic plants by Dr. Lynette Morgan A poorly flavoured fruit or vegetable is disappointing. We are programmed to seek out flavour; the right balance of sugar to acid, distinctive tastes and good levels of volatiles all make eating pleasurable. However, few understand just how complex the flavour chemistry of the crops we grow really is. Currently over 400 volatile aromatic compounds that may contribute to the overall flavour experience, have been identified in tomato fruit alone, with potentially many more as yet undiscovered. In strawberries the compounds ethyl butanoate, furaneol and ethyl hexanoate all contribute to the distinctive strawberry-like flavour of the fruit, while sugars and acids also contribute to the overall taste experience. For many less common fruits, vegetables and herbs only a small fraction of the compounds that constitute their distinctive flavours have been isolated and identified. Despite this, the fact that we can taste a wide range of flavours, detect many volatile compounds even at low rates and form our own opinion about what tastes good, means flavour is something of interest to many growers.

Flavour Chemistry by Crop Tomatoes Tomatoes are the hydroponic crop that receives the most complaints and compliments about flavour intensity. The organoleptic (taste or flavour) properties of tomato fruits are determined largely by the amount of solids, particularly sugars and organic acids and the volatile composition. In tomatoes, the naturally occurring volatile compounds geranylacetone, 2-3-methylbutane, 6-methyl5-hepten-2-one are all correlated with â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;tomato-likeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; flavour, however, hundreds more also contribute to that distinctive tomato taste. 18

MAXIMUM YIELD UK - September / October 2010

A number of factors influence fruit flavour: plant genetics, light levels, temperature, water stress, raised salinity, fertilizer additions and leaf area (as influenced by training system used). Many of these factors can be influenced by growers to increase the flavour of tomato fruit. Selection of different cultivars plays a major role when looking to improve overall fruit flavour with many growers now growing ‘hi-flavour’ lines, although even these can be poorly flavoured if not grown correctly. The simplest way of increasing the flavour constituents of hydroponic tomato fruit is to increase the concentration (or EC) of the nutrient solution, to produce fruits with a higher percentage dry matter, sugar and acid, and consequently, better taste and firmness. This has been found to be the case with large fruited and cherry tomatoes. Both sugars and acidity levels increased in the cherry cultivar ‘Gardeners Delight’ with fruit grown at an EC of 10 mScm-1 as compared to 2.5 mScm-1. Other studies have reported that the dry matter content, sodium content and acidity of fruit grown at an EC of 8.0 mScm-1 was greater than fruit grown at 3 mScm-1. An obstacle to improving the composition of tomato fruit via increased solution conductivity is the well-documented relationship between yield and the fruit dry matter content. Using cultivation techniques such as increasing the nutrient conductivity to increase dry matter content of the fruit

Chili peppers are grown for both their heat and distinctive flavour profile.

also reduces the rate of water accumulation and thus cell enlargement, so that a loss in yield is almost inevitable. While commercial operations may not be willing to sacrifice yield for higher solids and flavour in their fruit, smaller growers are often keen to try this technique and grow something that just can’t be purchased at the grocery store.

Peppers and chillies Sweet peppers and chillies are a passion among many small hydroponic growers for their distinctive flavour profile and the varying degrees of heat the plants are capable of producing. The heat producing or burning compound contained in chilli peppers is ‘capsaicin,’ which was first isolated from plant tissue in 1877. The three main capsaicinoids detected in most chilli fruit are capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin and nordihydrocapsaicin. Capsaicin has no flavour or odour; the ability to sense it depends entirely on the physiological action of the compound (i.e. burning) on the tongue. Underlying the ‘heat’ of peppers are also some rather delicate flavours, which mostly arise from several aromatic compounds that MAXIMUM YIELD UK - September / October 2010

Flavour Chemistry of Hydroponic Plants the biggest kick in the fruit. Ideally when using a higher EC to favourably increase the pungency of chillies, it is best to do this by increasing only the macronutrients in the solution (N, P, K, S and Ca) and maintain the trace elements (Fe, Mn, Zn, B, Cu and Mo) at normal EC strength levels.

Onions, garlic, shallots and chives

Sweet peppers and chillies are a passion among many hydroponic growers and flavour is all important with these crops.

make up the distinctive flavour of capsicum fruit. It is the outer fruit wall where most of the flavour compounds are located and these seem to be associated with the colour or pigment levels in the fruit. There are different compounds that impart distinctive flavour profiles in the many species of chilli fruit. Jalapeno flavour is attributed to the compound 2-isobutyl-3methoxypyrazine, for example, and this is distributed unevenly throughout the pepper pod. The hydroponic production of sweet bell peppers and chilli peppers is similar; however, there are techniques that can be used to boost the pungency and flavour of the hot types that are best not used for growing a succulent, mild, bell pepper. Chilli pepper fruit, with their pungent compounds, respond well to the application of controlled â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;stressâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Any factor that puts stress on the plant, such as high EC, lack of moisture and high light and temperature, increases the concentration of the heat producing compounds in the fruit and at the same time reduces fresh weight or water content. This is great for those who are aiming to grow the hottest chilli possible, but should be used with caution as many chilli cultivars are already genetically inclined to be scorching and intensifying these may not always be required. EC levels as high as 8.0 mScm-1 have been applied to chillies to boost pungency levels with good results, however, different chilli cultivars will respond differently to increases in EC and growers should determine for themselves which EC level gives 20

MAXIMUM YIELD UK - September / October 2010

Bulb onions have a strong pungent flavour and aroma originating from the presence of a range of organosulphur compounds. Onions actually accumulate large quantities of sulphur and bulb concentrations of sulphur have been reported to be in excess of one per cent on a dry weight basis. Much of the sulphur taken up by onions is partitioned into organosulphur compounds as part of the flavour biosynthetic pathway. Onion pungency is known to increase in response to increased sulphur fertility, but in addition to this, the form of nitrogen in hydroponic solutions is also shown to affect onion flavour. In hydroponic onion trials it has been found that sulphate and nitrogen availability in the nutrient solution interacted to influence onion flavour compounds and can thus be used to manipulate onion compositional quality. Certain flavour compounds in onions have been shown to increase linearly with increasing nitrogen levels in hydroponic trials from 20 to 140 milligrams/litre nitrogen. Garlic also responds in a similar way to increasing sulphur and nitrogen concentrations

Onion bulb concentration of sulphur can be as high as one per cent on a dry weight basis.

Hydroponic wasabi contains mixtures of volatile compounds, such as isothiocyanates, which gives that distinctive pungency and flavour.

in the nutrient solution when grown compounds respond to increased sulphur in hydroponically. ‘Alliin’ is the specific flavour the nutrient solution. and quality trait related to the health value Other herbs such as basil have been more of garlic, which has been shown to increase widely studied and the total amount of with higher levels of sulphur and nitrogen essential oil is known to significantly increase in many commercial garlic cultivars. Such with light levels. The main flavour compounds manipulation of in basil leaves are 1,8 nitrogen and sulphur cineole, linalool and Hydroponic techniques can eugenol, all of which in hydroponic nutrient be used to boost the pungency respond to higher solutions could not and flavour of hot peppers. only produce higher light by increasing the flavoured and more flavour intensity of pungent garlic, but also the foliage. One study bulbs with an improved health value. found that taste test panellists could discern the differences between organically- and Herbs greenhouse-grown basil, yet no preferences Fresh herbs are grown specifically for their were shown. flavour compounds and aromatics, some Basil is an aromatic herb with a high of which are very concentrated under percentage of essential oils in the foliage. This certain growing conditions. Some very oil contained within the leaf tissue is also pungent condiment herbs such as wasabi prone to oxidation and its pungency is easily or horseradish contain mixtures of volatile lost. If the herb is grown in conditions that are compounds such as ‘isothiocyanates’ that give too cool or the foliage is damaged, there will them their distinctive flavour and heat. There be a loss in flavour and aroma. While basil oil is some evidence that these types of pungent content can be increased with moderate plant MAXIMUM YIELD UK - September / October 2010

Flavour Chemistry of Hydroponic Plants

flavoUr chemistry how we taste

Part of understanding how we can improve flavour chemistry starts with how we actually perceive taste. Nerves in the tongue can detect basic compounds and we perceive these as sweet, sour, salty or bitter. We can detect these because of reactions between compounds such as sugars, polyalcohols, hydronium ions, sodium ions, glucosides, alkaloids and others with the receptors in the tongue. These receptors can also sense temperature, texture, metallic irritation, chemical heat and ‘bite’ or carbonation. However, these sensors on the tongue only detect some very basic aspects of flavour and can’t distinguish between small differences in these compounds. In fact, the tongue can only detect flavour compounds in parts per hundred, whereas

Flavour in onions can be boosted with the addition of sulphur in the nutrient solution.

we can usually detect volatiles in parts per trillion. The main taste tool is actually the nose, which has olfactory nerve endings with receptors that bind onto volatile compounds that come from food. These two sensors, taste detected on the tongue combined with the feedback with odour receptors in the back of the nose, give us our overall sense of flavour. Simply smelling food gives a different sensation then when that aroma is combined with chewing food in the mouth. stress, high light and increased EC, this is usually not advisable for hydroponic crops grown to be consumed fresh as it tends to reduce leaf size and quality and it is possible for basil to become overly strong. Basil destined for processing or drying, however, can benefit from being grown ‘hard’ to increase the leaf ’s fresh weight but increase the essential oil content. Soft, cool season herbs such as parsley and mint should be grown differently to the more woody aromatic herbs such as rosemary, oregano and thyme for maximum flavour and quality. Parsley can become overly strong with bitter and unpleasant overtones in flavour if grown with high light, temperatures and EC.

MAXIMUM YIELD UK - September / October 2010

Succulent herbs such as mint prefer moderate temperatures and summer shading for the best flavour quality.

"Lower EC values, summer shading and moderate temperatures produce the best flavour quality..." Both mint and parsley can also develop tough and stringy foliage and stems, which reduces their eating quality, even though flavour may be more intense. Lower EC values, summer shading and moderate temperatures produce the best flavour quality in these types of herbs. The perennial herbs—many of which are referred to as the ‘Mediterranean herbs’—have originated in hot, dry climates. These include thyme, oregano, rosemary and they respond well to being grown ‘hard’ with a certain degree of stress. Under conditions of high light, reduced moisture, high EC and warm temperatures, these types of herbs respond by concentrating the levels of essential oils and aromatic compounds in the foliage. Winter nutrient solutions for these woody herbs are best manipulated to increase the level of potassium relative to nitrogen and include some extra magnesium to maintain flavour quality.

Strawberry flavour is dependant on the balance between sugars, acids and a range of volatile compounds.

Brassicas – watercress, arugula, cabbage, cauliflower, kale and others The characteristic flavour of brassica crops originates from sulphur-containing compounds called ‘Glucosinolates’ that yield breakdown products giving the familiar flavour and aroma, from distinctive cabbagey to peppery and pungent in watercress to sharp and nutty in arugula. Much of the distinctive flavours are linked to sulphur and this element can be manipulated in hydroponic solutions to improve the taste of certain brassica crops.

Production method alone is not enough to guarantee good flavour quality in any plant. Just because a crop was hydroponically or organically grown doesn’t necessarily mean it’s going to taste any better than a conventionally grown crop. However, hydroponic methods, with the degree of control over nutritional and other factors that can be achieved, mean the grower has more tools to use when it comes to maximizing the taste experience. MY Dr. Lynette Morgan’s articles, dating back to 2001, can be found on maximumyield.com

The flavour of brassicas like cabbage originates from sulphur-containing compounds called ‘glucosinolates.’

MAXIMUM YIELD UK - September / October 2010

Oriental Vegetables

for Autumn by Emma Cooper

MAXIMUM YIELD UK - September / October 2010

At this time of year, many outdoor growers are winding down their plots. It’s time to clear away tender plants before the first frosts, gather in the last of the harvest and make sure the hardy brassicas that can survive the winter weather are protected against marauding pigeons. For indoor gardeners it’s time to get sowing again to ensure exciting and tasty harvests all through the winter. There are plenty of hardy salad vegetables (such as lamb’s lettuce and land cress) that will thrive during the winter season and are much more tender and productive when grown indoors or with some protection. But the real stars of the autumn show are the Oriental vegetables. Like the outdoor winter stars—kale, cabbage and brussels sprouts—many Oriental vegetables are in the brassica family. But the resemblance isn’t obvious and once you start to investigate what’s available you’ll find everything from tender salad leaves right through to sprouting broccoli style plants and spicy stirfry leaves. And they’ll all grow rapidly, and right through until spring, if you get the timing right. If your growing area is unheated and unlit then you need your plants to do most of their growing during the autumn, before temperatures (and more importantly, light levels) drop too low for them to make active growth. They will then happily sit and stay fresh, providing fresh harvests right through until spring when they will suddenly burst into life again. An early spring harvest is their last gift, before they start to flower and can be removed to make way for spring sowings. With supplementary lighting, of course, they can be kept in active growth all winter. The advantage of sowing Oriental crops during late summer and early autumn is that they’re far less likely to bolt

(run to seed early) as the days are waning, so do ensure that youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not mimicking lengthening days with your lights. The classic Chinese cabbage that produces a tightly formed head (often pointed) is best sown indoors in August, but there are plenty of other leafy vegetables that can be sown in September and October.

Kailaan

Kailaan is an oriental broccoli, but it produces flowering heads on much smaller plants than purple sprouting broccoli and so is much quicker; you can expect a harvest of young shoots in 20 to 30 days, or you can wait for the plant to mature in 60 to 70 days.

Pak choi

Pak choi is a familiar plant to many, in habit very similar to Swiss chard.Young leaves can be harvested individually and used in salad, or again you can leave the plant to mature and harvest the whole thing as a stir-fry vegetable after four to five weeks.

Tatsoi

Tatsoi is a smaller relative, forming low-growing rosettes of glossy green leaves that are shaped like spoons. It can also provide continuous pickings of young leaves for the salad bowl, for stir-fries or to be used as a spinach substitute.

Mizuna

Mizuna is a very attractive plant with light-green, feathery leaves. It looks quite similar to rocket and has a peppery flavour that adds a tasty note to salads. Leaves can be harvested when you need them over a period of several months, or you

can harvest the whole plant by cutting close to the ground and it will sprout again.The first harvest comes three to four weeks after sowing, and mizuna is a good plant for giving high yields from small spaces.

Mustard greens

Mustard greens come in a range of different colours and make a very attractive addition to a salad when the leaves are young. Their spicy flavour increases as the leaves mature, and large leaves are more suited to cooked dishes. Mature plants can be large, reaching up to 60 centimeters, depending on the variety.

Oriental Brassicas

Oriental brassicas vary in size, but the recommended spacing for plants is around 30 to 40 centimeters (check the seed packet for the spacing for your choices). In the dark days of winter mildews and fungal diseases are more of an issue so donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t scrimp on spacing as it reduces airflow and increases the risk of disease. It is also important to pay attention to watering (if your plants are growing in soil) as plants that are slow growing in winter have low water requirements and should not be left sitting in cold, wet soil. MY

MAXIMUM YIELD UK - September / October 2010

TDS and EC Meters

for Hydroponics Explained

by Rob Samborn

As technology advances, questions inevitably follow. Due to the rapid growth of the hydroponics and indoor gardening industry, it is important for growers to be familiar with the technology, in this case instrumentation. There is a myriad of nutrients and fertilizers available to help you cultivate the best possible plant yields, but what is consistent among all of them is they need to be measured to ensure proper dosage. Equally important is the measurement of water to know what youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be mixing with, and there is no better way to measure nutrient solution or water than with a digital TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) or EC (Electrical Conductivity) meter. There are times when the instructions for a nutrient donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t correspond with the instructions for a meter. This can certainly be frustrating, but refrain from pulling out your hair just yet. This article will help you navigate the challenges.

MAXIMUM YIELD UK - September / October 2010

These meters can be found under the following names: nutrient Why are there so many ways to meters, “ppm” meters, TDS meters or conductivity meters. measure nutrients? Our industry lacks standardization, Let’s get to the facts. These meters are either TDS meters or conductivity meters, with the majority being TDS meters. There the fault resting on the instrument manufacturers and the nutrient is no such thing as a “ppm meter,” so strike it from your lexicon companies. Rest assured there is a immediately. PPM is an acronym for “parts per million,” a scale used for parameters, including TDS, chlorine, carbon dioxide, movement to standardize everything, but until a standard exists, the best way etc. We’ll address scales and parameters in a moment. to look at it is as a cooking recipe. These meters measure your nutrients, but they are really Open any cookbook and you’ll find measuring substances in water, whether a beneficial nutrient or that some a harmful metal. Other industries aside from hydroponics use these “Our industry lacks standardization, ingredients call products as well for fish, pools, for teaspoons, the fault resting on the others call industrial processes and perhaps most instrument manufacturers and the for ounces importantly, your drinking water. So nutrient companies.” and others instead of referring to the meters call for as nutrient meters, most instrument cups. Each requires a different companies will often refer to the meters by their true names: measurement tool.You nutrient TDS or conductivity meters. mixture is a recipe, so it’s important to use the right Parameters and Scales measuring tool. Water testing is scientific. The majority of us would rather be harvesting our bountiful crops than remembering our high school science, but if you’re spending your hard-earned cash on an expensive instrument, take the time to learn the basics of the science. It’s easy and will help you get the most out of your meter. A parameter is the characteristic of a substance that is being measured. For the purpose of this article, it’s either TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) or EC (Electrical Conductivity). Other parameters you could be testing for are pH, temperature, light and humidity. A scale is a particular range applied to the measurement of that parameter. For example, temperature is a parameter. Fahrenheit or Celsius is a scale. TDS is most commonly measured in ppm (parts per million), PPT (parts per thousand) or mg/l (milligrams per litre). EC is most commonly measured in µS (micro-Siemens) or mS (milli-Siemens). If your nutrient mix is calling for 1.0 EC, this is an incorrect determination, and you may find this confusing when using a meter. What this is most likely referring to is an EC reading of 1.0 mS; 1.0 mS equals 1000 µS.

MAXIMUM YIELD UK - September / October 2010

TDS and EC Meters for Hydroponics Explained

What’s the deal with EC and TDS? What are they and is there a difference? TDS and EC, while related, are two different parameters. TDS stands for Total Dissolved Solids, and in layman’s terms, is essentially any inorganic, dissolved substance in water, other than the pure H2O. TDS includes salts, minerals or metals dissolved in water. As mentioned above, TDS is most commonly measured in ppm on an ascending scale. The higher the ppm, the more TDS there are in the water, with pure water being 0.0 ppm. Pure water can be obtained through filtration, purification, distillation or collecting raindrops on your tongue. TDS does not include particles that are floating in water. (These are known as suspended solids). Conductivity, or electrical conductivity (EC), is the ability of a substance to conduct electricity. While you may not typically equate water with electricity, most elements other than hydrogen and oxygen will conduct electricity to a certain degree, no matter how minute that conductance might be. Therefore, since water is two parts hydrogen and one part oxygen, measuring conductivity is an easy and quick method of determining the purity level of water. Now that we understand TDS and conductivity that brings us to the next burning question:

“Total Dissolved Solids is essentially any inorganic, dissolved substance in water, other than pure H2O.” How is TDS measured? TDS is measured as weight (mg/L) or quantity (ppm). As discussed above, ppm stands for parts per million, so if you add 2,000 ppm of nutrients to pure water, that means that out of 1,000,000 parts of water, 2,000 of those parts are the nutrients. Or for the mathematically inclined, that’s 0.2 per cent. The only true method of measuring TDS is to weigh a water sample, evaporate the water and then weigh the remains. Not only is this very difficult to do, evaporation would defeat the purpose of measuring nutrients in a solution. Therefore, companies have developed TDS meters that determine the nutrient content and display that amount on a digital screen for ease-of-use.

MAXIMUM YIELD UK - September / October 2010

What are TDS meters and how do they work? A TDS meter works by measuring “Due to the abundance of salt, the electrical seawater will be far more conductive conductivity than fresh water.” of the water. As mentioned above, most elements, other than the hydrogen and What’s a conversion factor and why are oxygen, will conduct electricity to a certain there so many of them? degree. A TDS meter will measure the EC Since TDS meters work by first measuring the EC level, that EC and convert that electrical charge to an level needs to be converted to a TDS level (hence a conversion estimated TDS level, thereby telling you factor). A conversion factor will allow the meter to make the the nutrient quantity. best possible estimate of the true TDS level. Since there are EC is measured by determining the different types of water in the world that are more or less amount of electrical charge between two conductive than others, it’s necessary to use different conversion sensors. The greater the charge, the higher factors for different water. For example, due to the abundance of the EC (and the higher the TDS level). salt, seawater will be far more conductive than fresh water.

MAXIMUM YIELD UK - September / October 2010

TDS and EC Meters for Hydroponics Explained

So then should I use a TDS meter or an EC meter? Technically, when measuring nutrients, it’s better to measure the TDS level, but don’t forget that the true method of measuring TDS is very difficult and TDS meters are actually measuring the EC and then converting that EC to TDS. Confusing? Perhaps. The answer to this question is: use the meter (and conversion factor) that is recommended by the nutrient company. If your preferred brand of nutrients recommends you measure the nutrients using EC, then buy an EC meter.You’ll have much more accurate results than if you purchase a TDS meter and attempt to do the math. If you don’t know which meter you should use, give your nutrient company a call and ask.

The lowdown Nutrient solutions are best measured with TDS or EC meters. TDS meters will give you an accurate nutrient level in water, expressed in ppm (parts per million). Ideally, a grower should filter his or her water down to a pure or near-pure level, prior to adding the nutrients. Pure water will be 0.0 ppm. Therefore, you will know what you’re starting with when adding the nutrients and have the perfect solution. If you do not have access to a water filtration or purification system, you can use tap water, but you will need to add the appropriate TDS level of the nutrients to the TDS level of the tap water. For example, if your blooming stage nutrient calls for adding 1,500 ppm of nutrients and your tap water is 250 ppm, you should be looking for a nutrient solution level of 1,750 ppm. 32

MAXIMUM YIELD UK - September / October 2010

Common Misperceptions

1. Read the user’s guide! 2. For the most accurate nutrient level reading, always start with 0 ppm water (or close), such as distilled, reverse osmosis (RO) or deionized water (DI). 3. If you don’t have access to a filtration system, always measure your tap water prior to adding the nutrients. Add the tap water TDS/EC level to the recommended nutrient level. 4. Always lightly swirl a TDS/EC meter in the solution to remove any air bubbles. 5. Give a meter about 10 seconds to stabilize for the best reading. 6. Temperature greatly affects TDS and EC. Therefore, always use a TDS/EC meter that includes Automatic Temperature Compensation (ATC). The ATC program will automatically adjust for temperature discrepancies, so you don’t have to. 7. Not all meters are waterproof! Always check before fully immersing your meter in water. 8. Most meters are factory calibrated, but may require recalibration depending upon usage. Always follow your specific meter’s instructions for calibration.

1. Confusing a parameter with a scale. 2. Calling a TDS meter a “ppm meter.” 3. Quantifying a nutrient by EC. As mentioned above, EC is the parameter Electrical Conductivity. Therefore, if a nutrient recipe calls for water with 2.0 EC, this is an incorrect determination. Most likely, the application is calling for an EC level of 2.0 mS; 2.0 mS = 2000 µS.

DefInitions

Tips and TRicks

TDS = Total Dissolved Solids EC = Electrical Conductivity PPM = Parts Per Million PPT = Parts Per Thousand µS (or µS/cm) = micro-Siemens mS (or mS/cm) = milli-Siemens NaCl = Sodium Chloride (EC-to-TDS conversion factor that is an average of 0.5) KCl = Potassium Chloride (EC-to-TDS conversion factor that is an average of 0.55) 442 = 442 Natural Water™ (EC-to-TDS conversion factor that is an average of 0.7) (442 is a registered trademark of the Myron L Company, developed by them to simulate the properties of naturally occurring fresh water. It’s the abbreviation for 40 per cent sodium sulfate, 40 per cent sodium bicarbonate, 20 per cent sodium chloride).

Converting between different scales PPM  PPT: Divide by 1,000 (1,000 ppm = one ppt) PPT  PPM: Multiply by 1,000 (one ppt = 1,000 ppm) µS  mS: Divide by 1,000 (1,000 µS = one mS) mS  µS: Divide by 1,000 (1,000 µS = one mS) PPM  µS: This depends on the conversion factor of your TDS meter (see above). The easiest method is to acquire a meter that reads in the parameter and scale of your preference (or both). µS  PPM: This depends on the conversion factor you wish to use (see above). The easiest method is to acquire a meter that reads in the parameter and scale of your preference (or both). MY

MAXIMUM YIELD UK - September / October 2010

Roots Roots & & Rooting Rooting media media

by Philip McIntosh

Nature Supporting Nature

Plant Meets Substrate Plants consist of three basic functional parts: leaves, stems and roots. Each of these plant structures is easily recognizable, and performs well-understood roles. Leaves are primarily photosynthetic platforms, and shoots provide above ground support, stability and transport tissue connecting the leaves and roots. Plant roots are complex organs. Knowledge of root biology provides a basis for better maintaining a healthy root environment for hydroponic plants. Roots are relatively dynamic and adaptable to conditions. To understand how roots and rooting media interact, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll look first at the relatively few fundamental functions of roots. Support. In nature, roots provide anchorage in the most massive object in the neighbourhood, the Earth. It is no accident that the shoot system (stems, leaves, flowers) is connected to the root system. As the above ground parts are subjected to various forces (wind, water, animals), they flex and transfer and dissipate the forces to the earth through the firmly embedded roots.

MAXIMUM YIELD UK - September / October 2010

A cutting in perlite

Water absorption. Although many plants can absorb water through their above ground parts, in most cases (and certainly in hydroponics) water enters the plant primarily through its roots. It is also possible for water to flow out of the plant through roots. Nutrient absorption. Although carbon is brought in and processed in leaves, roots provide other essential elements in the form of dissolved minerals and organic compounds. The roots are exploratory, in that they have the ability to range out into the environment to find new resources, even though the plant itself remains immobile.

Hydroponic Substrates In all hydroponic applications the main concern with regard to the rooting media is how well the material retains water and how much aeration it allows. Support is usually not an issue as it is easy to support plants from above. Of course in some applications there is no need for any rooting medium at all and plants are grown with their roots directly immersed in a nutrient stream or spray. When selecting a rooting medium for large-scale use the principle considerations are cost, biocompatibility, availability and disposal. Natural media are derived from natural products (sand, rock, perlite, plant matter), while the rest can be considered synthetic media. Some authors prefer to categorize them as either organic or inorganic. This article does not attempt to discuss in detail the many formulations and mixtures of various materials that can be made for particular applications. It is intended as review of the individual materials so users can better understand the advantages and disadvantages of each alone, and to better understand what each might contribute to a mixture. Some of the properties and attributes of available rooting media are described below.

Figure 1: Typical horticultural sand (courtesy of Home Harvest Garden Supply).

Sand. Sand is a tried and true substrate that has application for plants that do best with a substrate that actually makes physical contact with the roots (figure one). It is thought by some that the hanging gardens of Babylon employed a sand-based hydroponic system of some kind. Advantages of sand are that it is readily available and can be cleaned for essentially permanent use. It will seldom need replacing (if ever). Being composed principally of quartz, sand is cheap, chemically inert, stable and highly resistant to chemicals so you can sterilize it, chemically treat it, wash it with acid or do just about anything Natural Substrates else to it without damaging it. Gravel. Gravel differs from sand in having a much larger Not all sands are equally suited for hydroponics. Coarse sand particle size. It can be made of quartz-based rock or other is usually best, since too fine a grain size will cause packing material. Not any gravel will work. The gravel must be and poor air penetration. On the other hand, sand particles chemically inert, not affect the pH of the solution flowing are not at all porous (they are small hard crystals) so water through it or leach out any retention is poor. Some material that may be toxic to growers sieve their sand “Not all sands are equally suited for hydroponics. plants. Aquarium gravel is ideal before use to remove all but Coarse sand is usually best, since too fine a grain since it is inert, clean and does the coarsest particles. Sand is size will cause packing and poor air penetration”. not alter the pH of nutrient heavy stuff that can support solutions. Like sand it can also plants with extensive root be cleaned and reused and is readily available in a variety of systems without the use of overhead tying (so long as the particle sizes at reasonable cost. It is also unlikely it would ever plants are not too large). On the other hand, its weight is its need to be disposed of. principle disadvantage, making it difficult to move. It can be Unfortunately, gravel drains quickly, exhibits poor water mixed with lighter materials such as perlite or vermiculite to retention and is heavy. Gravel particles don’t pack together so air make it lighter and to improve its porosity. circulation around the roots is improved over sand. Unless you Since sand shouldn’t ever need to be replaced, there is no are using a well designed ebb and flow or drip system, the risk disposal cost associated with it. Its great weight has proven to be of the roots drying out is rather high. If your plants need to be sufficient a disadvantage to make sand hydroponics less popular moved around for some reason, gravel works well for systems than it used to be in the face of newer lighter alternatives. that use small pots (22 litres). Diatomaceous rock. Diatomaceous rock looks like any old gravel to most people but it’s really quite different (figure Gravel two). Diatomaceous rock is a fossil-material composed of the remains of ancient microscopic organisms known as diatoms. Diatoms are a type of unicellular algae that are still common today in both fresh water and marine environments (figure three). In certain parts of the world during times past, diatoms were so numerous that when they died they piled on top of MAXIMUM YIELD UK - September / October 2010

Roots & Rooting Media

Figure 2: Horticultural grade diatomaceous rock (courtesy of Diatomite Canada).

each other in great numbers, eventually compressing together to form a unique kind of sedimentary rock. Unlike regular gravel, diatomaceous rock is highly porous (this is because of the structure of the diatoms themselves). For this reason it is a bit lighter, retains water well and allows for good air penetration. Like sand and gravel, it is cleanable and reusable (no disposal needed).

MAXIMUM YIELD UK - September / October 2010

According to some studies, the silica that is made available by the fossilized diatom â&#x20AC;&#x153;skeletonsâ&#x20AC;? is also beneficial for plants. Although silicon is not known to be an essential element, it has been shown to add structural strength to cell walls and discourage predation. Most diatomaceous rock is of marine Figure 3: Diatoms (colour enhanced, courtesy of Diatomite Canada). origin, so it contains an unacceptable salt content, making it unsuitable for hydroponic use. Only a few mines contain material of fresh water origin that are of horticultural grade. It is less readily available to obtain in horticultural grade (you may have to order it from specialty supplier) and will thus be more expensive than gravel.

Perlite. Perlite is the general name given to certain kinds of volcanic rock that expand (sort of like a popcorn kernel) when heated (figure three). This expansion violently releases water trapped in the rock creating a highly porous material that finds wide use in hydroponics. It’s very light (don’t let the wind get it) and possesses a wicking action that actually pulls water into it. Despite its excellent water Figure 4: Typical horticultural grade absorbing characteristics, it perlite (courtesy of Home Harvest also dries out quickly, which Garden Supply). partially explains why it also has good aeration qualities. Another reason aeration is good is because if the particles are large enough, it leaves room for air to circulate between neighbouring particles (the same is true for coarse sand and gravel). So long as it is not allowed to dry

out, perlite makes a good rooting medium for cuttings. It can be difficult to keep the moisture level just right, so it is often mixed with vermiculite to obtain a better balance between water retention and aeration properties. It’s inexpensive and available just about anywhere. One disadvantage of perlite is that it’s soft and easily broken onto fine particles. The smaller the particle the closer the packing of the material and the greater the tendency to inhibit good aeration. In addition, breathing of these small particles is hazardous and a respirator should be worn when handling it. Since it eventually crumbles and degrades, it must be periodically replaced, but it is safe for disposal in landfills. MY

References Douglas, James Sholto. “Advanced guide to hydroponics.” Pelham Books, London (1985). Jones, J. Benton Jr. “Hydroponics, A practical guide for the soilless grower.” CRC Press, Boca Raton (1995). http://plantpropagation.com/propagationmedia.htm (accessed 09/15/08) http://www.enotes.com/how-products-encyclopedia/ vermiculite (accessed 09/17/08)

MAXIMUM YIELD UK - September / October 2010

Shopping for

Humic Acids by Donald Lester

In the past, humic acids have been referred to as â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Black Gold of Agriculture.â&#x20AC;? Due to several watered down and inferior grades of the product available on the market today, humic Average Content of Humic and Fulvic acids are getting a bad name. Acids Found in Various Source Materials These inferior grade products give reduced performance, and as Source % Humic Acids % Fulvic Acids a result, reduced grower confidence. Leonardite 40 85 This is compounded by the fact that there Black Peat 10 40 are several analytical methods available for Brown Coal 10 30 measuring the content and strength of humic Dung 5 15 acids. For example, scientists recently decided upon a particular method of analysis. When they Compost 2 5 tested products in the marketplace using this method Soil 1 5 they found that over half did not rate the strength claimed. Sludge 1 5 Now manufacturers have a six month grace period to Coal 0 1 change their labels or adjust their products and ingredients to pass the new testing procedure. Several regulatory agencies are working to agree on one standardized analytical method used to ensure consistency of product in the marketplace. Once this is Humic acid is an umbrella term for humic substances. There accomplished it will be easier to compare apples to apples when it are two main categories of humic acids or humic substances: comes to humic acid products. However, strength is not the only humic acid and fulvic acid. Each group is a mixture of large consideration when it comes to buying a quality humic acid. In molecules, much like gasoline is a mixture of varying sized this article I will point out other important characteristics to look molecules. Therefore, there is no one recognized chemical for when shopping for humic acid products. structure for humic acid or fulvic acid. The main distinction Humic acids are a source of between humic acids and fulvic "Humic acid extracted from manure or peat is concentrated organic matter acids is their pH and solubility usually not as effective in absorbing micronutrients in water. There are theoretical derived from various sources. as humic acid originating from leonardite." Plant materials go through models of the average sized several stages of decay: fresh molecule in each group which plant material, green manure, compost, peat, brown coal, gives us an idea of the size and complexity of the compounds. leonardite, and coal. These materials accumulate over time, and Structurally, humic acids are large molecules containing an with heat and pressure they eventually form bands or layers in abundance of oxygen and carboxyl groups. These oxygenated the soil each with a different composition of humic acids. areas on the molecule attract and bind with trace minerals in 38

MAXIMUM YIELD UK - September / October 2010

the soil that would otherwise be unavailable to the plant. Some refer to this binding of material as a complex (1:1 ratio) and others refer to it as a chelation (two humic acid: one mineral ratio). The large humic acid molecule binds with many mineral ions in the soil to act as a bus to deliver these minerals to the plant root in a useable form. There are different amounts of oxygenation in each humic acid source. Leonardite has the most heavily oxygenated molecules yielding more nutrient binding

Humic Acid Quality Features Your Should Look For

Materials like peat, coal, leonardite, green manure and compost accumulate over time, and with heat and pressure they eventually form geological layers in the soil.

tests had increased yields ranging from three per cent to 70 per cent with an overall average of 25 per cent (Magdoff and Weil High Quality Humic Low Quality Humic 2004). In other tests, wheat yields were reported to increase Acid Acid in ranges of 7.3 per cent to 18 per cent (Xudan 1986). A very Derived from leonardite Derived from coal, brown coal, good summary and overview of humic acid research is covered compost, manure or peat in the book Soil Organic Matter in Sustainable Agriculture by Potassium hydroxide Aluminum hydroxide, sodium F. Magdoff and R. Weil published in 2004. hydroxide, other alkalines Humic acids also build soil structure. Fulvic acids are No heavy metals Heave metals - lead, arsenic, physically smaller than humic acids. Being smaller in size the mercury fulvic acids tend to break up heavy clay soils by absorbing the Organic certification Not organically certified materials that bind soil particles together. The larger humic Low usage rates indicate strength High usage rates indicate weakness acids tend to bind soil particles together like glue so they are Fairly priced You get what you pay for better at building and creating soil structure in sandy soils. Of all the raw materials mentioned, leonardite is the best source of humic acids. Leonardite is a mineral that forms on top of coal sites. Humic acid extracted from manure or peat is usually not as beds. It is not to be confused with the minerals leonhardite or effective in absorbing micronutrients as humic acid originating leonhardtite (Jackson, Mehl, and Neuendorf 2005). In its natural from leonardite. mineral form leonardite is insoluble and unavailable to plants. Humic acids have several The humic acids have to be properties that are beneficial â&#x20AC;&#x153;Many research studies show that humic substances released from leonardite using to plants because they are stimulate the growth of plant tissues and increase the a solvent. The refining process biostimulants; they chelate of leonardite involves reacting total quantity of nutrients absorbed.â&#x20AC;? or complex many essential the mineral with sodium minerals necessary for plant growth; they increase the seed hydroxide, aluminium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide or other germination rate; and they act as a food source for beneficial soil alkaline materials. Using sodium hydroxide results in an average micro-organisms. of 7.5 per cent sodium salt in the final product, which can be When it comes to claims, growers often donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know which toxic to plants and can lead to salt build up in the soil. Aluminium to believe. There appears to be confusion and doubt about the hydroxide releases aluminium into the soil which, under certain biostimulant effects of humic acids. The term biostimulant pH conditions, ties up or competes with other nutrients to make is ill defined and often thought of as merely a marketing them unavailable for plants to use. Look for humic acids that term. However, humic acid substances do act as biostimulants have been manufactured using potassium hydroxide as a solvent, (substances that stimulate growth) in hydroponics and sand because it results in potassium remaining in the final product; culture, and especially in soils with low organic matter content. potassium is a desirable essential plant food. Potassium is the K in Many research studies show that humic substances stimulate the N-P-K number of fertilizer labels. the growth of plant tissues and increase the total quantity Finally, look for humic acid products that have organic of nutrients absorbed. There is a large body of experimental certification. Organic certification ensures that the humic acid evidence for enhanced growth in several crops and in different you are buying is not loaded with heavy metals, pathogenic plant parts (i.e. roots, shoots, seeds), but primarily in shoot organisms, animal by-products, sewage materials or other fillers MY growth. One of the more famous humic acid studies is a tomato and impurities. trial conducted by Brownell et al. published in 1987 that demonstrated an average yield increase of 10.5 per cent. The An easily downloadable humic acid reference same author conducted cotton trials in the same year and had a is available at www.maximumyield.com yield increase of 11.2 per cent. Grape trials in large unreplicated MAXIMUM YIELD UK - September / October 2010

TALKING SHOP

AT A GLANCE Store Name: Urban Garden Owners: Michele Callan, Michael Callan, Tom Brophy, Robert Reddin Location and Phone: Unit 4, Slaney Court, Slaney Rd., Dublin Industrial Est. Glasnevin, Dublin 11, Ireland Phone: (01)8301111

Four Friends, One Big Dream In 2009 four friends—Michele and Michael Callan, Tom Brophy and Robert Reddin—saw the need for a well equipped indoor gardening shop in Dublin. We envisioned a welcoming space with a good sized showroom and knowledgeable staff. We all share the same passion for growing produce at home and have 50 years combined growing experience. With enthusiasm leading our business plan, the search for a premise began, and in March 2010 we opened Urban Garden.

Web: www.urbangarden.ie

Co-owner Michael has been pioneering the “grow your own” movement in Ireland for years, setting an example with his own homegrown crops. Urban Garden is just one more avenue for him to educate and inspire new growers. 40

MAXIMUM YIELD UK - September / October 2010

“The “grow your own” movement is huge among the Irish, and continually growing as more information becomes available and techniques advance.” Co-owner Michele is an award winning customer service representative from her experience working in a bank.

A Vision Realized Urban Garden is located in a well established trading area in the North side of Dublin City (Ireland) and has ample customer parking facilities. Close to the M1, M50 and Dublin Port, the shop is in an excellent position to service all four quadrants of Ireland. With over 2,000 square feet of space, the store features a large front sales room and a display room. This enables us to demonstrate systems and products to our customers with ease. Various vegetables, herbs and flowers grow in the display room hydroponically and in soil. All newly ordered products are thoroughly researched and tested, when possible, in-store. We carry a full range of indoor gardening and hydroponics equipment. There is a strategic reason for every product we carry: the Biobizz product line is organic; Grotek products are earth safe; and all of our available products are manufactured by leaders in the marketplace. A Gardening Affair In Ireland the island climate is relatively mild throughout the summers and winters, an environment that on paper is conducive to successful outdoor gardening. On the contrary, the sometimes overabundant rainfall hinders successful crop growth, which is why indoor gardening is so appealing. The team at Urban Garden encourages their customers to grow a variety of unique and classic food crops and also flowers, including orchids, an industry that is quickly gaining interest among a younger demographic of growers. Urban Garden plans to expand into this market and offer innovative products that facilitate indoor and hydroponic orchid growing. The “grow your own” movement is huge among the Irish, and continually growing as more information becomes available

and techniques advance. Polytunnels, perfectly suitable for the temperate Ireland region, are scattered across the landscape, filled with homegrown fruits and vegetables. Always Learning, Always Growing Owning and growing a company takes a lot of energy and a lot of time.You need to stay really focused on who you want to be, what you want to be doing and who your customers are so you can fulfill their needs. Excellent customer service is central to our shop philosophy. In fact, Michele won awards for her exceptional customer service when she worked in the banking industry. A testament to our success is the positive feedback that flows in from our customers, even though the business is still in its infancy. Our plan for the future is to continue to develop our product range and knowledge and become the shop of choice for growers.

As an important member of the Urban Garden team, Des helps customers navigate through the myriad of products available to growers. MAXIMUM YIELD UK - September / October 2010

AN AYURVEDIC ANSWER: GROWING BASIL INDOORS by Sudhir Naik and Shraddha N.

Basil, also known as “Sacred Tulsi” or “Holy Basil,” has been cultivated for around 5,000 years in the tropical regions of Asia, Iran and India. There are more than 60 varieties and most of them are adaptable to organic cultivation. “Genovese” and “Italian large leaf ” varieties are relatively easy to grow. “Thai Basil” has a mild anise flavour and is sweeter compared to the Italian variety. “Purple Ruffles” is also considered one of the best to grow indoors. Health Benefits Basil increases the body’s resistance to disease and assists with the development of a strong immune system. While many of the benefits take immediate effect, some of the benefits appear over time as the body’s natural process of healing and health improve gradually.You may feel more energized and relaxed after consuming a cup of basil tea or juice. Research confirms that basil reduces stress, enhances stamina, lowers cholesterol, relieves inflammation, eliminates toxins, prevents gastric ulcer, lowers fever, improves digestion and provides a rich supply of antioxidants and other nutrients. It has traditionally been used in Ayurvedic medicine in countries around the world and is widely used in homeopathy and pharmaceuticals.

MAXIMUM YIELD UK - September / October 2010

Properties and Composition The unique composition of basil is highly complex with its different beneficial compounds (phytochemicals), essential oils (containing linalol, estragol, eugenol, citral and citronellal monoterpenes), tannins, flavonoids, rosmarinic, caffeic and chlorogenic acids. The antioxidative effect is mainly due to the phenolic acids, flavonoids and anthocyanins present. Due to this property, it is effective in reducing blood glucose levels. The adaptogenic property of basil helps the body to adapt efficiently to stress and tension. Adaptogens present in basil reduce the intensity and negative, harmful effects of stress. Studies have shown that crude aqueous and ethanol extracts of basil that contain ursolic acid exhibit strong antiviral behaviours against viruses. Culinary Uses of Basil Basil is commonly used fresh in cooking. The aroma of the fresh leaves is simply outstanding in salads and stews, and with tuna and potatoes. Basil is the main ingredient in pesto. It is advisable to add it when the dish is almost done to retain its flavour and aroma. Beware of excessive cooking, as it destroys the flavour and the essential nutrients. Fresh herbs can be refrigerated in a plastic bag or dried for future consumption.

Cultivated for around 5,000 years in the tropical regions of Asia, Iran and India, there are more than 60 varieties of basil and most of them are adaptable to organic cultivation and relatively easy to grow.

Growing Basil Indoors Basil herbs are tender annuals in cold climate like the U.S. and Canada but are perennial in the warm, temperate and tropical regions of Asia. They can be easily grown indoors in containers or outdoors from seeds and cuttings. Maintain the soil temperature at around 21°Cs. Basil should be pruned when it has grown three to five sets of leaves to expedite propagation and branching. MY About the Author: Sudhir Naik has been caring for herbs for over 20 years. He is a contributing writer to www.evergreenherbgardens.com and author of “Secrets of Evergreen Herb Gardening.” (Source: http://EzineArticles.com)

MAXIMUM YIELD UK - September / October 2010

The Real Organic Hydroponics by Luis Bartolo

to be a basis for the catalyst to happen in order to create the Organic hydroponics. This, the ultimate combination of control (hydroponics) and tasty, Earth-friendly gardening practices active micro life necessary for organic plant health and growth. (organics), is but a dream for many gardeners. It offers the ideal Organic substances left in water are not able to be stabilized, nor solution and could be the ultimate growing system. There has are they able to catalyze with each other. After a time they will deteriorate and even become stagnant and harmful to the plant. been much trial and error in the process and a suitable formulae Experimenters have also tried using active compost teas and has not yet been found that is wholly organic whilst remaining reliable and workable in a regular organic fertilizers â&#x20AC;&#x153;Soil microbiology and organic elements combine in reservoir tanks hydroponic environment. So is organic combined with air pumps together in a living explosion of decomposition, and bubblers in an attempt hydroponics possible? magically working together to create So far the answer is to keep the mixture active. new life forms.â&#x20AC;? Used with other soilless uncertain. Organic substances by their very nature need to be alive and have mediums such as coco or pebbles this can work up to a point but the ability to combine with other organic elements in unlike most chemical/mineral hydroponic operations the solution will need changing on a regular basis. This is not only defeating order to function at their best. Soil microbiology and the organic elements combine together in a living explosion of the object of automation, but also costing more money in wasted decomposition, magically working together to create new life fertilizer. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also not eco-friendly, which defeats the objective of forms. Water alone cannot provide this function. There needs being organic in the first place. 44

MAXIMUM YIELD UK - September / October 2010

Another system of so-called organic hydroponics includes having pots of soil suspended in a flood and drain or NFT system. The top layer of the pot contains soil or a compost mix with rocks or gravel at the bottom to prevent the medium leaching into the water. But the reservoir tank will only be able to contain water with possibly the addition of organic bio-stimulants. The actual feeding of the organic nutrients would still have to be done from the top by hand. Essentially this method would just function as a sophisticated watering system and is likely as far into organic hydroponics as we are going to get for now. However, this example is not soilless or automated and, Reservoir Tanks Soilless mediums such as coco or pebbles can work up to a point but therefore, not hydroponic in the traditional sense. unlike most chemical/mineral hydroponic operations the solution will So how are we to progress and what methods from either need changing on a regular basis. This is a costly and potentially environmentally harmful solution, which defeats the objective of being system can we utilize for the best results? Is it possible to organic in the first place. take elements from both and make them more functional or usable? This is a matter of much interest and research within our industry and research and development continues cases perform better than their chemical counterparts. Still in this direction. Meanwhile, certain bio-stimulants and this does not provide us with a complete solution. One of the energy boosters are available that can be used in standard main reasons for organic cultivation is the quality and taste of the end product; hydroponic systems. bio-stimulants do These remain â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have established the scientific facts that organic improve the overall stable and usable in hydroponics isn't yet possible...[but] is it possible to take health of the plant water and do not elements from both and make them more functional?â&#x20AC;? when used in this interfere with the way and serve as an EC measurements ecologically-sound alternative to an otherwise predominantly in any way. Organic certified substances such as those chemical system. based on fulvic and humate acids and certain aminos can Another way of bringing your hydroponic crops closer be used where they function incredibly well and in many to organic and also improve the flavour of the end product is through the use of foliar applications. Seaweed and fish emulsions can be taken in directly through the leaf and stems of the plant. This also enhances chlorophyll content and supplies trace elements of organic origin. Some composting preparations such as worm cast tea can also be used in this way. The results are immediate and hugely beneficial. Foliar applications of fish emulsion on plants grown hydroponically show the same improved grow rates as their conventional sisters in a pot or the earth. Similarly seaweed applications serve as a rescue remedy to poor or sick plants just as they would in the soil. So it can be said that certain elements of organics can be incorporated into hydroponics. The solution is not perfect but it is the best we have for now. One thing is for sure we have to A living explosion of decomposition continue our quest to find the Organic substances suspended in water are unable to stabilize and, over time, will deteriorate, becoming perfect combination, for us, our harmful to the plants. society and Mother Earth. MY MAXIMUM YIELD UK - September / October 2010

Kitchen

Composting If you’re a composter then you know that sometimes it feels like a chore to take your kitchen scraps out to the compost bin. No one wants to run outside every time they eat an apple or chop some onions. Well you don’t have to anymore if you get a compost crock. Compost crocks will blend in on your kitchen countertop. They look more like cookie jars than a container to store your disposables in. Peel a carrot or a cucumber, toss in the peels. Making coffee? Toss in the grinds and the filter too. Are you a fan of watermelon? The rinds can go right in your compost crock where they will wait until you have a free moment to dump them into your outside compost bin. If storing stuff on your counter that you’re used to putting in the trash doesn’t sounds like a great idea to you, don’t worry. Kitchen compost crocks come with replaceable carbon filters. They fit neatly into the lid of the crock and eliminate odors. No one will ever know that it’s filled with your kitchen waste. Compost crocks come in different colors and are even made from different materials. It will be easy to find one that will look good in your kitchen. There are stainless steel models and also ceramic ones. Now just because you have a compost crock doesn’t mean that you can let the contents sit for weeks on end. Be sure to empty your crock at least once a week. Compost crocks are easy to empty and clean.You can use a hose from the garden to give it a quick rinse over your compost bin; or, you can bring it back inside with you and wash it out in the sink. Getting a dishwasher safe compost crock makes it even easier to clean. Stop feeling guilty about throwing away your kitchen scraps. With a compost crock in your kitchen you’re on your way to making the most nutrient-rich, good for your plants compost that you’ve ever made. And you’ll owe it all to your compost crock. MY

MAXIMUM YIELD UK - September / October 2010

Widely available, compost crocks can be found in a variety of materials and colours. Selection ranges from trendy, stainless steel to traditional ceramic to uber, ecofriendly bamboo.

Long Beach presents

INDOOR GARDENING EXPO

Oct 16 & 17, 2010 at the Long Beach Convention Center n e d a o r • YBour Know ledge • BYoouorsStki lls e m o c e • B Master

• World Class Exhibitors • Seminars • Education & More!

th e r Mod e rn of Youe n! Ga rd Sponsored by:

Visit www.indoorgardenexpo.com or call 1-250-729-2677 for details. MAXIMUM YIELD UK - September / October 2010

PRODUCT spotlight

See it. Want it. Find it at your favourite indoor gardening store.

Continued from page 17

Award Winning Reflective Foils ________________________ Produced exclusively for the North American hydroponic and horticultural market, Easy Grow Ltd. is proud to announce the creation of 7.5 and 15 meter rolls of their famous food grade, reflective foils in Lightite and Eco. The Diamond Diffusion and Silver/White Lightite foils are over five millimeters thick and the Eco foils are three millimeters thick. All Easy Grow foils offer the same guarantee of non-gassing, food grade material with only clean virgin (non-recycled) polymers used in the production process. For more information visit an indoor gardening shop.

House & Garden Hydro A&B Base Nutrients _____________ House & Garden Hydro A&B base nutrients are an absolute must-have for all gardeners. The smart composition of the various elements ensures optimal nourishment of plants in the grow and the flowering period. Hydro A&B nutrients are composed of liquid main and trace elements, including EddhaFe (iron) and contain no bulking agents. This enables the plant to absorb the nutrients fast and effectively. House & Garden Hydro A&B nutrients are used for recirculating or run to waste systems using perlite, rockwool, clay balls and various other substrates. Ask for these products at your local hydro store. Visit an indoor gardening retailer to learn more.

GGL Penetrator High Intensity Reflector ____ Like the sunâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s light reaches through the depths of space, Global Greenhouse Lightingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Penetrator high intensity reflector has a unique design focusing high intensity light for deep canopy penetration. Designed in Holland and tested by master gardeners, GGL Penetrator reflectors are built by gardeners for gardeners. Using premium components GGL created a reflector that works with both HPS and MH lamps, includes a socket with 4.5 meter cord, universal plug and is available in both conventional and 15 centiemtre air cooled. Ask for it now at your local indoor gardening shop.

Biobizz Starters Pack __________________ The Biobizz Starters Pack is fully loaded with everything you need to initiate an organic growing adventure. The rooting, growing and blooming phases will be taken care of and you will be rewarded with the most amazing harvest as a result. The Biobizz Starters Pack is great for beginner growers with a quick and easy guide included. For more information visit your local indoor/outdoor gardening shop.

MY You can find all of our products online at www.maximumyield.com. Each month your favourite new product profiles will be featured on our website. Get the latest information on what will make your garden grow. Do you want to be included in the product spotlight? Contact the editor at 1-250-279-2677 or email editor@maximumyield.com

MAXIMUM YIELD UK - September / October 2010

DO YOU

know?

5 1 2 3 4

There is no one recognized chemical structure for humic acid or fulvic acid. The main distinction between the two is their pH and solubility in water.

Over 400 volatile aromatic compounds that may contribute to the overall flavour experience have been identified in tomato fruit.

Although diatomaceous rock looks like gravel, it is actually a fossil-material composed of the remains of ancient microscopic organisms known as diatoms.

Oriental crops are far less likely to bolt (run to seed early) during late summer and early autumn.

Over 60 varieties of basil, also known as “Sacred Tulsi” or “Holy Basil,” exist and have been cultivated for around 5,000 years in the tropical regions of Asia, Iran and India.

Many believe that the hanging gardens of Babylon employed a sand-based hydroponic system of some kind.

If your nutrient mix is calling for 1.0 EC this is most likely referring to is an EC reading of 1.0 mS; 1.0 mS equals 1000 µS.

Although many names exist for nutrient meters, there are really only two: TDS meters or conductivity meters.

ANSWERS:

July/August 2010 quiz

1) d 2) a, b, c, d 3) To keep aerobic conditions in the rootzone by creating as much oxygen as possible with the airstone; preventing anaerobic activity that causes root rot 4) Because they don’t restrict air movement and air circulation in the growing environment which is important in hot weather with increased plant respiration 5) a 6) b

Maximum Yield and Erik Biksa wish to thank you for your faithful readership of "Check your Growing IQ" these past few years. We will no longer be running this special feature in the pages of Maximum Yield, however, the fun won't stop here. Stay tuned to future editions of Maximum Yield where we will feature fun hydroponic trivia for all levels of growers. MAXIMUM YIELD UK - September / October 2010

MAX-MART

COMING UP IN november-december 2010

Hydroponic H2O: Water Quality and Treatment Just because the water coming out of your tap is clear and healthy for you, doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean your plants will feel the same way. Dr. Lynette Morgan describes what problem water looks like and offers solutions.

The Wonders of Winter Maxi Mulch

The secret to a fertile outdoor winter garden is revealed with scavenging tips for gathering usable materials.

Understanding and Using Trichoderma Fungi

This article covers Trichoderma, an easy-to-use fungi that helps control soil diseases and break down crop residues.

Pass the Parsley

Whether grown indoors or out, in containers, kitchen gardens or greenhouses, homegrown parsley is the best option for fresh, flavourful herbs all year.

Maximum Yield UK (November/December) will be available November 1 for FREE at selected indoor gardening retail stores across the UK and on maximumyield.com. Subscriptions are available at maximumyield.com/subscriptions.php

MAXIMUM YIELD UK - September / October 2010