Organic Soil Additives/ Fertilizers

Organic Soil Additives: Store Bought

              In the following, it is important to recognize that the Nitrogen-Phosphorus-Potassium (N-P-K) ratio of these natural products can vary greatly. This is because the waste of an animal depends on its exact diet. 

Humic Acid

An extract from decomposed organic matter (humus), the result is a dark-colored rich compound which has a strong resistance to further break-down. The substance is NOT a significant source of nutrients alone, however it helps promote microbial life around the roots and soil which increases absorption of micro-nutrients. An additional benefit is the high Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC), which measures the ability to provide the plant with nutrients: 5x greater than quality Peat Moss and 2x greater than soil humus.

Mushroom Compost:

Chicken Manure Compost:

Steer Manure Compost:

Earth Worm Castings:


Molasses:
With a normal N-P-K ratio of 1-1-5, Black Strap Molasses is a healthy sources of Potassium- which contributes to the plant health by allowing photosynthesis as well as metabolism of food. Molasses is a compound made from the cane sugar plant, which contains a good set of essential vitamins and minerals. Good results have been observed when added as a tea to flowering plants, however the presence of light levels of molasses through the growing cycle is likely to have a positive effects on beneficial bacteria, which feed on the sugars. Avoid over-usage (>1 tsb/gallon) as it is more likely to attract pests. 

Bat Guano: 
As with most composed waste, bat guano is a great source of beneficial bacteria as well as Macro-nutrients. The N-P-K ratio is very dependent on the region of harvest (Jamaican Bats eat more fruits in their diet, so their Guano is much higher in Phosphorus). Bat Guano is known to be very high also in Micro-nutrients, because the bats' diet is all natural and typically not supplemented with corn, etc. Guano can be mixed into the soil mix originally or mixed into a compost tea and fed as needed. Plan on allowing adequate time for breakdown, results are not immediate.

Fish Meal:
N-P-K ratio of 10-6-2, this fish waste products has been ground, heated and dried. Strong fertilizer for general growth with the potential for bad odor. Some micro-nutrients present. 

Fish Emulsion:
N-P-K ratio of 5-2-2 typically, so strong for the vegetative phase. But the product is known to stink, so pre-aging in a soil may be recommended for further breakdown. Adds some necessary micro-nutrients. Also has a PH of about 4.5 to prevent breakdown. 

Crab Meal:
N-P-K ratio of 4-3-0, but the nitrogen is slow-release and a large benefit comes from the available Calcium. Known to sometimes stink, should probably be aged with soil before usage. Contains Chitin, which jumpstarts cultures of bacteria that in turn attack fungi and nematodes. Since there are many beneficial fungi, whether this property is a net positive or negative can be debated.

Kelp Meal:
Normal N-P-K ratio of 1-1-2. Great source of minerals (60+) and good source of vitamins and amino acids. A good supplement to most any soil regiment or fed as a tea. 

Bone Meal:
A mix of finely and more coarsely ground bones and other slaughterhouse waste products. Typical N-P-K of 3-15-0, this is a great available source of phosphorus. However, have caution as excess phosphorus can reduce the amount of mycorrhizae- a very beneficial fungi that has a symbiotic relationship with the roots.

Blood Meal:
Dried slaughterhouse waste, typical N-P-K ratio of 12-0-0. Great addition for extra nitrogen during stages of growth, but can also burn a plant if over-done. 

Oyster Shell Meal:
Pulverized Oyster shells provide a great source of Calcium (36% by volume). Adequate amounts of calcium promote a healthy root zone as well as immune system.  

Seabird Guano:
This product usually has a high, balanced level of macronutrients. Drawbacks are an unpleasant smell sometimes reported, as well as potentially raising the PH to an uncomfortable level. Can be fed by compost tea or in the soil directly. 

Cotton Seed Meal:
Leftover after oil has been extracted from the seeds, cotton seed meal usually is about a 6-2-1 ratio of N-P-K, and so adds lots of Nitrogen for the vegetative phase. Unfortunately, cotton crop is treated with a notoriously high amount of chemicals and pesticides. As such, toxins and leftover pesticides are known to be present at some level on the seeds.

Alfalfa Meal:
Made from ground Alfalfa Hay, and 1-3% binder agent (molasses, fat or colloidal clays). At a 3-1-2 ratio of N-P-K, Alfalfa Meal is a solid source of nitrogen for overall plant growth with an array of minerals and vitamins in the background. Generally recommended for use as a tea- letting it steep for 24 hours at a rate of 1-2 cups/ 5 gallons. Also contains tricontanol, a growth-enhancing compound. *http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/ejournals/JARS/v36n3/v36n3-hinerman.htm 

Nutrients

Hydroponics

Air: Circulation, Temperature, Humidity, CO2

Lighting: A Detailed Look

Lighting Comparison 

           Depending on whether you want to use lighting for starters, vegetation or carrying it through to the end flowering stage, there are several factors you want to take into account. In the following, I'll try to summarize all the useful information you'll need to know before you invest big bucks on an indoor lighting system that fits your needs. But first, a quick vocab lesson for some specialized terms:

1. Lumen Per Watt: Measures the Efficiency (technical term=efficacy) of a bulb; the amount of light (in lumens) per watt of electricity used. This is only an approximation of useful light used for photosynthesis. 

2. Color Temperature: Simplified way of measuring the wavelength composition of a light source. Measured in degrees Kelvin. ex. <2700 K = red/yellow light  >5000 K = bluer light

Fluorescent Lights

Color Temperature Options

1. Soft/Warm White = 2500-3000 K

2. Bright/Cool White = 3500-4100 K

3. Daylight = 5000-6500 K

CFL (Compact Fluorescent Light)

Efficiency: 60 Lumens Per Watt

Est. Cost for setup per 1 light: $6

Est. Replacement Bulb: $2

Bulb Longevity: 10,000-12,000 hours

T8 through T12 Fluorescent Tube Lighting

Efficiency: 80-90 Lumens Per Watt

Est Cost for Setup per 1 Tube: $12

Est Replacement Bulb: $3

Bulb Longevity: 20,000 hours

T5 Fluorescent Tube Lighting

Efficiency: 90-100 Lumens Per Watt

Est Cost for Setup per 1 Tube: $30

Est Replacement Bulb: $8

Bulb Longevity: 5,000-20,000 hours

Overall Usage Recommendations: Fluorescent lights have the main advantage of their smaller scale and lower start-up costs. They do have enough power to grow healthy, lush plants from seed to flower as long as most growth is kept within ~ 2-6 inches of the light source. One nice feature compared to HID (HPS or MH) systems is the very low heat level- for heat stress to occur, the plant usually has to be in direct contact with the bulb. Very importantly it should be noted that a ~4500-5500k color temperature or "Daylight" bulb should be used for seedling/vegetative growth while a 2500-3500K or "Soft White" bulb should ideally be used for the flowering phase. The wrong color bulb will still function, but these specific colors meet the needs of the plants for more optimal growth during these periods. 

HPS or High Pressure Sodium

Efficiency: 100-140 Lumens/Watt

Color Temperature: 2500-3500K

Est Cost for Setup: 250w ~ $130. 400w~ $170. 600w ~ $220. 1000w ~ $280+

Replacement Bulb: $25-$300 depending on wattage/ quality

Bulb Longevity: 16,000-24,000 hours

Metal Halide 

Efficiency: 80-100 Lumens/Watt

Color Temperature: 4000-5000K

Est. cost for Setup: Same as HPS just above.

Replacement Bulb: $25- $300 depending on wattage/ quality

Bulb Longevity: 8,000-20,000 hours 

Overall Usage Reccommendations: Metal Halide lights can be used for vegetative growth, while the color temperature of the High Pressure Sodium light gives the plant just what it wants while flowering. Many growers will use Metal Halide bulbs in HPS ballasts (HPS Bulbs in Metal Halide ballast will not function). This can be done, but it risks ruining a part inside the ballast (may cost ~$40 to repair). 

note: (switcheable) ballasts

Soil: A Breakdown

Soil: The Base and Minerals

Part 1: The Base Soil

(Sphagnym) Peat Moss

            A Peat Bog is an old swamp of decaying organic matter, a unique ecosystem that must be dried and drained to harvest. Hundreds of varieties of mosses compete to decay the organic matter- this ends up in the product as well- hence the name "Peat Moss." The PH of this medium is on average 4.0 (very acidic) and provides no significant nutrients to your soil. Usefully, Peat is a very fluffy texture that can be used to positively amend clay-like soil for drainage.
But (Author's Opinion) composted organic material can provide sufficient drainage with the added benefit of organic nutrients and a naturally-balanced PH. With the unsustainable harvest of Peat Bogs in mind, alternatives to this product should be preferred. 

Humus

             A stable form of decomposed organic matter. Contains low amounts of Nitrogen and other macro-nutrients, but provides roots with an atmosphere to thrive and a stable PH. Microbes in the humus facilitate a healthy balance of life in the soil/root system, while the fluffy, non-compacting structure of the medium provides excellent drainage and aeration. Will increase water-holding capacity of sandier soils and drainage for clay soils; a great base to any true soil. 

Coco Fiber

             Coco fiber/dust/pith are the natural byproduct of the coconut harvest. Twenty years ago it was not a very useful growing medium, however the industry has developed a process of leeching the salts and now high quality coco fiber is afford and available just about anywhere you live. 

Advantages:

1. Texture: sponge-like, this fiber can retain more water than a typical soil (8-9x it's weight) while also providing more oxygen to the roots between waterings because of the abundance of pores found naturally.

2. Natural Root Enhancer: Trichoderma fungi is found in coco fiber- it forms a symbiotic relationship with the roots, promoting optimal health and protecting against pathogens and "root rot."

3. High CEC (Cation Exchange Capacity): Means the coco fiber can store lots of useful nutrients for the plant to consume as needed. So harder to burn or underfeed the plant once established. 

4. Slow Breakdown: Means the fiber can be re-used multiple times (even years)

5. Sustainable and Natural: Feel good about using a medium that is renewable and better for the earth.

6. Taste: Characteristics of Flowers grown with coco: they seem to cure quicker and smoke smoother

Notes on Coco:

Can be successfully mixed with soil mediums to enhance soil structure (you will notice improved root growth). However, used alone, coco needs PH of 5.5-6.0 and complete nutrients added with emphasis of a little extra Calcium (as some Ca is absorbed into the medium). 

Part 2: The Minerals

Domolite Lime 

             This is a mineral rock with useful sources of Calcium and Magnesium which can also be used to raise and stabilize the PH of many soils. For immediate results, purchase the fine dust which more quickly dissolves. For longer-term applications, pellets work just fine as well. 

Gypsum

             Made of Calcium Sulfate, this product is a solid source of Calcium and Sulfur. Contrary to many claims, Gypsum does not improve the structural quality of soil (drainage, aeration, etc) alone. However, it can provide benefits to breaking a hard crust on soil where there is excess sodium (i.e. salt flats). 

Azomite (A-Z Of Minerals Including Trace Elements)

            Mined from a specific source of volcanic and rock dust from Utah, this product has a comprehensive and balanced array of 70+ trace minerals or "micro-nutrients." This makes a great addition to any well-fertilized garden and will boost the immune system, overall health and nutrition of the fruit.

Rock Phosphate

             This is a very slow-release soil amendment (1+ years for full breakdown). Additionally soil needs to be naturally acidic (PH<5.5 according to http://www.soils.wisc.edu/extension/pubs/A2520.pdf), and absorption also depends of the particle size of the rock phosphate and the presence of mycorrhizal soil fungi, which help along the process.

Epsom Salt

             AKA Magnesium Sulfate (MgSO4) breaks down into quickly usable forms of Magnesium and Sodium for your plant to use. With a slightly acidic PH, Epsom Salt can be used as a marginal form of PH control also. It should be noted; where there is no deficiency, an increase in specific nutrients can throw off your whole nutrient balance, causing a shortage of Zinc, Calcium or Potassium (in the case of excess Mg). 

Perlite

             Volcanic rock which is cooked at very high temperatures until it "pops" like a corn kernel into an expanded, very porous substance. When added to soils (5-25% by volume usually), drainage is increased greatly- while some water retaining ability is sustained by the pores' ability to store water. For best drainage properties, "Course" grades of perlite are preferred to finer grades.

Vermiculite

             Sometimes said to be exchangeable with Perlite, vermiculite is not. Although they are both volcanic rocks, expanded through the process of heating, two key characteristics are different. 
1) PH of vermiculite can be much less stable over time, due to its chemical structure. Also there is no guarantee of a neutral PH in its original environment.
2) Vermiculite has a much higher Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) largely because it absorbs much more water and nutrients. However, this works directly against the reason of adding the substance for better drainage. 
Usage Recommendation: Has been observed as a positive ammendment to soil, but my own experiments are limited.