Maximum Yield USA February/March 2020 | Page 42

GENERAL FILTERS INCORPORATED Change Settings From e r e h w y ost An Alm With Wi-Fi DH75 Wi-Fi & Touch Screen Control Dehumidifier Fan-Only Function Integrated Handles Safety Grate Filter Hours Indicator AFCI Power Cord 5-Year Warranty Low Temperature Lockout PERFECT FOR INDOOR GARDENING DESIGNED & ASSEMBLED IN NOVI, MI USA (866) 476-5101 www.generalfilters.com General Filters, Inc. 43800 Grand River Ave Novi, MI USA 48375 42 Maximum Yield Solution testing is particularly important with fruiting plants to ensure sufficient potassium is always present for good fruit quality. Lab analysis of potting or container mixes is often used in the nursery industry for the production of ornamental plants. Nutrient solution analysis returned from the lab usually states the level of each element in either parts per million (ppm) or mg/l (milligrams per liter) which are equivalent. These, as well as pH and EC, should then be compared back to the ideal levels of each element that the original formulation or nutrient product contained. So, if a nutrient solution was used that contained 150ppm N and the analysis of the solution came back with 145ppm N, then this indicates the initial level was approximately what the crop was taking up. If the analysis report returned a much lower level, then this indicates N needs to be increased in the nutrient solution to account for the higher uptake rate. Along with nutrient levels, unwanted elements such as the accumulation of sodium or any trace elements in the water supply can be checked with analysis reports, allowing replacement of recirculating solutions when levels become too high, thus reducing the risk of toxicity and growth issues. “ KEEPING GOOD RECORDS of regular laboratory analysis reports is another important aspect of crop testing.” Keeping good records of regular laboratory analysis reports is another important aspect of crop testing and allows trends to be seen as plants move through their life cycle or respond to different growing conditions. If cost is an issue, the most important lab test for any grower is the water supply; this can determine if water treatment is necessary, if any adjustment is required for nutrient solutions, and can help identify potential growth issues before they occur.