W
e often use many scientific
methods for indoor gardening,
often without even knowing it. It
may not occur to us we are using
and learning not only about biology,
but chemistry and physics as well.
With indoor growing, the aim is to
mimic the environment the plant
would naturally grow in, while also
trying to optimize that environment
so the plant achieves its maximum
potential. The controls we use are also
intended to make the process as easy
for growers as possible, allowing us
to get great yields easily and with the
greatest convenience and minimum
fuss. Given that, it’s interesting to take
the idea of negative pressure in the
growroom, look at how to achieve it,
and assess the science behind it. The force of the air escaping will send
it flying off ground the room. Similarly,
if it is pierced it will make a loud bang
as all the air rushes to escape through
the tiny hole. If you pierce a water
balloon, the liquid will squirt out like
a jet from the positive pressure force
trying to escape the balloon.
Negative pressure is simply the
opposite, so an enclosed area has
a lower pressure than the area
surrounding it. A good example is a
drinking straw. When you suck on the
straw you create a vacuum or area of
negative pressure by removing the air
from the straw. To relieve or fill that
negative pressure, fluid (your drink) or
more air rushes into the straw, just like
fluid rushes out of the balloon when
you puncture it.
Understanding
Negative Pressure Negative Pressure in
the Growroom
Never heard of negative pressure?
Could you explain it to someone if
you had to? Pressure is defined as
an area of force. Positive pressure
is when an enclosed area has
higher pressure than the area
around it, so the gas or liquid
inside of it is pushing to get out. A
balloon filled with air or water is
a good example. Air wants to and
will escape from the balloon if you
let it go as you are blowing it up.
“Keep your tent in
negative
pressure
for the entirety of your
grow for best results.”
So how does this apply to your growing
regime? Your growroom is a perfect
example of an enclosed environment
and your ventilation system is the air
source being sucked in and expelled out.
An area of negative pressure is created
inside the growroom by the rate at which
air enters and leaves the environment.
grow cycle
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