Growing Science

Growing Science

Comparative Analysis of Batch and Inline Methods of Fertigation
Fertigation is the process of delivering nutrients to plants through irrigation. In hydroponic systems, this method fertilizes the root zone directly based on plant requirements, allowing plants to absorb nutrients and water efficiently while minimizing nutrient leaching. The two types of fertigation systems are batch and inline injection. Each has its pros and cons, and choosing the best system depends on factors such as operation size and complexity, budgetary constraints and need for scalability. Batch versus inline injection The primary difference between batch …
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Managing VPD for Cannabis
The vapor pressure deficit (VPD) is the difference between the moisture currently in the air and the maximum moisture it can hold when saturated. As we discussed in our previous blog post, VPD is an important parameter to measure and control because it directly influences plant transpiration. In this blog post, we’ll explain how to determine the VPD of the grow room using temperature and humidity, the ideal VPD levels for cannabis and the equipment needed to monitor and adjust VPD. Measuring …
Growing Science

Understanding Vapor Pressure Deficit
In our previous blog post, we talked about the importance of plant transpiration and how to ensure plants transpire at an ideal rate for optimal growth. One way that growers can determine if the right amount of transpiration is occurring is by measuring the vapor pressure deficit (VPD). VPD indicates the air’s moisture saturation level. Lower moisture in the air allows more plant transpiration, while higher saturation reduces it. In this post, we’ll explore how VPD works, its impact on plant …
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Understanding Plant Transpiration
When plants transpire, they move water from the roots to the shoots and release it into the atmosphere. Transpiration influences several other important processes, including nutrient uptake and photosynthesis. Understanding how plant transpiration works can help indoor cannabis cultivators foster an ideal environment for optimum transpiration rates. Figure 1. Plant transpiration. Image by brgfx on Freepik The transpiration process Transpiration occurs primarily through small openings in the leaves called stomata. The stomata regulate water loss by pulling water up through the tiny tubes of …
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Sources of Carbon Dioxide Supplementation
Supplementing carbon dioxide (CO2) in the grow room is common in indoor cannabis cultivation. As we discussed in our blog post on CO2 supplementation, CO2 is essential for photosynthesis. By increasing the amount of ambient CO2, growers can boost their plants’ photosynthetic rates, producing bigger yields and shortening the crop life cycle for more frequent harvests. In this blog post, we will discuss the different methods of CO2 supplementation. CO2 injection systems and tanks CO2 injection systems and tanks rank among the most popular ways …
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Carbon Dioxide Supplementation
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is essential for photosynthesis. The amount of CO2 available to plants affects their net photosynthetic rate. Providing additional CO2 in indoor cultivation serves two purposes: (1) It can prevent a reduction in plant growth, which can happen in tightly sealed indoor environments if CO2 drops below ambient outdoor levels. (2) It can spur the rate of photosynthesis by providing elevated levels of CO2, resulting in bigger yields. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the role of CO2 in …
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Irrigation Water Quality in Hydroponics
Water is the lifeblood of agriculture. Not only does water irrigate roots, but it also delivers oxygen and essential nutrients to plants for healthy growth, big yields and high crop quality. The quality of irrigation water is paramount. Poor water quality can lead to problems like stunted growth, nutrient toxicities or deficiencies, accumulation of harmful heavy metals in plant tissue, and bacterial contamination; in severe cases, it can even lead to plant death. Assessing water quality involves more than just its appearance, …
Growing Science

Managing Cannabis Pests and Pathogens
Even though cannabis grown indoors is protected from Mother Nature, it remains vulnerable to pests and pathogens. Growing dense stands of plants in a humid, enclosed environment can lead to infestations and infections. But growers can reduce the risk of outbreaks by implementing Integrated Pest Management (IPM)—an effective, environmentally sensitive way to manage pests and pathogens that seeks to prevent infestations and infections from occurring in the first place and uses multiple control methods to address issues if they arise.[1] Determine tolerable levels IPM is …
Growing Science

Terpenes and their Benefits
Cannabis strains have a range of fragrance and flavors, from musky and earthy to floral and sweet to citrusy or spicy. Terpenes are the naturally occurring compounds responsible for these unique aromas. While terpenes are found throughout the entire cannabis plant, they are primarily concentrated in the trichomes—fine, hairlike growths that cover the plant’s foliage and flowers. In addition to their effect on the senses, terpenes offer therapeutic benefits, deter pests, attract pollinators and may even synergize with cannabinoids in producing psychoactive …
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How Light Affects Cannabinoid Production
Light is the primary energy source for plants. Not only is it necessary for photosynthesis, but certain wavelengths impact the accumulation of secondary metabolites, including cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids. This blog post unpacks the impact of the light spectrum on cannabis and how different wavelengths influence yield, cannabinoid production and plant morphology. Light spectrum and intensity The light spectrum is determined by wavelengths. For instance, ultraviolet light encompasses a part of the spectrum whose wavelength is 10–400 nanometers (nm). The sun emits light with …
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How Amino Acids Promote Plant Growth
Proteins are known as “the building blocks of life”—and amino acids the building blocks of proteins. Plants synthesize their own aminos naturally, but if crops are stressed, they may not have sufficient energy to manufacture these crucial compounds.[1] In this blog post, we’ll unpack what amino acids are, why they’re important for plant development, and why it’s a good idea to feed cannabis with a fertilizer that contains them. What are amino acids? Amino acids are chemical compounds that include an amine …
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Sources of Soluble Silicon
Silicon is the second most abundant element on Earth. However, most forms of silicon[1] found in nature are unavailable for uptake by plants. To reap the benefits of silicon, growers must use a fertilizer that contains a highly soluble source of silicon. That’s easier said than done. While there is no shortage of silicon in the world, not all silicon compounds are equal. Some may not be very soluble or even high in silicon. Others may have significant downsides, such as …
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