<\/span><\/h2>\n\nTo obtain good root system development, you must maintain a balance between water, oxygen, temperature, and nutrition<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\nIn addition, we have to take several factors into account:<\/p>\n\n\n
- One of them is the growing medium<\/strong> we are going to use. The substrate must retain enough moisture without remaining constantly waterlogged. It also needs a structure that allows air entry and root growth. It is not essential that the packaging expressly states that it is designed for cannabis. The important thing is that its characteristics are suitable for the type of crop and the stage of development.\n
- In soil<\/strong>, aeration can be improved using materials such as perlite, coconut fiber, or other structural components. <\/li>\n\n
- In hydroponics<\/strong>, the nutrient solution must be kept properly oxygenated.<\/li><\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n
- Another important factor is water quality.<\/strong>\n
- Tap water<\/strong> does not have to be harmful to the roots. Its suitability depends mainly on its hardness, alkalinity, EC, and concentration of elements such as sodium or chlorides. Before discarding it, it is advisable to measure it or consult an analysis from the supplier company.<\/li>\n\n
- Osmosis water<\/strong> can be useful when the source water contains too many salts. However, it has a very low mineral concentration and may need to be supplemented with calcium and magnesium before preparing the nutrient solution.<\/li>\n\n
- Distilled water<\/strong> should not be considered automatically better either. Used without adjustment, it is practically devoid of minerals and has very little buffering capacity. <\/li><\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n
- The pH<\/strong> factor affects nutrient availability, but there is no single appropriate value for all systems.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n
\n\n \n \n | \n Indicative pH range according to growing medium\n <\/th>\n <\/tr>\n\n |
\n | Growing medium<\/th>\n | Indicative pH range<\/th>\n <\/tr>\n <\/thead>\n\n |
\n\n \n | \n Soil and organic substrates\n <\/th>\n | 6.0-6.5<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n\n |
\n | \n Coco\n <\/th>\n | 5.7-6.2<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n\n |
\n | \n Hydroponics\n <\/th>\n | 5.5-6.2<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n\n <\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n- The EC should be the one recommended for each stage of plant development, trying to avoid excesses, since they will create a certain degree of toxicity in the growing medium, harming the health and absorption capacity of the roots.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n
\n\n \n \n | \n Indicative EC according to cultivation stage\n <\/th>\n <\/tr>\n\n | \n | Stage<\/th>\n | Indicative EC<\/th>\n <\/tr>\n <\/thead>\n\n | \n\n \n | \n Seedlings and rooted cuttings\n <\/th>\n | 0.4-0.8 mS\/cm<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n\n | \n | \n Growth\n <\/th>\n | 0.8-1.4 mS\/cm<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n\n | \n | \n Flowering\n <\/th>\n | 1.2-2.0 mS\/cm<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n\n <\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n- Proper oxygenation<\/strong> of the roots is also vital. We need the growing medium to have a certain amount of water so that the roots can hydrate, but also oxygen. Therefore, we will try not to waterlog the substrate or non-hydroponic growing medium, to prevent the roots from drowning. A waterlogged substrate limits and reduces the amount of oxygen and prevents normal root development; it is also the ideal environment for harmful fungi.<\/li>\n\n
- We must also avoid excessive dryness of the substrate<\/strong> or medium as a factor. This can create an irrecoverable loss of the root system, which ultimately leads to an excess of nutrients, nutritional disorder, and finally a large decrease in final production.<\/li>\n\n
- Temperature<\/strong> influences the metabolic activity of the roots and the amount of oxygen dissolved in the water. Roots like to be in a humid environment<\/strong> and with a little warmth<\/strong>, so when we go to water, as a guide, the irrigation water can be kept around 18-22 \u00b0C<\/strong>, avoiding extreme temperatures. Below or above these figures, the water in question would contain a low percentage of oxygen; furthermore, water with temperatures below 15 \u00b0C slows down normal root development. A temperature above 30 \u00b0C can literally cook the roots.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n
Using a quality root stimulator<\/strong>, designed specifically for the strong and healthy development of roots, such as BAC’s Root Stimulator<\/a> or Atami’s Rootbastic<\/a>, will greatly facilitate the growth work for the plant, providing the necessary nutrients so that the roots grow strong and healthy quickly.<\/p>\n\nThe application of beneficial bacteria and fungi<\/strong> such as Funky Fungi<\/a> or Bactohemp<\/a> will protect the rich root system created against the attack of diseases or root fungi; in addition, the plant will also benefit from their use, as it will increase the plant’s nutrient uptake capacity, increasing the overall production of plant mass.<\/p>\n\nAs you have been able to verify, there are several factors that must be taken into account to keep the roots in perfect development and maintenance. At first, it may seem too complex. But as soon as we have assimilated and understood this data, we will realize that it is simpler than it seems to have excellent root system development.<\/p>\n\n <\/span>Quick guide to maintaining healthy roots<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n- Use an aerated medium with good drainage. <\/li>\n\n
- Analyze the water before deciding if you need osmosis. <\/li>\n\n
- Adjust the pH according to the growing medium. <\/li>\n\n
- Adapt the EC to the stage and the plant’s response. <\/li>\n\n
- Keep irrigation water at a moderate temperature. <\/li>\n\n
- Avoid both waterlogging and extreme dryness. <\/li>\n\n
- Increase the pot size when the roots need more space. <\/li>\n\n
- Avoid excessive fertilizer concentrations. <\/li>\n\n
- Use stimulators and microorganisms while respecting their instructions. <\/li>\n\n
- Keep irrigation tanks clean and properly oxygenated.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n
As long as we have this more or less controlled, everything should go smoothly with our root system.<\/p>\n\n
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