Maximum Yield Cannabis USA March/April 2019 | Page 40

“Without proper air
exchange, gardens are
plagued with countless
problems that all stem
from excesses of heat
and humidity.”
There are several ways to ensure proper airflow and subse-
quent temperature and humidity controls in a greenhouse
or growroom. For most hobbyist grows, a relatively simple
and affordable intake and outtake air exchange system will
do the trick. Expert gardeners recommend that the air in a
growroom or greenhouse should be entirely exchanged every
one to three minutes for optimum growth and vigor. While a
simple air exchange system is generally suitable for most
novice grows, certain locales and geographies also require
the use of air conditioning units or dehumidifiers.
4
Nutrients and pH
Proper fertilization and water pH techniques are vital
to push cannabis plants to their full genetic potential.
However, new growers do not need to be overly concerned
with the ins and outs of N-P-K ratios, micronutrients, and
living soil. For novice gardeners, an obvious first step in
understanding fertigation is simply following the directions
and schedules of a chosen nutrient line.
The most common mistake made by rookie cultivators relat-
ing to nutrients and water has to do with pH. Different water
sources, such as city water and well water, differ greatly
in their mineral content and pH levels.
These levels can fluctuate greatly with
changing seasons and water tables,
especially in locales like California
that have drastic shifts in precipitation
patterns. For new growers, pH issues
generally boil down to complacency.
They get used to certain pH readings and
fail to understand the changing dynam-
ics of water tables and different water
sources. To rectify these issues, it is
essential that cultivators check the pH of
their water every time they irrigate with
nutrient mixes or straight water.
Cannabis cultivation takes time to
master. With this process comes the
gradual development of an intuitive
feel for garden essentials. To begin
developing this knowledge base and
feeling, it is recommended that newbies
start with learning the basics of cannabis
plant needs. For most new growers, this
education is based on understanding the
environmental constraints surrounding
prime cultivation conditions as well as
irrigation techniques. Other potential
problem areas arise with such garden
maintenance practices as pruning
or spraying, which are worthwhile
to investigate. With patience and
attentiveness, new growers can
attain a relatively strong grasp
on cannabis horticulture.
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