Page 17 - Griffin Gazette Issue 2 - 2019

GRODAN BASICS

Precision Irrigation
Quality plants need many things, particularly the right combination of the ideal substrate or growing
media and using an optimal watering strategy for your system and growing environment. Following
these proven irrigation techniques will help you achieve the high quality product while optimizing Click Here
your use of water and nutrients.
To read more information on the best way
for transplanting from a small block to a
slab or large block.

Crop Steering
Crop steering can be achieved in part through irrigation helping the plant grow leaves (vegetative
growth) or flowers /fruits (generative growth). The amount, frequency, and timing of irrigation solution GRODAN BASICS
applied influences the plants response and steers the growth. Adjusting the irrigation strategy
specifically for the environment, genetic, and stage of plant growth will keep the plant growth at the
optimum and improve final product quality.
Transplanting
Vegetative Stage
• Vegetative growth focuses on early root and plant development so it is critical to maintain proper
water content in the root zone without over or under saturating the growing media. Transplanting from a small block to a slab or large block is an important step in plant development
allowing for further root growth and stability for larger fruiting and flowering crops. Extra care needs
• Every irrigation event creates a vegetative response in the plant so you should apply multiple small to be taken throughout this process to prevent plant shock, delayed growth, and poor root
irrigations throughout the day without oversaturating the block (At least once per day).
development. Transplanting from a smaller volume of growing media into a larger one provides
• Irrigating with large volumes of solution oversaturates the growing media, slowing down plant growth. better irrigation control and allows the plant to develop the root system required to support
flowering and fruit development.
• A lower EC both in the irrigation water and the substrate will allow for easier water uptake and also
help with vegetative steering.
Preparation
The initial conditioning of slabs and larger blocks sets the stage for proper rooting-in. First, the EC of
Click Here the conditioning nutrient solution should be equal to or slightly less than what the plant is currently
receiving. Using the same EC or slightly lower EC will make it easier for the roots to grow into the new
substrate. Ideally, the plant should already be irrigated with a nutrient solution of 1.5-2.5 EC and pH of
5.5-6.0 prior to transplanting. Slabs can be conditioned using a drip irrigation system by filling the bags
To read more information about optimal with the proper nutrient solution until they are full. Once the slabs are fully saturated drain holes should
be cut at the lowest point of the slab. The placement of the drain holes is important as it allows for
watering strategy for use with Grodan. consistent water content and EC throughout the slabs. Large blocks will need to be conditioned using
a watering wand or boom, by making several low-speed passes over the top of the blocks with a
course spray until full saturation is achieved. Block weights (or water contents) can be checked to make
sure they are all consistent. Blocks can also be conditioned using a flood table or can be immersed in
solution until they sink then they are ready for transplanting.

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