How toGrow BIG Plants levels required by the plant :
1 . Light intensity between 600 and 1,000 ppfd ( see our article “ Light Quality for Your Grow ” in the March 2021 issue of The EVOLUTION Magazine for more information about ppfd ) 2 . Temperatures between 70- and 85-degrees Fahrenheit
Remember that during photosynthesis , cannabis combines light , water , and CO2 . Those elements are used in specific proportions , though . Therefore , as you provide more light intensity to the plant , it needs more CO2 to take advantage of it . Otherwise , CO2 becomes the limiting factor , and the rate at which photosynthesis occurs is capped . That means the 1,000-watt light you just dropped a grand on may only be giving you 600 watts worth of benefit . The same is true for temperature .
Alright then , “ How much CO2 do I need in my environment to create an optimal scenario under ‘ standard ’ conditions ?” CO2 concentration levels in the air are measured in parts per million ( ppm ) and hover around 400ppm in nature . The maximum amount of CO2 cannabis can handle is 2,000ppm , at which point the plant will actually become damaged . That ’ s also a level at which humans and animals can become negatively affected . During photosynthesis , CO2 supplementation follows the laws of diminishing returns , meaning that increasing concentration from 400ppm to 600ppm will provide a greater benefit than increasing it from 1,000ppm to 1,200ppm . Once the 1,500ppm threshold is crossed , you are getting such little benefit from further increases that it doesn ’ t make financial sense . A good starting point is usually 1,000ppm for supplemental CO2 .
The second part of the answer is the grower who wants to go outside the “ standard ” conditions and take light intensity even higher than 1,000ppfd and temperatures higher than 85 degrees . For those growers , CO2 isn ’ t optional for boosting yields ; it ’ s required for the plants even to survive . That being said , those extreme levels can grow some incredible plants , but the question is whether the benefits are worth the costs of additional electricity , CO2 , etc . It ’ s one thing if you are a commercial facility selling product for thousands of dollars per pound . It ’ s entirely different to be growing to provide medicine for yourself or your patients . Again , the law of diminishing returns applies and even hits a ceiling because once temperatures reach 95 degrees , cannabis will stop performing photosynthesis entirely and begin transpiring to cool itself . Once light intensity reaches 1,500ppfd , the plant also begins to react negatively .
TNB Naturals CO2 Dispersal Canister ( on left ) is the best and most efficient way to get the proper amount of CO2 in your greenhouse , tent , or indoor garden . Green Pad CO2 Generator ( on right ). THE GREEN PAD ’ s are designed to produce enough CO2 to be of significant benefit to the indoor home garden without the up front expense of equipment , but with similar results .
Knowing that additional CO2 is , in fact , helpful in boosting yields , “ How do I supplement it in my grow ?”
Three important notes here :
1 . CO2 is heavier than air , so it should be released above the plants and allowed to descend .
2 . The grow area should be sealed as tightly as possible to prevent the CO2 from escaping into the surrounding environment .
3 . You ’ ll need to purchase a digital CO2 monitor ( around $ 50 for a basic version ) to track the CO2 ppm levels .
Mushroom Bags
Non-fruiting mycelium mixed with organic matter is contained in a bag ( sometimes also within a box ), and a breathing port allows CO2 to be expelled into the air . It ’ s completely organic , and even though it ’ s a fungus , there ’ s no odor . Bags typically last up to six months .
Pads or Sheets
Sheets or pads infused with natural carbons and acids can be hung in a tent or grow room . Once humidity levels reach 35 % or higher , the pads begin releasing CO2 . Pads typically last two weeks and can be accelerated by misting them with water .
Disposable Bottles
Simple sugars , brewer ’ s yeast , amino acids , and non-recombinant organisms are combined in a bottle or container . The grower adds water , shakes the container , and then opens it for a release of CO2 that lasts approximately two weeks .
Tanks
CO2 gas is compressed in a tank , the same type used to carbonate beverages at restaurants . It is combined with a regulator to control its flow as it is released directly into your grow environment . Tanks can last anywhere from days to months , depending on their size . Monitoring and control are vital because left unchecked , extreme CO2 levels can be harmful and potentially deadly to humans .
Burners / Generators
Liquid propane or natural gas is piped into a generator that ignites the gas , causing CO2 to be expelled . Heat is also generated as the gas burns . If you already use natural gas or propane to heat your home , this can be connected directly to those lines , preventing the need for refills of CO2 tanks .
For the average home grower using a tent for their plants and “ standard ” conditions , Mushroom Bags , Pads , or Disposable Bottles are the most cost-effective , space-efficient options . For growers pushing the limits of light intensity and temperature , Tanks and Burners begin to become more practical and allow for a much higher level of precision .
For more information about YRG , visit
www . year-roundgarden . com or call 816.216.6917 and be sure to tell them The EVOLUTION Magazine sent you .
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