Page 17 - Griffin Gazette Spring 2016
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crops differently according to their needs. GGSPro creates fertilizer NEDEITWION
programs for growers based on the alkalinity of their irrigation water
and the pH requirements of their crops, allowing fertilizer rotations to Technical Reference Guide
aid in managing crops with different pH requirements.
The ability to monitor media pH is essential for optimizing crop The GGSPro Technical Reference Guide serves as a go-to
nutrition. Many reputable labs can assist you with a full report resource for both experienced and novice growers. Written
of the nutritional status of the media. These tests are quite by Griffin’s GGSPro technical support team, the Technical
valuable, especially for troubleshooting. Growers can also monitor Reference Guide focuses on identifying problems and
the pH and EC (electrical conductivity, i.e., soluble salts) with providing solutions. Topics were selected based on the
simple in-house testing. See the digital Gazette for thorough thousands of technical inquires that the GGSPro team fields
instructions for the 2:1 and pour-thru media testing techniques. each year. Sections include Abiotic Disorders, Pollinator
In-house testing allows for more frequent and cost-effective Stewardship, Insects, Diseases, Weeds, BCAs, PGRs and
monitoring between lab tests. Crop Nutrition.
When testing indicates the pH has moved out of the ideal range, steps The 4th edition of the Technical Reference Guide
can be taken to correct it. Raising the media pH can be accomplished includes:
through various means, each with its own merits. Media drenches
of potassium bicarbonate, flowable calcium carbonate (CalOx) and • New Pollinator Stewardship section
flowable dolomitic limestone (Limestone-F) all have a place. See the Bee safety codes and bee-friendly growers practices
digital Gazette for specific information on how to utilize these tools.
When the media pH needs to be decreased, often the best option • New Abiotic Disorders section
is to inject reagent-grade sulfuric acid. Depending on how far the Environmental and chemical stressors and their effects
pH needs to be reduced, inject 1-1.5 oz per 100 gal and monitor on plants
media pH, stopping the acid injection as soon as the target range
is achieved. If sulfuric acid is already being injected to counteract • The latest GGSPro product recommendations with updated
excess alkalinity in the irrigation water, increase the acid amount by rates and other important info throughout.
25-33% and re-check the media pH after 3-4 irrigations. Iron sulfate
and aluminum sulfate drenches are other options, depending on the Item # 98-401 $139.00 + S & H
crop(s) involved. Controlled-release prills of aluminum sulfate are
sometime used for hydrangeas and certain nursery crops.
With a little coaching, regular media pH testing can be a part of your
crop health-monitoring process. Add this to the benefits of scouting
for insects, mites and diseases, and you can be well on your way to
providing the preventative care that reduces the risk of unpleasant
surprises, improves plant quality and reduces shrink.
Geranium, low pH-induced iron and manganese toxicity
Visit our website: GGSPro.com
Call us: 888-GGSPRO-1
Petunia, high pH-induced iron deficiency Click here for more information on the
GGSPro Technical Reference Guide
