Maximum Yield USA April 2018 | Page 67

HYDROGEN PEROXIDE Hydrogen peroxide is one of the most common ways to boost the dissolved oxygen content in a nutrient solution, but it is also one of the most debated additives in the hydroponic community. Hydrogen peroxide naturally occurs in rain water and has played an intricate role in plant and microbial evolution since the beginning of time. Unfortunately, many growers overapply hydrogen peroxide, and that is counterproductive. A high concentration of hydrogen peroxide will create an oxidization effect, which kills beneficial organisms. So, growers who wish to use a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution as an oxygen booster should do so in moderation. It should also be mentioned that the bene- fits of using hydrogen peroxide to boost dissolved oxygen are short-lived. This makes hydrogen peroxide more of a band-aid instead of a permanent solution for maintaining dissolved oxygen levels in a hydroponic system. “PUMPING MORE AIR does not necessarily equate to a higher dissolved oxygen content.” A NEW METHOD FOR INCREASING DISSOLVED OXYGEN A new technology specifically designed for increasing dissolved oxygen is emerging in the hydroponic industry. This new technology involves oxygen emitters that use electrolysis to generate molecular oxygen. When an electric current passes through an ion-containing solution like water, the electrolysis separates oxygen from hydrogen. This process delivers more oxygen to the solution than an air stone and an air pump. Electrolysis devices are not limited by the available oxygen in the air; instead, they create pure oxygen that can easily be absorbed back into the water as dissolved oxygen. The other big benefit of these electrolysis devices is they do not increase the temperature of the water. Using an electrolysis device is the best method to ensure the hydroponic nutrient solution will consistently maintain its maximum dissolved oxygen capacity. Without an adequate level of dissolved oxygen, the beneficial microorganisms will perish and open the door for anaerobic pathogens to take hold. Temperature and salinity (dissolved salts in the solution) are the largest physical factors determining a solution’s maximum dissolved oxygen capacity, and temperature ultimately dictates the maximum capacity for dissolved oxygen content. Any adjustments to the temperature and the nutrient concentration can affect the solution’s maximum dissolved oxygen content. However, there are several ways, ranging from air stones to electrolysis devices, for a grower to ensure their solution stays oxygenated. Of course, the only way a grower can truly know how much dissolved oxygen is in the nutrient solution is by using a dissolved oxygen meter. Regularly monitoring the dissolved oxygen content should be one of a hydroponic gardener’s top priorities, right up there with monitoring the pH and nutrient concentration. When used together, a dissolved oxygen meter and an electrolysis device can allow a grower to find and maintain their nutrition solution’s maximum dissolved oxygen saturation point. ADDING BENEFICIAL MICROBES TO YOUR PLANTS HAS NEVER BEEN EASIER CALL F FREE SA OR A 940-393 MPLE -9213 Maximize nutrient uptake from seed to harvest for bigger, healthier roots and yield. HYDRO-ENHANCE.COM grow cycle 67