AUS Sep/Oct 2009

VENTILATION BASICS

I N D O O R G A R D E N I N G

FREE

aQUaPONICSCLEaN, GREEN aND ORGaNIC

BIOLOGICaL CONTROLPaST, PRESENT aND FUTURE

AUSTRALIA September - October 2009

WHaT YOU CaN DO TO KEEP YOUR PLaNTS COOL

FLORIDANOVEMBER 7 and 8, 2009www.indoorgardenexpo.com

EAst COAst UsAINDOOR GARDENING ExpO

http://www.nutrifield.com.au/mediums/nf-coco-bags

http://www.genhydro.com

http://www.hollandforge.com.au

5MAXIMUM YIELD Australia - September/October 2009

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From the Editor

Letters to the Editor

MaximumYield.com

Ask Erik

MAX Facts

Product Spotlight

Check Your Growing IQ

Retail Directory

Coming Up in November/December

Do You Know?

6

6

8

10

12

44

14

41

46

46

Calcium and Magnesium: Beyond the Obviousby Richard Gellert

Aquaponics: Clean, Green and Organicby Dr. Michael A. Nichols

Ventilation Basicsby Bob Taylor

Grow Your Own Wheat Grass Indoorsby Matt LeBannister

Biological Control: Past, Present and Futureby Donald Lester

FEATURES

DEPARTMENTS

september / october 2009CONTENTS

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34

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6 MAXIMUM YIELD Australia - September/October 2009

Gardening Expo at the end of July. With approximately 8,000+ attendees, it proved to be the largest show ever. It was great to have some of Australia’s top manufacturers exhibiting their home-grown products. If you were unable to attend, we encourage you to join us in Orlando, Florida November 8, 2009 for the East Coast USA Indoor Gardening Expo. The “Greener Places, Sustainable Spaces” event is sure to be memorable. Visit www.indoorgardenexpo.com for all event details.

I look forward to the constant stream of letters, so keep ’em coming and don’t forget to e-mail [email protected] with “Your Best Advice,” which could be published in an upcoming issue of Maximum Yield.

With increased information and knowledge on organic and sustainable gardening, and copious amounts of new, innovated products, it’s an exciting time to be an indoor gardening enthusiast. Advances are being made daily towards modern and green grow methods, making the possibilities for a sustainable industry, truly limitless.

Many share this increased concern for the health of our families and our earth. We are learning more and more about the options available to grow healthier plants by applying eco-growing techniques, beneficial biological controls and sustainable gardening techniques. These and other topics are elaborated on in the following pages.

It is the season of tours and tradeshows, from the AGHA conference held in Sydney this past July, the National Vegetable Levy tour for young Aussie growers in New Zealand and the European Greenhouse Tour planned for October – all supported by the biggest names in the Australian horticulture and hydroponics sectors. The enthusiasm for growth is exciting to witness.

On the note of tradeshows, we wish to thank everyone who attended the recent 6th Annual San Francisco Indoor

FROM THEeditor jessica raymond

letters to the editor

Maximum Yield reserves the right to edit for brevity.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!Write us at: Maximum Yield Publications Inc.2339A Delinea Place, Nanaimo, BC V9T 5L9or Email us at: [email protected]

Jessica Raymond, [email protected]

Friends and FansI can't seem to find Maximum Yield on Facebook? I wanted to learn more on LEDs and other related information.

ThanksBranden Dais

To join us on Facebook, simply visit www.maximumyield.com and click on the Facebook button, or you can follow this link:http://www.facebook.com/MaximumYieldCurrently, fans are heatedly conversing over LEDs in one of our discussion groups. You will also find a large library of articles on LEDs and other indoor lighting options in our article archive on www.maximumyield.com

Green AlternativesI enjoyed reading Erik Biksa’s article, LEDs: Lighting for Hyper Space Crops or Just Hype? in the July/August issue. The way I see it, we need incremental stages of familiar comparable wattage LEDs to phase out or to build a complete replacement for HID lighting in a way that isn't so humbling to the hobby market. Surely this way in the long term, the market could reduce initial costs to early adapters, thus accelerating the market.I believe we need watt for watt replacements for HID lighting

in the industrial green housing market to prove once and for all that proper LED diodes yield more than HID while generating less heat, therefore, justifying long term costs and adaptation.

Charles Andrew Besso

The Right to SearchI really wanted to search on your website, but found there was no such feature. Any chance you are planning on adding a search bar to your website? I love your work. Great job!

ThanksRod Maley

We are, in fact, developing an article-based search for the site to be released once a thorough testing process is completed. Our goal with maximumyield.com is to provide as much quality content and features to our online readers as we can. However, we also want to ensure this is not done at the expense of site usability or ease of navigation.Having said that, you may have noticed we recently introduced several new article navigation tools such as author lookup, additional articles by author and a library of complete back issues of all editions of Maximum Yield.Thanks for reading and keep growing.

Wes Cargill, Graphic Team


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Maximum Yield is published bi-monthly byMaximum Yield Publications Inc.

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contributorsBob Taylor is the chief chemist of Flairform (www.flairform.com) - an Australian based manufacturing company. Bob was an approved NATA signatory and an official registered analyst for the government’s chemical analysis monitoring program of all fertilizers registered in Western Australia.

PRINTED IN AUSTRALIA

Matt LeBannister works at Homegrown Hydroponics, the manufacturer of the DNF line of premium nutrients and enhancement products. Matt manages the retail store at Homegrown’s head office in Toronto and as of late has been traveling the trade show circuit as their resident expert.

Become a Maximum Yield contributor and have your articles read by 250,000 readers throughout USA, Canada, UK and Australia. Maximum Yield is the largest free-to-consumer indoor gardening magazine in the world. Every issue is available on maximumyield.com, which has thousands of unique visitors monthly.

Richard Gellert owner of Hydro-Logic Purification Systems. His knowledge and passion of water purification technologies and its importance to the hydroponics and gardening industries has been instrumental in helping gardeners worldwide.

Donald Lester is the plant products manager at JH Biotech, Inc., a California based agricultural technology company with 27 OMRI certified products. Donald has a master’s degree in agronomy with an emphasis in entomology. He is an agricultural scientist with over 10 years of research experience and 50 scientific publications to his credit.

Dr. Mike Nichols is a retired university lecturer and an honorary research associate in the College of Sciences at Massey University, New Zealand. He speaks extensively at conferences for international organizations such as the United Nations, and also writes and consults on a range of intensive horticultural topics.

Tell us what you think at [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you.

COmING UPON THE WEB

SPEED REaD1. Did you know root thickness is influenced by temperature? This and

other fascinating hydro facts can be found in the featured articles this month on maximumyield.com

2. Having been harvested for food, fertilizer and medicine for thousands of years, seaweed is a highly regarded natural product that can assist with healthy organic growing. Luis Bartolo delves into this topic further on maximumyield.com

3. Look for the latest and greatest grow gear from globally-minded companies. This month we feature Grow Chunks from Grodan, the all-new Guardian Monitor from Blue Lab and General Organics, the new nutrient line from General Hydroponics.

UPCOmING EVENTS

“Today China and Japan are the biggest consumers of seaweed worldwide, with China harvesting 500 million

tons a year for food use alone.”—Luis Bartolo

Mark your calendar for the East Coast USA Indoor Gardening Expo in Orlando, Florida. The “Greener Places, Sustainable Spaces” event, November 7-8, 2009 will be held at the beautiful Orlando-World Marriott World Centre. Join Maximum Yield for a fun-filled and informative weekend. For more information visit www.indoorgardenexpo.com

LaTEST NEWS• Four students win Best Global Impact Award for hydroponics vertical

farm project.• Hydroponic rooftop gardens sprouting in cities around the world are

producing hundreds of gourmet lettuce plants, long vines of gourmet cucumbers and bushes of cherry tomatoes.

• High-tech urban growers are utilizing hydroponics to feed city dwellers.

http://www.growthtechnology.com.au


simple, it does not offer a level of control as to the level of CO2

being maintained in the growing area and when it is dispersed. Additions of high quality worm castings in the growing medium can actually help to raise CO

2 levels slightly in CEA grow rooms,

particularly where there are large bodies of growing media.Bottled CO

2 can be used on its own or in conjunction with

a biological process to elevate CO2 levels in a sealed growing

environment. The gas can be released via a timer and solenoid valve/regulator. With a timer, you control the frequency and duration of the gas released. However, this requires calculations based on the cubic volume of your growing area relative to the amount of gas released. An infrared CO

2 monitor can be used

instead of a timer, delivering a very high degree of accuracy. Unfortunately, the carbon dioxide tank will require frequent replacement, and the tanks are not especially fun to tote about. The cost of frequent replacement will also be a factor.All infrared CO

2 sniffers are not the same. These are precision

instruments, and are often priced as such. Some innovative models allow for the addition of an optional second sensor that will independently control a second CO

2 generating/releasing device.

This allows for more economical CO2 system set-up for both the

vegetative and flowering environment, as one controller is able to control both completely independently from each other.Arguably, the best way to increase and maintain precise elevated

CO2 levels is with an infrared sensor/controller and a gas-fired

CO2 generator. The one draw back of gas fired CO

2 generators

is the additional heat they generate when increasing CO2 levels.

Fortunately, there are some recent innovations that help to address this problem. Water-cooling is a highly effective means of removing heat, whether from a CO

2 generator, your HID

lighting or the radiator of your super-bike. Water-cooled CO2

generators are now a very efficient and economical option for the grower looking to maximize their growth rates while reducing their inputs. Look for more on this new technology in future articles.

Cheers, Erik Biksa

Do you have a question for Erik? Forward it to [email protected] with the words “Ask Erik” in the subject line, and your answer will be printed in an upcoming edition.

ASKerik

For previous “Ask Erik” features go to

www.maximumyield.com

MY

This is a very good question indeed.As you have stated you are running a CEA (Controlled

Environment Agriculture) set-up, meaning you are running a sealed or “perfect” room. Because you do not actually remove any of the air from the environment as you are treating the air for purity (carbon scrubber/ozone), temperature (air-conditioner or heat exchanger) and humidity (de-humidifier, heater, air-conditioner) boosting your CO

2 levels can be a very efficient

way to increase your growth rates and yields.Typically speaking, if you maintain levels of 1600 to 2000 PPM

of CO2 (during the light cycle for most plants) you should see

a significant increase in the rates of growth and yield. Most growers will notice a 10 to 30 per cent increase in yield and a 10 to 15 per cent reduction in cropping time.Before CO

2 can be really effective, you should have all of

your other growing parameters optimized. This includes, but is not limited to lighting, temperature, a healthy root system and optimal humidity levels. When running CO

2, you can maintain

a slightly warmer environment (i.e. 29°C) to help accelerate the plant’s metabolism. The increase in plant metabolism can be supported with elevated CO

2 levels and can give you the results

you are looking for.Fermentation and other bio-reactions can be used to elevate

CO2 levels in smaller growing areas, especially if they are well

sealed. While this method is very inexpensive and relatively

My indoor garden is in a well-enclosed environment and does not cycle an exhaust. I want to raise my CO2 levels in the growing area, because it has been reported that this will help to boost growth rates and yields.In the past, I enriched CO2 levels in the growing area by generating carbon dioxide gas by

a natural fermentation process. I noticed it improved my situation a little, but obviously, the CO2 levels couldn’t get too high because of the size of my growing area. The CO2 was being generated through a couple of buckets containing the fermentation to generate the gas.What kind of carbon dioxide levels do you think I need to hit to really see a significant

difference in my growth rates and yields? I already have a CO2 tank regulator, I was just thinking about running this off of a timer. What do you think my best options are?

“Arguably, the best way to increase and maintain precise elevated CO2 levels is with an infrared

sensor/controller and a gas-fired CO2 generator.”

http://www.genhydro.com


hydroponic news, tips and trivia from around the worldMAXfacts

The highly anticipated Australian Hydroponic & Greenhouse Association escorted tour, to be held this October, will feature the protected cropping industry in Holland and Belgium. Highlights of the show include an overview of Dutch growing methods and glasshouse systems that were developed more than 30 years ago.Attendees will have the

opportunity to visit with commercial growers and inspect the latest techniques and varieties for a range of greenhouse vegetables. A visit to the national research and manufacturing centres will also be included with a tour of the diverse range of technology and equipment. Attendees can also spend two days at Hortifair (NTV) at the RAI in Amsterdam, the world’s largest expo in the protected cropping industry.A five-day intensive training course taught by Ben van

Onna at PTC+ (Practical Training Centre, Ede, Holland) will be offered, which is aimed at greenhouse managers and experienced growers. Ben comes with great credentials and was well received during his visit to Australia during the AHGA national conferences in 2003, 2005 and 2007. Among the topics planned are greenhouse management and plant physiology.

Former Advanced Growing Methods Highlight of European Tour

California’s ‘The Artemis Project’ has named the Australian company Ioteq IP as one of the winners of its international ‘Top 50 Water Companies’ competition, placing Ioteq among the leading companies in the world.Selections were based on a matrix of

four criteria - technology, intellectual property and know-how, team and market potential. And, according to Laura Shenkar, principal of The Artemis Project, Ioteq has excelled in key strategic areas in the emerging advanced water technology sector.The Ioteq patented Isan technology is an iodine-based

disinfection system for use across many industries, including food safety, water sanitation and agriculture.This environmentally clean technology replaces chlorine

for later disinfection and can extract all iodine from the water once disinfection is complete, allowing the water to be recycled or dumped without harmful chemical residues.(Source: www.theartemisproject.com)

Australian Ioteq IP Winner of International ‘Top 50 Water Companies’

The “Greener Places, Sustainable Spaces” Indoor Gardening Expo in Orlando, Florida (November 7-8, 2009) promises to be a fun and exciting event for growers from around the globe. The event will be held at the beautiful Marriott-Orlando World Centre, and will feature educational seminars, leading industry innovators and the newest and best products and technologies – truly something for everyone. General public is encouraged to join us on Sunday, November 8 from 12-5 p.m. This is an event you don’t want to miss. For all show information, accommodations and exhibitor listings, visit www.indoorgardenexpo.com

East Coast USA Indoor Gardening Expo

Organic foods have long since been praised for their low impact on the environment. They have also been noted for being nutrient-dense and thus healthier for us.Through studies and comparisons, researchers have

spotted a trend that supports the decline in the nutritional quality of fruits and vegetables produced via modern growing practices in recent decades.A study published in the Journal of Applied Nutrition lists

many nutrients that appear to be altered based on how they are farmed. The levels of certain nutrients in a variety of produce were compared with astonishing findings: The study lists chromium as being found at levels 78 per cent higher in organic foods; calcium at 63 per cent higher; and magnesium at 138 per cent higher. Other studies have shown that the use of pesticides can also alter the levels of certain vitamins including B vitamins, vitamin C and beta-carotene in fruits and vegetables.While many studies have been

done looking into the benefits of organic produce there still is much to be learned.(Source: www.naturalnews.com)

Organic Foods Provide More than Health Benefits

(Source: www.ahga.org.au)


Young Aussie Growers Gain Valuable Knowledge on Tour

Located in Victoria’s Yarra Valley lives the Microsmiris mite, a native predator bug that was recently observed by two local Coldstream greenhouse growers.Microsmiris is a naturally-

occurring thrip predator that feeds on the pollen present in capsicum plant flowers, among other greenhouse pests. The Microsmiris as well as about eight different predator bugs are used in ridding greenhouses of pests, helping to reduce the dependence on pesticides.Many greenhouse growers in Australia are also

choosing to go the route of hydroponics, which offers even greater control and three to four times the efficiency than other farming pursuits. With this protected cropping, they are able to exert greater control over product quality. Utilizing Microsmiris in integrated pest management systems is just one part of hydroponics, and the experts are preparing the breed for commercial sales. This mite is expected to generate a lot of interest from hydroponic farmers.

Hydroponic Farmers Stumble on Native Predator Bug in Greenhouse

(Source: www.hff.org.au)

MY

As part of the National Vegetable Levy funded tour, 10 young Australian vegetable growers were able to view leading agricultural practices near Christchurch, Timaru and Ashburton in New Zealand this past July.The tour provided an opportunity for the students to

develop their skills and gain knowledge on growing practices new to the industry. They were exposed to issues surrounding production, marketing, processing, the supply chain and emerging research.The tour, supported by Horticulture Australia Limited, was

aimed at enthusiastic and innovative young growers.The students also had the opportunity to attend the

Horticulture New Zealand conference in Christchurch, a three-day annual conference which is a significant element of the tour featuring a variety of commodity and issue-specific information sessions.Past participants have gone on to

become leaders within the Australian vegetable industry, winning industry awards and holding roles on Industry Advisory Committees.(Source: www.ausveg.com.au)

http://www.nutrifield.com.au/mediums/nf-coco-bags


PRODUCTspotlight ask for these exciting new products at your favourite indoor gardening store.

The new Bluelab Guardian is a constant indicator of the desired levels of EC, pH and temperature, enabling the grower to optimize these parameters through each growing phase.With the Guardian Monitor’s

built-in silent alarm system there is:• no more test strips or manual meters required• constant readings when adding nutrient or making pH adjustments

• less risk of crop failure and disease due to an imbalance of nutrient or pH levels

You can have peace of mind and ultimately, more time in your day!The Guardian Monitor has:• easy-to-read green LED displays• selectable values for conductivity and temperature• a simple push button pH calibration system• no calibration required for conductivity and temperature• a silent alarm for both high and low settings• retained settings during power loss (non-volatile memory)

• temperature compensation• an international power supply• a water resistant design• a two year Bluelab guarantee (six months for pH probe)Please contact your favourite retailer for information.

New Bluelab Guardian MonitorThe Active Circulation System is the latest invention from

General Hydroponics Europe, which allows you to keep a central supply for several growing systems connected together, and automatically maintains the solution at the right level.The Waterpack ACS is a small,

practical, efficient and user-friendly hydroponic system, made of four WaterFarms connected to a central active reservoir.The new ACS Controller

offers a larger range of essential characteristics:It circulates the nutritive

solution in the whole system in less than 30 minutes, allowing for rapid homogenization of the solution.It helps stabilize the pH

and EC levels in all your pots, and guarantees a constant and optimized root environment.It is practical: one small air compressor is enough to

move the flow in the whole system.The Waterpack ACS is adaptable to all systems, including

those of other manufacturers and DIY systems, no matter how many pots you have.To learn more about the Waterpack ACS, contact a

hydroponics retailer near you.

The Waterpack-ACS

The Uni-Slab combines all of the benefits of our traditional slabs with the versatility of a block. With a size of 24 centimetres long by 20 centimetres wide by 10 centimetres high, the Uni-Slab has great stability for any size plant. The Uni-Slab is completely wrapped thus keeping all the roots of your plant safely contained within the slab, protected

from light and outside contaminants. Yet it’s small enough to be maneuverable, allowing your plants to be spaced as the plant canopy requires. Due to its height, the Uni-Slab is suitable for both top drip and flood systems. Visit an indoor gardening retail store to learn more.

Grodan Introduces the Uni-Slab Grodan Introduces Big Mama™You asked and we listened; the big mama of all blocks is

now here! Big Mama™ is the largest block ever produced by Grodan. It is 20 by 20 by 20 centimetres and contains well over twice the amount of wool as the popular Hugo block. This block is big enough to grow a large plant for its entire life – even a mother plant! When your plant outgrows its current block, just place it on top of Big Mama. Due to the height of this block we recommend top watering methods. Big Mama is solid wool and does

not have a pre-cut hole thus making it suitable to hold any size smaller

block on top (even a Hugo). Now available at hydroponics retailers everywhere.


Hydrodynamics International, the North American supplier of Clonex® Rooting Compound, is releasing a new

bio-organic plant nutrient specifically for mother plants. Aptly named MotherPlant®, the two-part nutrient formula provides balanced nutrition for stock plants, whether grown

hydroponically or in soil. N-P-K ratios are set to meet the nutritional needs of the mother plant, without excess nitrates. Bio-organics are added to improve the uptake of nutrients and strengthen the plant’s natural immunity to environmental stress. Whether a part-time hobbyist or a serious commercial grower, MotherPlant® will help produce the most vigorous clones possible!Our two-part liquid nutrient:• uses the highest quality minerals combined with bio-organics

• provides high carbohydrate to nitrogen ratios in shoots• increases calcium to produce stronger cell walls• results in faster rooting and sustained root growth• produces stress-tolerant daughter plants• is available in a variety of sizesFor more information, visit your local hydroponics

retailer.

C.A.P. Proudly Introduces their New Everlastics Flood Tables

Showcased at the San Francisco Indoor Gardening Expo, Everlastics Flood Tables feature a superior plastic design at a much lower price. Everlastics Flood Tables will work perfectly with your existing HydroHut and GrandStand. Available in 1.2 by 2.5 metres and 1.2 by 1.2 metres, black or white, these flood tables are made of environmentally friendly recycled plastic. Everlastics Flood Tables have no grooves on top of the media holding ribs, which allows for much easier cleaning! Contact your local hydroponics retailer to learn more.

MotherPlant from Hydrodynamics International

http://www.canna.com.au



The Hydro-Logic Merlin-Garden Pro has been the industry leading reverse osmosis machine for some time. Its ultra fast flow rates combined with its ease of use make it a very affordable option. However, there is always room for improvement.Hydro-Logic is pleased to offer the new Eco Green Drain Elbow for the Merlin-Garden

Pro. This green elbow replaces the existing black drain elbow and saves 25 per cent of the drain water. By forcing more untreated water through the RO membranes, less

water goes to waste out the drain line. Recommended only for those with less than 250 PPM in their untreated tap water. Any PPM reading above 250 may result in having to change the membranes more often as they are working harder removing contaminants. Others that may consider using these green elbows are those on metered wells or those wanting to conserve their water usage.Ask you local retailer for more information. Pure water’s not magic. It’s logic.

Merlin-Garden Pro goes Green

SteadyGRO has launched an eco-friendly line of soilless media slabs and blocks.SteadyGRO soilless media is available in seven by

15 centimetres by 36 slabs encased in a reusable and recyclable tray. The tray is pre punched with three – 10 by 10 centimetre squares to accommodate SteadyGRO blocks. The trays are white on the outside and black inside to provide ideal growing conditions. The trays can be reused and refilled with SteadyGRO slab media. The tray is also marked appropriately for ease of recycling.SteadyGRO blocks are wrapped with a bio wrap made

from recycled material. The wraps may be composted, and they easily biodegrade.The SteadyGRO soilless media is also designed for easy

disposal. It may be incinerated without releasing harmful toxins or it may be ground or crushed to less than 11 per cent of its original volume.Go to your local indoor gardening retail store to learn

more about the entire line of SteadyGRO products.

SteadyGRO has introduced a new line of sheet media for the indoor grower market. SteadyGRO soilless media was developed specifically for the grower industry. The media is sterile and inert, and its composition allows for more oxygen to seedlings and roots for faster starts and ultimately healthier plants. SteadyGRO’s unique structure eliminates algae growth along the surface of the media.SteadyGRO sheet media comes in two types; SteadyGRO

which is a low water retention media, and SteadyGRO H+, a high water retention media.SteadyGRO sheet media comes in packs of two and 20,

and also is available in 276, 162, 104 and 50 cell formats. SteadyGRO sheet media packaging has been engineered for easy and damage-free removal of the individual sheets.For more information on SteadyGRO sheets and the

entire SteadyGro line, go to your nearest indoor gardening retailer.

SteadyGRO Introduces New Sheet Media

Announcing Rootech Cloning Gel™ in a New Economic SizeRootech Cloning Gel™, the gel that gardeners have come to rely on, is now

available in a seven gram size. Rootech’s new size is ideal for the grower who leans towards small crop production. This compact jar with a resealable cap will propagate between 70 to 100 cuttings.For years, Rootech has provided it’s customers with the performance they

have come to depend on. Easy to apply and among the strongest gels on the market, with a concentration of .55 per cent I.B.A, Rootech is ideal for propagation of the most hard-to-root plants. It can also be diluted with water for use on cuttings that will form roots more easily.To learn more about Rootech Cloning Gel visit your local hydroponics retailer.

SteadyGRO Launches Eco-Friendly Slabs and Blocks


The best kept secret of Australian hydroponic growers is now available.Mite Rid is the solution to the

dreaded red spider and two spotted mite. Developed specifically for these pests using Azadirachtin and other organic botanical oils, Mite Rid is absorbed by the leaf so there’s no need to get under the canopy of the crop.Mite Rid penetrates the leaf tissue so any mite that tries to

attack the plant will be eradicated.One application is usually all that is needed, although

an additional spray may be required to clean up any new hatchlings, or if the infestation is heavy.Mite Rid is quickly setting the standard as an effective

treatment with almost no plant sensitivity. Mite Rid is suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications and can be applied to soil or hydroponically grown plants.Concentrate 45 millilitres, makes 18 litres of spray.You will not believe how effective Mite Rid is.For more information visit your local hydroponics retailer.

Mite Rid from HydroMasta

Already admired internationally is a new invention from CubeCap™. The new DripCap™ is designed to replace traditional drip-pegs, combining irrigation with the advantages of the CubeCap™, which is mainly applied in ebb and flood systems.DripCap™ is manufactured for ease of application and

removal; it wraps around the plant securely and can be locked into place at any stage of plant growth. The patented design allows water droplets to completely saturate the media without having to relocate the device, as is common with standard drip-pegs. Further benefits from the use of DripCap™ relate to the reflection of light, which helps creates a desirable micro-climate for new roots to form. The slower evaporation rate also allows for savings in the amount of water and nutrients required by the plants for optimum growth. DripCap™ almost completely eliminates persistent algae and fungus gnat problems present in grow facilities.Look for them at all local retailers.

CubeCapTM DripCap™

Continued on page 40



Magnesium Calcium

by Richard Gellert

Beyond the Obvious

IntroductionCalcium and magnesium are common inputs in everyone’s garden. They are the building blocks and catalysts that allow plants to flourish. They are found in the soil and plant food and in tap water, with some well sources having extreme amounts. Most experienced gardeners tend to supplement their feed regimen with extra calcium and magnesium (cal-mag), especially those with hydroponic gardens.Common knowledge has

it that cal-mag is pretty straight forward, that there is not much variation between the different kinds on the market or in your tap water. But is all cal-mag created equal? Would some forms of these minerals perform better than others? What forms are leading nutrient manufacturers using? How can you tell if you have a deficiency? What leads to these deficiencies and most importantly how can you avoid them? These are just some of the questions this article will attempt to answer. I will help refine your

knowledge of these important components in your garden so they can help you achieve

the highest quality and maximum yields of your favourite fruits and veggies.

and


Cal-Mag’s Key Role in the GardenCalcium, an essential part of the plant’s cell wall structure, improves the absorption of other nutrients by the roots and their translocation within the plant. It activates a number of plant growth-regulating enzyme systems; helps convert nitrate-nitrogen into forms needed for protein formation; and contributes to improved disease resistance.Calcium is an intracellular messenger as well and can send a

signal from one cell to another telling other cells how to react or what to do. It also provides for the transport and retention of many other elements. Calcium, magnesium and potassium live in a delicate balance within plants. Too much of one will inhibit the other two. Finally, calcium is a co-factor in many enzymatic reactions. Its presence is needed to turn an enzyme on or off

and allow it to catalyse a reaction.Magnesium is part of the

chlorophyll in all plants. Magnesium is the central core of the chlorophyll molecule in green plant tissue and essential for photosynthesis. Thus, if magnesium is deficient, the shortage of chlorophyll results in poor and stunted plant growth.Magnesium also helps to

activate specific enzyme systems. Enzymes are complex substances that build, modify or break down compounds as part of a plant’s normal metabolism.Most growers incorporate higher levels of cal-mag (around

50 to 200 ppm) during the first two weeks of bloom. This is when the plant takes up a higher concentration of calcium and magnesium to help facilitate the rapid division of cells, changing the plant from a vegetative process to a reproductive process. Also, during main flower set four to six weeks into the flowering process, additional cal-mag is required.Roy Gomez, owner of Humboldt Nutrients, had a very

specific viewpoint about supplementing extra calcium. “I believe that calcium should be supplemented in a feeding regimen in the early vegetative and early bloom stages. As young children, we are told to consume milk as a calcium supplement for strengthening bone density and structure. Young plants should also receive this calcium supplement to help their stock, density and plant structure.”



Beyond the various compounds of these two minerals there are chelators which are used to make the cal-mag more readily available. There are vast differences in what manufacturers use to chelate their cal-mag. Most typical synthetic chelators are EDTA, DPTA and EDDHA and are classified as poly-amino carboxylic acids. Natural chelates are also used and include humic and fulvic acid, organic amino acids or a micro-organism based chelation process, which harnesses the power of nature’s smallest creatures to “fix” plant food for easy uptake.Calcium is always used as CA2+ within plants, but how it gets

into the plant is a whole other story. Each of the various forms of calcium has different absorption co-efficients. Each form of calcium is absorbed into the cell at different rates and requires a different method for the cell to take it in. Each method requires more or less energy for the cell to exert to do so. Some highly chelated forms of cal-mag can enter the plant’s phospholipid membrane through osmosis. The quicker the cal-mag can be absorbed, the more efficiently the plant can make use of these compounds, thus facilitating lightning fast growth and cell division.

The Different Forms Calcium and magnesium are found in most plant nutrients. They are also available combined into one bottle as a supplement. Some companies go one step further and separate the two giving one the ability to really dial in the perfect feed recipe. The ratio of calcium to magnesium can vary and be very specific to a particular type of plant.Calcium and magnesium are also the most abundant minerals

in tap water. The majority of the PPM, or EC reading, you obtain from a measuring device is cal-mag. The most typical form of these minerals in your untreated water is calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate. Unfortunately, contrary to popular belief, these forms are virtually unusable by plants, especially fast growing plants. The molecules of these compounds are far too large and immobile to be absorbed by the roots and transported to where the plant needs them. Relying on the cal-mag in tap water can lead to many problems which we will discuss later in this article.Nutrient manufacturers use different forms of cal-mag and

base their decision on what they feel delivers the most benefits to the type of plants they have targeted with their plant food and supplements. Below are a few examples of calcium and magnesium compounds used by nutrient manufactures:

• Calcium nitrate

• Calcium carbonate

• Calcium chloride

• Calcium gluconate

• Calcium proteinate

• Calcium acetate

• Magnesium nitrate

• Magnesium carbonateCalcium and magnesium are the most abundant minerals in tap water.

Calcium and Magnesium: Beyond the Obvious

Magnesium is part of the chlorophyll in all plants.

"Natural chelates harness the power of nature’s smallest creatures to “fix”

plant food for easy uptake."


Calcium DeficienciesCalcium deficiency symptoms appear initially as generally stunted plant growth. Necrotic (dead) leaf margins on young leaves or necrosis around the base of the leaves is very common. In its advanced stage it can eventually lead to death of the terminal buds and root tips. Generally the new growth of the plant is affected first. The mature leaves may be affected if the problem persists. Cupping of mature leaves is a tell tale sign of a calcium deficiency.Classic symptoms of a calcium deficiency include blossom-end

rot of tomato (death of the end part of the fruits), tip burn of lettuce, blackheart of celery and death of the growing regions in many plants. All these symptoms show soft, dead necrotic tissue at rapidly growing areas.Generally, a calcium deficiency is related to poor translocation

of calcium to the tissue rather than a low external supply of calcium. Calcium has a very low mobility in plants which makes this one of the most common problems in a garden. Calcium may be available externally but it is in the wrong form for the plant to absorb readily.

Magnesium DeficienciesDeficiencies typically occur with the middle or lower leaves.

The most common symptoms are interveinal chlorosis or yellowing between leaf veins, which stay green, giving a marbled



mag you are trying to feed them. Other key components of the nutrient formula can also be locked out and the problems escalate until your plants appear to be stunted and yellow and growth crawls to a halt.There are ways to mitigate this problem. Fulvic and humic

acid, as well as living beneficial biology, can help break down the relatively immobile cal-mag in your tap water and allow it to become more available to the plants. This process takes time and is not guaranteed to free up all the cal-mag in an efficient manner. The whole idea behind hydroponics is to minimize your time and maximize your harvests. There is no time to wait around for the cal-mag to be made available. What the plants need is cal-mag that they can readily absorb and use immediately.Another way to acquire deficiencies is by not adding enough

cal-mag to your nutrient formula when using purified water. Reverse osmosis gives you the purest water possible and so you have to add the correct amount of cal-mag to ensure you have the proper feed solution. The best way to start your nutrient formula is to begin with purified water, add 50 to 250 ppm cal-mag, and then add your additional macro- and micro-nutrients. The amount of cal-mag you add depends on the variety of plants, what stage in their life they are in and the media you are using.Certain growing media, such as coco coir, requires additional

calcium due to its cation exchange capacity properties. Growing in coco requires additional calcium, especially in the first few weeks of the plants life.

The most common cause of calcium and magnesium deficiencies is lockout, which is caused by too large cal-mag molecules accumulating on the outside of roots.

Calcium and Magnesium: Beyond the Obvious

appearance. Necrosis, or death, can develop in the highly chlorotic tissue. The symptoms generally start with mottled chlorotic areas developing in the interveinal tissue and spreads to large dead spots. This begins with older leaves and spreads to younger growth.Magnesium deficiencies are usually confused with a virus, or

natural aging in the case of tomato plants. In its advanced form, a magnesium deficiency may superficially resemble a potassium deficiency. The tell tale sign of a magnesium deficiency is the interveinal chlorosis produces a raised puckered surface, with the top of the puckers progressively going from chlorotic to necrotic tissue. Other symptoms of this deficiency are fruits and vegetables tend to be small and woody while flowers never develop to their full potential.Roy Gomez understands the important role of magnesium

and states: “As aging adults, it is not uncommon for people to become magnesium deficient. There are multiple sources of magnesium supplements in the health food market. I believe that magnesium is an important element to supplement in an aging plant’s life. Certain plants consume large amounts of magnesium during the early and late flowering stages. If magnesium deficiencies occur in plants, it causes late-season yellowing in leaf veins and older leaves.”

How Cal-Mag Deficiencies OccurThe most common cause of calcium and magnesium

deficiencies is lockout. When there is too much cal-mag already in the untreated source water being used as the base to the nutrient formula it can cause the good cal-mag in the plant food to become unavailable. Think about it this way - the cal-mag in your tap water has a large molecular structure and is very immobile in that form. These molecules try to go through your roots and up into the plant where they can be used. The molecules are too large to be absorbed efficiently and end up accumulating on the outside of the roots. This causes a road block that can lock out the good forms of cal-

“In many relations, people are the same as plants - what you put in is what you get out. We can feed ourselves fast food everyday to become full, but it

doesn’t mean that is the best choice for living."

"Fulvic and humic acid, as well as living beneficial biology, can help break down the

relatively immobile cal-mag in your tap water."


MY

Best Practices to Avoid ProblemsThe most ideal way to avoid deficiencies is by starting with a base of purified water. That way you are not guessing how much cal-mag you have and you won’t be as susceptible to lock out problems. Reverse osmosis technology removes 95 to 99 per cent of all contaminants and is the most efficient method to rid your tap water of the majority of cal-mag and other PPMs.After having the cleanest base available you want to select cal-

mag that is formulated specifically for horticulture. Going beyond this, look for labels that list several different sources or compounds of cal-mag and ensure that they have been chelated to make them that much more available to your plants. If growing organically, it is paramount that you select cal-mag supplements that have been chelated naturally with amino acids or living biology. By using these highly absorbable forms of cal-mag you are helping to ensure the healthiest and quickest growing plants.Some nutrient manufacturers address the excessive cal-mag in

tap water by marketing hard water formulas.“Although a grower can use a hard water formula for his or

her plants, it doesn’t mean they should,” said Brantley Pierce of Green Coast Hydroponics. “In many relations, people are the same as plants - what you put in is what you get out. We can feed ourselves fast food everyday to become full, but it doesn’t

mean that is the best choice for living. Starting with R.O. water and building a quality nutrient profile from scratch is like home cooking. It takes more preparation and time but the results equal a higher quality of life.”Finally, there are some brands of cal-mag that have been super

chelated with living biology and are readily available to your plants. These types of cal-mag can actually be foliar sprayed on the leaves and absorbed in a matter of hours. Results can be seen amazingly fast and deficiency problems can be corrected in a matter of days.In conclusion, it is clear that calcium and magnesium play

significant roles in everyone’s garden. Having the proper forms and correct amounts will determine the final outcome of your harvest. Starting with a base of purified water and supplementing the feed formula with specific, very usable forms of cal-mag will ensure healthy and happy harvests. Pure water is the platform for continued success in the garden.

Visit www.maximumyield.com to read more of Richard Gellert’s articles in our

author archive.

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AquaponicsClean, Green and Organic

IntroductionIn the beginning man was a hunter-gather. This nomadic life slowly changed when food resources declined and men became farmers.Man is still primarily a hunter gatherer in relation to food from the sea; however, the world’s

fish resources are declining at an increasing rate, making fishing a less efficient and less attractive option. Only about four per cent of the world’s oceans remain undamaged by human activity, with climate change and fishing being the strongest influences.The answer clearly lies in the hunter gatherer in the seas being replaced by the farmer of the sea

with aquaculture. This is already occurring in a number of countries including Canada, Scotland, Chile, New Zealand, Norway and Australia.

by Dr. Michael A. Nichols

Illustration by Ivan Flower-Jones

In Australia there is also a significant fresh water fish farming industry producing eels, barramundi and Murray cod, but all of these land based systems have two major problems, namely the limited fresh water supply and (even more critical) the disposal of the nutrient rich waste products from the fish.

So what is aquaponics?Western AustraliaI was first introduced to aquaponics when visiting Western

Australia and met with two people from Curtin University; a postgraduate student from Cyprus and his supervisor. The student’s research involved the production of fish (Barramundi) combined with growing a crop of NFT hydroponic lettuce.

Palmerston North, New ZealandMy next involvement with aquaponics was at the South Pacific

Soilless Culture Conference held at Massey University in 2003. Among the papers was one presented by Schultz from the University of the US Virgin Islands in the West Indies (Rakocy et al, 2004). In their paper they described how they grew crops of basil in an aquaponic system with Tilapia fish.

SingaporeIn 2005 at a hydroponics meeting in Singapore (Carruthers,

2005), a whole day was set aside for a discussion on aquaponics. Leading the discussion was Professor Jim Rakocy (Rakocy et al, 2007) from the US Virgin Islands, along with his colleague Charlie Schultz. They were ably supported by a Canadian aquaponics researcher, Nick Savidov (Savidov et al, 2007) from Alberta in Canada.

University of Virgin IslandsIn February 2006 a visit was made to the aquaponics project

of Dr. Jim Rakocy and Charlie Shultz at the University of the Virgin Islands in the West Indies. Water is a very scarce resource on the Island of St. Croix and all the water for the project is collected as rainfall on a large plastic sheet, and stored in a deep reservoir. Essentially, the only water being lost from the system is through transpiration, as all the other water is re-circulated from the fish to the hydroponics system, and then back to the fish.The US Virgin Islands is considered tropical, and so all the

crops are produced without any protection. Rakocy and Shultz have found that they require at least four different fish tanks to ensure a regular supply of nutrients for the hydroponic system. It is not possible to mix fish of widely different ages (sizes) in the same tank because of the risk of cannibalism. They have also found that it is desirable to grow plants of different ages, to ensure that the uptake of minerals by the plants is also evened out over time.The fish waste has to have the solids removed and much of

the ammonia excreted by the fish converted to nitrate before it reaches the hydroponic tanks through the use of a bio-filter. Simplistically, a bio-filter may comprise only a section of windbreak mesh, through which the solution slowly passes. Over a short period of time, a broad spectrum of micro-organisms becomes established around the bio-filter. Some of

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Aquaponics: Clean, Green and Organic

these micro-organisms are capable of converting ammonia to nitrite, and others can carry out the next step of converting nitrite to nitrate.The hydroponic system used in the Virgin Islands is the deep

flow method (DFT), and the solution is aerated regularly along the growing tanks

Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria, Australia.In August 2006 Geoff Wilson (an Australian) organised a series

of workshops and visits for Jim Rakocy, Wilson Lennard (the 1st Australian to obtain a PhD in Aquaponics in Australia), Nick Savidof and myself in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. Aquaculture is developing rapidly in Australia, but there is still a long way to go before aquaponics is well established.There is a considerable cost in disposing of nutrient rich water

into city sewage systems, and in the country the ability to dispose of such waste into nearby rivers and streams is soon going to be stopped. Similar provisos will also apply in the future for all conventional hydroponic nutrient solutions worldwide.Many of the land based aquaculture systems in Australia are

now seriously looking at the option of using fully recirculating aquaponic systems to provide the solution. There is no doubt that land based aquaculture is going high tech. High fish stocking rates are possible by supplying the fish tanks with oxygen rather than bubbled air. However, high density aquaculture also means significant increases in the quantity of nutrients in the “waste” water, and also higher levels of carbon dioxide in the air in the fish shed. These high levels of CO2 in the fish shed atmosphere will find a ready use in any adjoining greenhouse complex.One of the major problems with aquaponics in Australia (and

probably world-wide) is that nearly all the operators have come to aquaponics from an aquaculture background, and consider that the horticultural part is easy. This is rather surprising as all

the economic studies by both Jim Rakocy and by Nick Savidof have shown that the horticultural component of the system is capable of providing a much higher profit than the fish part!In New Zealand it is possible to produce organically certified

salmon provided that the salmon are fed with “organically” certified feed, but it is difficult (impossible) to get organic certification for an aquaponics grown crop because the crop is being produced hydroponically, and not grown in the soil. We find this decision totally nonsensical.Internationally aquaponics has now become much more

than a scientific oddity. For example in the Westland district of Holland, Priva, Wageningen University, TU Delft and a number of other businesses and Knowledge Institutes are investing €870,000 euros (¥130mill) in an “Experimental Aquaculture” project, growing tomatoes with fish in the same greenhouse.They argue that combining horticulture and fish production

means a more intensive use of the greenhouse and will lead to an integration of logistics chains in greenhouse horticulture and aquaculture. The project is aimed at strengthening the international competitive position of both sectors.There are a number of successful (and some unsuccessful)

aquaponic projects that have proven to be profitable in the USA. FAO has initiated aquaponic projects in both Egypt, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, but it is, to us, surprising that the technology has not been “picked up” by other international organisations (such as AVRDC). Producing high quality fish protein combined with fresh vegetables in a non-polluting sustainable manner would appear to have everything going for it.From an international point of view aquaponics appears to

offer considerable potential for those countries with limited water resources plus a shortage of animal protein enabling them to get the best of both worlds! It must always be remembered that a recirculating hydroponic crop production system is currently the most efficient use of water for crop production.

An aquaponic greenhouse showing plants being supplied nutrients from their fishy counterparts (left). Tilapia, a common species, thrive in their own tank, providing nutrient-rich water to the plants (above).


Omega 3 (Ω3)One interesting aspect of aquaponics is that one of the critical human health constituents found in fish are the Ω3 fatty acids. There are essentially three Ω3 fatty acids, namely DHA (important for brain health), EPA (important for cardiovascular health) and ALA. DHA and EPA are only found in seafood, and are derived by fish from the consumption of micro-organisms consumed at sea by fish etc. EPA is found in a range of plant derived seed oils, e.g. hemp seed oil, but our bodies are only able to convert small quantities (10 per cent) of EPA to the physiologically active DHA and EPA. Thus, to ensure an adequate level of EPA and DHA in our diet it is necessary to consume fish which contain these fatty acids. This does not mean that the fish must be sea fish, but that the fish must have been provided with a source of DHA and EPA, which means that they must have been fed with fish meal sourced from sea fish.

Is aquaponics an “organic” solution?There is also the potential to sell the crops as certified organic, (provided that no unacceptable pesticides have been applied) as it is produced entirely from natural manure (fish waste). However, in some countries organic certification is not permitted for hydroponic crops. It is difficult to see any logic in such a philosophy as not only are the plants only using organically derived nutrients, but the aquaponics is far more sustainable than any soil based organic system.

The organic certification authorities have not asked the question of “what is soil?”Essentially soil comprises to a greater or lesser extent:• solid particles (e.g. sand, clay, silt)• organic matter• micro-organisms• water• gases (oxygen, CO

2)

An aquaponics system contains these four components, though with a slightly different balance. This makes it nearly impossible to see where the problem lies, particularly as the aquaponics system uses no pesticide, and the nutrients for the crop are derived solely from the fish. In fact, it is a superior system to the usual soil based organic vegetable production garden in that it is highly sustainable and much more efficient in both nutrient uptake and in water use than any soil based system.

So why are more people not considering aquaponics? We believe that there are a number of reasons, namely:1) It would be an exception to find someone who is both an

expert in aquaculture and in hydroponics. The skills are very different for the two enterprises.2) The major greenhouse vegetable crops are tomatoes,

cucumbers and sweet peppers. These are normally grown hydroponically in solid media (such as rockwool or coco peat). They do not lend themselves to deep flow hydroponic systems. There is a need to develop a suitable aquaponics system that uses a substrate, rather than deep flow.3) Control of conductivity is an essential component of

modern greenhouse tomato production, and this is difficult (but not impossible) to achieve with dilute nutrient solutions, such as those used in aquaponics.4) Social obstacles, for example, lack of public awareness and

information about aquaponics technology especially in the financial sector, which makes it difficult for potential aquaponics operators to get bank loans approved.

Education and AgritourismAs society becomes more urbanised, a separation is developing between those with a rural background and those who believe that food comes from the supermarket. Aquaponics provides a very suitable educational vehicle to demonstrate the link between animals (fish), fish waste, plant nutrition and human food. It also provides an excellent example of the need to have a balanced ecology.

Consuming fish that contain Omega 3 fatty acids is necessary in order to obtain adequate levels in the human diet.

This outdoor installation demonstrates using the aquaponic infrastructure as landscape elements for this property.

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clearly the crop could be organically certified.

ReferencesNelson, R L & Pade J S (2007) “Agri-tourism”. Acta Hort., 742, 225-227Rakocy, D S, Schulz, J E, Bailey, R C & Thoman, E S (2004) “Aquaponic production of tilapia and basil: comparing a batch and staggered cropping system”. Acta Hort., 742, 63-69.Rakocy, J E, Bailey, D S, Schulz, R C & Danahar, J J (2007) “Preliminary evaluation of organic waste from two aquaculture systems as a source of inorganic nutrients for hydroponics”. Acta Hort., 648, 201-207.Savidov, N A, Hutchings, E & Rakocy, J E (2007) “Fish and plant production in a recirculating aquaponic system: A new approach to sustainable agriculture in Canada” Acta Hort., 742, 209-221.

studies have demonstrated it is worthy of further investigation and development as a commercially viable business.There is one added marketing advantage

of aquaponics and that is that provided the pesticides used to control pests and diseases conform to organic criteria, then

MY

Agritourism (Nelson & Pade, 2007) provides a valuable interphase between urban and rural, and between the developed and developing world. Aquaponics has the potential to provide an ideal vehicle to provide both an educational and a holiday experience for tourists. In 2007, Jon Nielson, a teacher from Rosemary High School (Canada), successfully introduced aquaponics as part of his biology and chemistry curricula using aquaponics mini-systems developed at CDCS. As a result, the average marks in biology increased by 20 per cent and has prompted other schools in the district to consider aquaponics as a teaching tool for biology and chemistry teachers.

ConclusionAquaponics is an ecologically sustainable system capable of producing food with few, if any, pesticide residues. Preliminary

Aquaponics: Clean, Green and Organic

Produced primarily using nutrients from fish waste, it is possible that some aquaponic crops could be marketed as certified organic.

Some crops typically grown in subsrates, such as tomatoes, don’t lend themselves well to deep flow hydroponic systems.

To learn more about Dr. Nichols’ aquaponics

research around the world, visit

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Artificial lighting and plant transpiration generates heat and humidity that can produce poor growing conditions. Ventilation equipment must be capable of removing this excess heat and humidity.

Equipment OverviewExhaust fan: Generally speaking, the exhaust fan (figure one) should be capable of removing or exchanging the volume of air in the room within five minutes. Consult your fan manufacturer or grow shop for the best fan size and type. You will need to account for room size; configuration of ducting (diameter, length and junctions/bends); inlet/outlet filters; the maximum temperature of incoming air; and the total wattage of all electrical devices in the grow room. To prevent condensation from pooling in the fan, mount it vertically in the ceiling as opposed to high on a wall.

Inlet fan: Pushing air into the room (figure one) helps maximize the effectiveness and lifespan of the exhaust fan. To ensure the exhaust fan is not restricted, use an inlet fan of equivalent airflow capacity.

Ventilation Basics

by Bob Taylor, Chief Chemist of Flairform

Figure 1. Basic layout for ventilation and lighting.


For additional articles by Bob Taylor visit www.maximumyield.com

Tips for best airflow1) Where air is being moved through ducting, centrifugal/

radial (or mixed inline) fans are the most efficient (figure two).2) Where air enters the fan unit/ducting, ensure it is mounted

flush with a solid and sealed surface of diameter at least double the diameter of the inlet itself (figure one). A flange may be needed to achieve this.3) Keep objects at least one meter away from the inlet.4) Position a diffuser screen on the opening. A filter (preferably

activated carbon) will help act as a barrier to spores and pests.

Ducting: For maximum fan efficiency keep ducting as short and straight as possible. Where junctions are needed, employ ‘Y’ junctions instead of ‘Ts.’ If the diameter of ducting needs to changed en-route, ensure this change is gradual (e.g. 10 degrees).

Oscillating fan: Usually operates 24 hours a day to ensure air is always distributed evenly (but gently) through the room (figure one). This eliminates hot spots (zones prone to CO

2 depletion

or excessive humidity and temperature that are most likely to occur nearest lights and dense foliage).

Relative location of inlet, exhaust and oscillating fans: As a general rule, try to keep the air moving in one direction; this creates and maintains air momentum. The ideal configuration depends on many factors including room size and shape, and the relative placement of equipment/plants within the room. As a general rule, locate the inlet and exhaust at opposite ends of the room, with an oscillating fan maintaining the airflow direction provided by the inlet (figure one). For wider rooms especially, employ multiple inlets and exhausts and space them evenly across the room’s width. This will help ensure all air is replaced. To verify the system is working throughout the room, routinely check temperature and humidity at various points.I strongly suggest speaking to your local grow shop when

designing your ventilation system. A system which is perfect for one particular climate may be useless in another.

Thermometers and hygrometers: These devices provide minimum/maximum data and will inform of the worst case scenario (figure one). Position the probe in that place of highest temperature/humidity (typically directly beneath the lights and amongst the foliage). However, for accuracy, shield the probe (or sensor) from direct heat and light.

Grow room dimensions: The more plants there are in a given area, the quicker temperature and humidity will rise to extremes. Therefore, aim to minimize the number of plants. If this is not

feasible then ventilation rates must be increased.

Switching fans on and offAutomated method: Thermostats and humidistats are useful for activating the inlet and exhaust fans (figure one). Position the thermostat’s sensor at the hottest point in the foliage, and the humidistat’s sensor at the most humid point (determined using a thermometer and hygrometer). For day time (lights on) they should be set to activate the fans when either the temperature exceeds 27°C or the humidity exceeds 70 per cent RH. At night time, the temperature should be allowed to drop to 20°C. To achieve this, you will need a controller that allows separate settings for both day and night. Or, you will need a separate, dedicated set of fans for both day and night. An axial fan in the ceiling (controlled with or without a timer) may be sufficient to produce the correct night time conditions.

Manual method: In extremely hot or humid climates it is usually necessary to have fans running constantly so the absence of control gear (thermostats, etc.) is of little concern. The temperature and humidity targets mentioned above still apply. A modest degree of control can be gained using a timer, a surprisingly effective aid, especially if the weather is consistent or predictable.

Temperature still too high?Consider the following options:1) Shift the lights-on period tonight.2) Air-condition the incoming air.3) Reduce the amount of lighting.4) Employ air-cooled light/shades (figure three).

Temperature too low?Low temperatures will cause humidity (RH) to increase. For example, the RH of a body of air will increase from 55 per cent to 100 per cent if its temperature drops from 25°C to 15°C. Therefore, consider pre-heating incoming air. If air is coming directly from outside, bring it from another room where it has been able to warm up first. If incoming air is not heated you may be restricted as to how frequently fans are operated, especially at night when lights off.

Figure 2. For moving air through ducting, the centrifugal/inline fan is the most efficient.

Figure 3. The heat generated by HID lamps is the biggest problem facing indoor growers, especially in summer. An effective way of removing this heat is by directly ‘ducting’ heat away through air cooled shades. These simplify ventilation requirements by minimizing hot spots and enable lights to be positioned closer to foliage.

MY


Healthy eating is a major concern for most people. Some people claim that wheat grass should be included in a healthy diet. Wheat grass refers to the young grass of the common wheat plant and can be pressed into juice for immediate consumption or dried into powder tablets that can last indefinitely if frozen.There are ongoing debates as to the

nutritional properties of wheat grass. Neither Maximum Yield nor myself endorse the consumption of wheat grass in juice or tablet form for the treatment to any diseases or disorders. Ann Wigman, one of the early pioneers of wheat grass, made claims that drinking wheat grass could cure AIDS and was later sued as a result. Ann Wigman originally claimed in

the 1940s that she had cured herself of cancer by the drinking juices of different weeds she found in vacant lots in Boston. She has founded the former Hippocrates Institute and the Ann Wigmore foundation and has also written books on how to grow wheat grass and the health benefits of sprouts.Some of the more realistic health claims

about wheat grass are as follows:• gives you more energy• improves sleep• improves the digestive system• detoxifies heavy metals from the blood

stream• promotes general well-being• strengthens immune system

For these results it is said that one must harvest at the time when the wheat grass is at its nutritional peek. It is also claimed that the wheat grass will lose its potency if the juices are not consumed within three hours of its harvest.As far as nutrition is

concerned, wheat grass has a multitude of different components that are

by Matt LeBannister

Grow Your Own Wheat GrassIndoors

beneficial to humans. Wheat grass contains many amino acids. Some are vital to muscle and brain function such as Alanine. Alanine also improves the immune system, because it is used to make the antibodies, which fight off disease and infection in our bodies. Another essential amino acid found in wheat grass is Asparic acid. Asperic acid removes ammonia from the blood stream and can increase endurance.Wheat grass juice is known to contain

a number of different vitamins. Vitamin C is found in wheat grass and is generally believed to bolster the immune system and promote general well being. Pregnant women are encouraged to increase their daily intake of vitamin C to increase the baby’s immune response. It is also a known antioxidant.Vitamin E is also found in wheat grass

and is another antioxidant. Antioxidants protect our cells against “free radicals,” which damage our DNA. These “free radicals” are believed to cause the aging process in humans.Vitamin B9 is found in wheat grass as

well as folic acid, used for the production and maintenance of new cells. Folic acid is also recommended for women during pregnancy to prevent birth defects.

Your wheat grass planting kit can include grow mediums such as rockwool, coir, potting soil or even a cotton seedling mat, shown here.


There are a variety of trace minerals present in wheat grass. Boron can be found which improves brain function. Calcium is available and is used in the making and maintaining of healthy, strong teeth and bones. Iron is present and is a major component of oxygen carrying red-blood cells. Zinc is another trace element found in wheat grass and supports a healthy immune system.One major reason people consume

wheat grass is for the high levels of chlorophyll found in it. There are many claims about what chlorophyll can do for the human body. Many people believe that it has healing qualities and is high in antioxidants. However, others claim that chlorophyll cannot be properly absorbed by our stomachs and is therefore useless to consume.Now that the nutrition behind wheat

grass is better understood, one can make the decision as to whether wheat grass will be a good addition to their healthy diet. People wishing to add wheat grass to their diet will be able to grow it easily and affordably at home. To do this, all one needs is a supply of wheat grass seeds, a tray with holes and one without for drainage, some growing medium and some fluorescent lights or a sunny window sill.

Growing Wheat GrassThe first step is to soak the wheat grass seeds in water for two to eight hours prior to planting. This allows the seeds to take up some water and will speed up the germination process. The seeds should be placed in the dark while they are being soaked.

During this time one should prepare the preferred medium for planting. If you have chosen to use a seedling pad made of cotton, rockwool or coco coir, it is good to soak the medium for two to eight hours prior to planting. This allows the medium to safely adjust its pH levels, because some mediums can be acidic or alkaline. Soil or potting mix can be used and is actually more forgiving when it comes to pH levels than other available mediums.Now that the medium and seeds are

ready for planting, one can sow the seeds. The soaked seeds should be spread evenly over the surface of the medium so that the seeds are touching each other, but not so much that they are overlapping one another. If you choose to use soil or a loose potting mix, some of the medium should be spread over the seeds to keep the light off of them. Seeds germinate poorly when exposed to the light. If choosing to use a cotton seedling pad or other hydroponic medium, the tray containing the seeds could be lightly dusted with vermiculite or simply kept in the dark for the first couple days.The first couple days after germination

there won’t be much to do in terms of caring for your wheat grass. The gardener must watch the temperature if using a heating mat to speed up germination. If temperature goes above 32°C the seeds can become dormant. Misting the medium once a day should provide enough moisture to promote healthy growth. Too much moisture combined with heat and darkness can be an instant recipe for mould. To combat this, any cover should be removed at least once a day to allow fresh air to reach the seedlings.

Affordable and easily grown at home, the growth progression of wheat grass is quite quick. Expect to see seeds germinating in a couple of days (left). Within three days following germination, shoots are growing and the grass is craving sunlight (centre). Approximately seven to 10 days after planting, the wheat grass will reach its nutritional peak and is ready to harvest (right).

A couple days after planting the wheat grass shoots will have appeared and will be craving sunlight. At this time, the seeds no longer need the darkness. Putting the tray under some fluorescent lights or on a sunny windowsill will work just fine. The wheat grass will increase production of chlorophyll and nutrients steadily over the next five to seven days of growth until reaching the nutritional peak. This important moment in the wheat grass’s life happens approximately seven to 10 days after planting or when the wheat grass is 17 to 27 centimetres tall. This is the ideal time to harvest. It is commonly believed that for wheat grass to be effective it must be consumed within three hours of harvest. To harvest the wheat grass simply trim the grass three to five centimetres above the medium. The wheat grass will grow back if done properly allowing for a second harvest in a week’s time.Growing wheat grass for the first time

can be a little tricky for any gardener. All plants need love and care to survive. With experience, even the beginner gardener will find that keeping a continuous supply of wheat grass in their home can be easy and affordable.

ReferencesKoha, Loretta Harmony. Ann Wigmore Wheat Grass Pioneer, Living Food Educator.

Additional benefits and uses of wheat

grass can be found at maximumyield.com

MY


Biological Control:Past, Present and Future

by Donald Lester

The Australian Hydroponics and Greenhouse Growers Association Conference was held July 19-22 at Sydney Olympic Park. Over 300 growers, industry personnel and government representatives were in attendance, with about 40 vendor booths. Some 20 guest speakers were invited to give presentations about biological control, fertilizer and nutrient management, new and emerging plant diseases of commercial concern and other topics.Donald Lester is the product manager for JH Biotech, Inc. of Ventura,

California, a manufacturer of plant nutrients and biological products. He spoke about the perception of biological control and the development of commercial biological control products in the past and present. He also discussed the social factors and market trends that indicate biological control products will be with us, and be more prominent, in the future. Donald fielded several questions afterwards, mostly in the area of biopesticide regulation differences between the U.S. regulatory system and the Australian government system. The following article is a synopsis of his presentation.

Donald Lester speaking at the AHGA Conference.


The earliest known written record of using one organism to control the population of another was the use of cats for the control of rodents in food stores in ancient Egypt around 3,000 BC. The Egyptians were so impressed with cats that they deemed them gods. Biological Control is a term that was coined by University of California professor Harry Smith in 1919. Currently, in terms of agriculture, the USDA defines biological control as “The involvement of the use of beneficial micro-organisms, such as specialised fungi and bacteria, to attack and control plant pathogens and the diseases they cause.” Beneficial micro-organisms that fit this definition are also known as biological control agents (BCAs).There are over 300 commercially available BCAs on the

market today for controlling insects, nematodes, fungi, bacteria, weeds and other pests. The most successful commercial BCA is Bacillus thuringiensis used for insect control. Annual sales of Bacillus thuringiensis worldwide averaged $100 million in the year 2000.During the past few decades BCAs have been developed for

use on soil pathogens. This presentation will discuss four BCAs that have been used in greenhouse and soilless hydroponic systems to control soil pathogens: Bacillus subtilis, Trichoderma sp., Pseudomonas sp. and Mycorrhizal fungi. This presentation will briefly cover how biological control was perceived in the past, how trends in today’s world influence how BCAs are viewed and the factors and trends in the marketplace that are driving the increased use of BC’s into the future.

PastIn the past few decades biological control has been viewed as the Egyptians viewed it – one organism to keep the population of another organism in check. And like the Egyptians with the cats, BCAs in the last few decades were expected to be self-sustaining with no maintenance required. This natural phenomenon of pest population regulation gave rise to the ecological basis of integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. Biological control was viewed as a self-sustaining component in an IPM program.

There are four mechanisms that biological control agents use to control pests and pathogens: direct competition, antibiosis or antagonism of pest populations, parasitism and inducement of the plant immune system. In the past, competition with detrimental micro-organisms was the main mode of action.Biological control fell out of favour because of problems with

unrealistic expectations. One problem with BCAs was poor formulation. Not too many years ago BCAs often had to be shipped in refrigerated coolers or on dry ice which lent to a very short shelf life. This made usage difficult and the results unpredictable.Besides high expectations, low efficacy, relatively low cost

and widespread availability of conventional chemicals and insufficient knowledge of the biology of BCAs and pathogens all led to a decline in the use of BCAs.

PresentToday much more is known about BCAs. Biological control is considered a mature science. Research has generated a wealth of information on how BCAs impact plant disease. In the past 20 years there have been some 5,000 articles published in refereed journals, and over 50,000 popular articles covering the subject. Advances in computing, molecular biology, analytical chemistry and statistics have led to new research aimed at understanding the pathogens, host plants and biological control organisms on many levels.Advances in formulation now make it possible for

manufacturers to offer BCAs in easy-to-use liquid and granular formulations with shelf lives of up to two years in some cases.There is also an increased reluctance to use conventional

chemicals. In fact, it is said that chemistry sets today do not even come with chemicals anymore due to legal liability. Add to this the fact that modern chemistry equipment can detect chemicals at far lower concentrations than machines just 20 years ago. Now with residues recorded where none had previously existed (values used to be recorded as below detectable limits) consumers see the world as becoming more polluted. They view any amount

of chemical residue as too much, especially with the long term negative effects of many chemicals becoming so prominent in the news.One publication adding to

the avoidance of conventional chemicals is the “Shoppers Guide to the Dirty Dozen” list. This list was compiled by the Environmental Watch Group using U.S. government data from 2000-2007 to rank which fruits and vegetables had the highest amounts of pesticide residues.All of these factors are paving

the way for organic foods to Over 300 growers, industry personnel and government representatives attended the AHGA Conference focusing on biological control, fertilizer and nutrient management and new and emerging plant diseases of commercial concern.


enter the marketplace which command a premium price and reduce the use of conventional chemicals.Moreover, additional benefits of using BCAs have been

identified:• no minimum residue limits (MRLs)• no withholding periods• proven efficacy• IPM friendly and environmentally friendly• safer to use, reduced liability• cost-effective• reduces risk of pathogen resistance build-up• BCAs more stable than chemical pesticides• non-phytotoxic • improvements in overall crop health and yield• number of organic growers increasing• no toxic waste disposal problems

However, there are still some factors that limit the effectiveness of BCAs. They are living organisms and suffer from the same environmental pressures that mankind do: weather, temperature, moisture content of soil or media, pH, disease pressure, timing of application, storage and handling and competition from native micro-organisms. But, with proper education growers have been able to successfully employ BCAs in commercial operations with excellent results.Rather than the old one-on-one model - one BCA for

one pathogen - manufacturers and researchers are using combinations of BCA organisms to increase target spectrums or increase the length of time a control may be effective. This new concept fits in well with the goals of IPM and increases the efficacy of BCAs adding to their credibility.

Biological Control in Greenhouses and Hydroponic SystemsOver the years research has

shown that BCAs have the capacity to be curative rather than just preventative. Several research studies show good control of several common greenhouse and hydroponic pathogens.Lettuce has several key

pathogens: Pythium, Botrytis and Phytophthora. Studies have shown that Pseudomonas and Bacillus subtilis effectively control these pathogens (Card, et al. 2002, Boshoff 2006).Cucumbers have a slightly

larger set of pathogens than lettuce. Pythium has been

effectively controlled with Bacillus subtilise (Utkhede, Koch, and Menzies 1999).Trichoderma and Pseudomonas putida have been shown

to control several root, crown and foot rots in tomatoes. And Bacillus subtilis is effective in controlling powdery mildew (Sivan and Chet. 1993, Kamilova, Validov and Lugtenberg 2009, Latunde-Dada 1993).Cut flowers benefit from BCAs as well. Trichoderma was

shown to control Botrytus grey mould. Pseudomonas and Bacillus subtilis are strong candidates for control in hydroponic chrysanthemums. (Elad 1993, Orlikowski 1995, Liu et al. 2007).

FutureTrends show that BCAs are in our future. Surveys of both conventional and organic growers indicate an increasing interest

About 40 leading educators and manufacturers exhibited at the AHGA Conference, making it the largest event of its kind in the Asia-Pacific region for 2009.

Biological Control: Past, Present and Future


in using biological control products. In fact, many conventional growers use softer chemistries when they can. One wine grape grower told me that his decision to switch from conventional chemicals to more organic materials was influenced by the complaints he was receiving from his customers about odours in the tasting room. This got him thinking and he was stricken by the realization that his grandchildren play in his vineyard.Trends also show that chemicals will continue to be banned.

Europe banned 22 chemicals in 2008 and six more in 2009. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is constantly reducing the amount of methyl bromide soil fumigant used every year as well. Furthermore, the cost is always increasing to register conventional chemicals. The growing organics market and increased public awareness of the environment add to the pressures against chemicals. BCAs will not replace conventional chemicals but they will certainly play a role in filling in the vacuum as conventional chemicals disappear.Besides market trends there are other factors driving the

growth in BCAs: organic crop premiums, IPM, worker safety and liability costs, residue management and resistance management. Organic crop premiums induce growers to reduce their chemical inputs. Integrated pest management also stresses reduced chemical usage. The costs associated with worker safety and liability is far greater than using comparatively safe biological products. Would you rather see your workers applying a safe product or would you rather see them in a moon suit? Increased fertilizer and nutrient costs have growers looking at biological agents to break down their crop residues to free up expensive nutrients naturally. And BCAs don’t have the resistance build-up phenomenon that conventional chemicals do. So, who is saying this? The greenies? The environmentalists? No, the agricultural chemical industry (Farm Chemicals International, July 2008).BCAs still have their limitations with environmental factors

and sometimes narrow usage conditions, but it is expected that improvements in formulation technology, advancements in biotechnology and increased understanding of micro-organism physiology - over time - will remove the guesswork and specialized education needed to get the full benefit of BCAs. This increase in biological knowledge will no doubt lead to advances in formulation that will take the guess work out of application timing, worries about pH levels, temperatures and other environmental variables.So, the trend is for chemical usage to decline because of the

factors I have outlined above. And as IPM becomes the central strategy in pest control, it makes sense that BCAs will continue to grow in use and popularity as we move forward. MY

To learn of further benefits of BCAs, visit www.maximumyield.com

http://www.maximumyield.com


General Hydroponics is proud to announce General Organics. “GO” is the first complete line of superior organic liquid nutrients and supplements from the global leader in premium plant foods.The products are sustainably sourced, and produced with

solar power for the lowest possible environmental impact.BioThrive Grow and Bloom offer essential nutrients for thriving crops.

BioMarine enhances soils and boots plant growth.CaMg+ will benefit your plants ability to transport calcium and micronutrients.

BioRoot encourages beneficial microbial activity in the root zone.

BioWeed creates plant and soil vitality.BioBud provides flowering plants with minerals, humates and amino acids.

Introducing General Organics

Sure to Grow Launches New Storm Series Inserts

Diamond Black is an exceptional source of plant active humates.

The GO line not only feeds and enhances your plants, they build soils and feed beneficial microbes. The formulas bring together the time tested gardening techniques of ancients with the ecological and efficient methods of the future. General Organics represents General Hydroponics deep commitment to sustainability, quality, simplicity and innovation.To learn more visit your nearest hydroponics retailer.

STG has launched a major new product line called the Storm series. The Storm inserts are one piece, solid inserts designed to fit the most common sizes of net pots and buckets, with sizes to fit the most widely used systems including C.A.P. Ebb and Gro, Botanicare, GH, DWC, EZ Clone and many others. The Storm inserts are also perfect for use in any application where net pots and buckets are used; flood and drain tables, DWC, aeroponics and home builds.The Storm series is a revolutionary technology to replace

hydroton with many advantages that growers will love.• ready to use out of the box; installs in seconds• pH neutral• no pre-treatment• weighs only grams• no shed, no dust, no mess• keeps your systems clean and easy to maintain• STG non-wicking technology means little to no green

algaeWant to see the results of Storm series in action for

yourself? Go to www.SureToGrowVideo.com or visit an indoor gardening retail store.

MY

Do you want to be included in the product spotlight? Contact the editor at 1-250-279-2677 or

email [email protected]

You can find all of our products online at www.maximumyield.com. Each month your

favourite new product profiles will be featured on our website. Get the latest information on

what will make your garden grow.

SubCulture is a beneficial mix of micro-organisms that will help increase the vitality and yield in all plants. It surrounds the roots with a protective barrier, and inhibits growth, propagation and thus survival of their predators. Whether in soil or hydroponics, our proprietary blend of bacteria and fungi colonize the root zone and media to form a symbiotic relationship with your plants. Root systems will increase, as well as nutrient absorption.

Use it year round, but mainly in hot weather and high temperatures, as this is its best application. For more information visit an indoor gardening retailer near you.

Subculture from General Hydroponics Europe


Continued from page 17


Q

AAnswers to this quiz will be printed in the November/December 2009 issue of Maximum Yield.

CHECK YOUR

ANSWERS:

growing I.Q.

July/August 2009 quiz

by Erik Biksa

1) e 2) b,c,d 3) c 4) a 5) b 6) d 7) e

1. After initiating flowering, the very tips/growing points at the tops of the plants appear to be taking on a slightly yellow, less green apperance. The symptoms exhibited are likely the result of:

a) nitrogen deficiencyb) magnesium deficiencyc) iron and/or zinc deficiencyd) none of the above

2. To correct this problem which type of application would be more effective?

a) foliar sprayb) root drench

3. In nutraceutical crops, essential oil production levels are often at their peak:

a) mid-dayb) end of the dayc) start of light-cycled) end of dark cycle

4. What methods may help in keeping mother/stock plants healthy, while not being grown to harvest cuttings?

a) providing lower light intensities, very high in the blue spectrum (7000+ Kelvins)

b) moderate to low fertilizer levelsc) maintaining cooler temperatures (15 to 18°C)d) all of the above

5. As a rule of thumb what should the capacity for a carbon filter used in a “scrub” (re-circulating) application per 1000W HID lamp:

a) 150 CFMb) 420 CFMc) 680 CFMd) none of the above

6. What are some of the advantages in using an electronic ignition/glow plug type gas fires CO2 generator versus a standing pilot type model?

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ACTSouth Pacific Hydroponics #2 - 84 - 86 Wollongong St., Fyshwick ACT 2609 (02) 6239 2598South Pacific Hydroponics 70 Oatley Court , Belconnen ACT 2617 (02) 6251 0600

NEW SOUTH WALESaBC aquaculture 54 Wahroonga Road, Kanwal NSW 2259 (61) 2 4393 3131aSE HydroponicsFactory 10/45 Leighton Pl., Hornsby NSW 2077 (02) 9477 3710Ballina Hydro 3 Ray O’Niell Crescent, Ballina NSW 2478 (02) 6686 7321Brunswick Hydro & aquarium Supplies 19 Booyun Street, Brunswick Heads NSW 2483 (02) 6685 1552Criscete Hydroponics and Organics Unit 2/15 Kam Close, Morisset, NSW 2264 (02) 4973 5779Dr. Van Der Bloom’s Hydroponics Supplies 5/5 Forge Drive, Coff’s Harbour, NSW 2450 (02) 6651 9992Dubbo Hydro & Tobacconist 42c Victoria Street, Dubbo West NSW 2830 (02) 6885 1616Ezi Grow Hydro 177 Mt Druit Road, Mt Druitt NSW 2770 (02) 9832 1610Ezi Grow Hydro 1B/340 Windsor Street, Richmond NSW 2753 (02) 4588 5826Ezi Grow Hydro 56 Fish Parade, Bathurst NSW 2795 (02) 9832 1610Ezi Grow Hydro - Head Office 18 Part Street, Eglinton NSW 2795 (02) 6337 1485Favgro Hydroponics Growers 107 Glenella Road, Batehaven NSW 2536 (02) 4472 7165Felanza - Hydroponics140 Princess Highway, Arncliffe, NSW 2205 (02) 9556 1494General Hydroponics 7/14 Sunnyholt Road, Blacktown NSW 9676 (02) 9676 8682Green Sky 17 Beaumont Street, Rose Bay NSW 2029Grow australia Factory 1/5 Sefton Road, Thronleigh NSW 2120 (02) 9473 5000Happy Grow Hydro 15/The Crescent Street, Penrith NSW 2750 (02) 4732 2870Home Harvest 423 Princess Highway, Rockdale NSW 2216 (02) 9567 8841Hyalite moorebank 6/376 Newsbridge Road, Moorebank Vic 2170 (02) 9824 3400Hyalite Villawood 2/21 Birmingham Avenue, Villawood Vic 2163 (02) 9723 7199Hydro masta 100 Station Road, Seven Hills, Sydney NSW 2147 (02) 8812 2845Hydro masta Pty Ltd 76 Beecroft Road, Epping NSW 2121 (02) 9869 3011Hydro Net 2/14 Aific Street, Long Jetty NSW 2261 (02) 4334 6955Hydro Place 1/68 Nelson Street, Wallsend NSW 2287 (02) 4965 6595Hydro Shop and Reptile Supplies 2/390 The Esplanade, Warners Bay NSW 2282 (02) 4958 1489Hydro Shop Pty Ltd Unit 1/5-7 Channel Road, Mayfield West NSW 2304 (02) 4960 0707Hydro Supplies 57 Flinders Street, Darlinghurst NSW 2010 (02) 9326 0307Hydro Wise B/385 The Entrance Road, Long Jetty NSW 2261 (02) 4333 5700Hydroponics Grow all Year 14 Fitzmaurice Street, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650 (02) 6921 5911Hygrow Horticulture (Greenlite) 252 Oxford Street, Bondi Junction NSW 2022 (02) 9369 3928Indoor Sun Shop 745 Victoria Road, Top Ryde NSW 2112 (02) 9808 6511Indoor Sun Shop Unit 2/109 Junction Road, Moorebank NSW 2170 (02) 9822 4700International Fans PO Box 120, St. Mary’s NSW 2760 (02) 9833 7500

Kyper’s Tools and Hydroponics Stuart & Tincogan Sts, Mullumbimby NSW 2482 (02) 6684 4928Lismore Hydro 1/106 Canway Street, Lismore NSW 2480 (02) 6621 3311Lismore Hydroponics rear of 28 Casino St., South Lismore, NSW 2480 (02) 6621 3311Nowra Hydro 68 Bridge Road, Nowra NSW 2541 (02) 4423 3224Nutriflo Hydroponic Systems 19/5 Daintree Place, Gosford West NSW 2250 (02) 4323 1599Parkview Plants 250 Princess Highway, Nowra South NSW 2541 (02) 4423 0599Port Pumps and Irrigation 20 Uralla Road, Pt Macquarie NSW 2444 (02) 6581 1272Quik Grow 510a Great Western Hwy., Pendle Hill NSW 2145 (02) 9636 7023Quick Grow 823 King Georges Road, S. Hurstville NSW 2221 (02) 9546 8642Quik Grow Pty Ltd 490 Parramatta Road, Petersham NSW 2049 (02) 9568 2900Simple Grow Hassall Street & Windem, Wetherill Pk NSW 2164 (02) 9604 0469Tweed Coast Hydroponics 2/58 Machinery Dr., Tweeds Head South NSW 2486 (07) 5524 8588Uncle Wal’s Gardenland 31 Crescent Avenue, Taree NSW 2430 (02) 6550 0221Underlights Hydro 3/319 High Street, Maitland NSW 2320 (02) 4934 4304Wollongong Hydroponic Center 318 Crown Street, Wollongong NSW 2500 (02) 4225 8773

NORTHERN TERRITORYKatherine Hydroponics Centre 17 Rundle Street, Katherine NT 0850 (08) 8972 1730

QUEENSLANDa Happy medium Hydroponics Unit2/10 Central Court, Browns Plains QLD 4118 (07) 3809 3322allgrow Hydro 13 - 58 Bullock Head St., Sumner Park QLD 4074 (07) 3376 7222aquatic Oasis Unit 2/33 Smith Street, Capalaba QLD 4157 (07) 3245 7777Billabong Hydroponics Lot 1, Billabong Court, Childers QLD 4660 (07) 4126 3551D-Bay Hydroponics Shop 5/404 Deception Bay Road, Deception Bay QLD 4508 (07) 3204 8324E.T. Grow Home Unit 1/4 Windmill Street, Southport QLD 4215 (07) 5591 6501Eye Lighting australia Pty Ltd PO Box 306, Carole Park QLD 4300 (07) 3335 3556Green Power Hydroponics 2/80 Beerburrum Road, Caboolture QLD 4510 (07) 5428 1133Grow Hydro 22 Mining Street, Bundamba QLD 4304 (07) 3816 3206Gympie army Desposals 92 Mellor Street, Gympie QLD (07) 5482 6711Hyalite Varsity 5/11 John Duncan Crt.,Varsity Lakes QLD 4227 (07) 5593 7385Hydroponic Roots & Shoots Lot 3 Herberton Road, Atherton QLD 4883 (07) 4091 3217Hydroponics & Garden Supplies 93 Cook St., Portsmith QLD 4870 (07) 4035 5422Hydroponics Today PO Box 785, Stanthorpe QLD 4380 (07) 4683 3133Indoor Solutions Unit 2 / 79 Oxford Tce., Taringa QLD 4068J&K Hydroponics 10 Wacol Station Road, Wacol, Brisbane QLD, 4076 (07) 3271-6210KY Garden 3/31 Argyle PDE, Darra Brisbane QLD 4076 (07) 3375 9098Nerang Hydroponic Centre 27 Lawrence Drive, Nerang QLD 4211 (07) 5527 4155North Queensland Hydro Supplies Shop 2B/20-22 Fleming St., Townsville QLD 4810 (07) 4728 3957

Northern Hydroponics383 Mulgrave Road, Cairns QLD 4870 (07) 4054 5884Pioneer Hydroponics 194 Doyles Road, Pleystowe QLD 4741 (07) 4959 2016Sa Hydroponics Shed 3, 1191 Anzac Avenue, Kallangar QLD 4503 (07) 3285 1355Simply Hydroponics Gold Coast 42 Lawrence Drive, Nerang QLD 4211 (07) 5596 2250Sunstate Hydroponics 1137 Ipswitch Road, Moorooka QLD 4105 (07) 3848 5288Sunstate Hydroponics67 Aerodrome Road, Maroochydore QLD 4558 (07) 5479 1011The Hydroponic Warehouse Shop 3/73 PIckering Street, Enoggera QLD 4051 (07) 3354 1588Tumbling Waters Hydroponics2 Clarkes Track, Malanda QLD 4885 (07) 4096 6443Walsh’s Seeds Garden Centre 881 Ruthven Street, Toowoomba QLD 4350 (07) 4636 1077

SOUTH AUSTRALIAamazon aquariums & Gardening Unit 5, 16 Research Road, Pooraka SA 5095 (08) 8359 1800ascot Park 753 Marion Road, Ascot Park SA 5043 (08) 8357 4700Barry’s Hardware Saints & Main North Rd., Salisbury Plains SA 5109 (08) 8281 4066Black max Ozone Generators PO Box 429, Noarlunga Centre SA 5168 Bolzon Home & Garden 103 Tolley Road, St Agnes SA 5097 (08) 8265 0665Chocablock Discount Variety Store 15-17/1220 Grand Junction, Hope Valley SA 5090 (08) 8396 3133Complete Hydroponics 1581 Main North Road Salisbury East SA 5109 (08) 8258 4022Country Hydro 434 Saddleback Road, Whyalla SA 5600 (08) 8645 3105D & W Dependable Hardware 45B Kettering Road, Elizabeth South SA 5112 (08) 8287 6399Festive Hydro 2 Kreig Street, Evanston Park SA 5116 (08) 8523 5100Fulham Gardener Nursery 597 Tapleys Hill Road, Fulham SA 5024 (08) 8235 2004Futchatec Distribution 4 Symonds St. Royal Park, 5014 (08) 8447-1122Glandore Hydroponics 644 - 646 South Road, Glandore SA 5037 (08) 8371 5777Greener then Green 52 - 54 Cliff Avenue, Port Noarlunga South SA 51 (08) 8386 2596Greenhouse Superstore Lonsdale 35 to 37 Aldenhoven Road SA 5160 (08) 8382 0100Greenhouse Superstore Royal Park 4 Symonds St. Royal Park SA 5014 (08) 8447 5899Ground-Up Service Nursery 3 Copinger Road, Pt. Pirie SA 5540 (08) 8264 9455Hackham Garden & Building Supplies 32 Gates Road., Hackham SA 5163Hindmarsh Hydroponics 39a Manton Street, Hindmarsh SA 5095 (08) 8346 9461Highland Hydro 14/1042 Grand Junction Road, Holden Hill SA 5088 (08) 8395 4455Hong Kong Hydro 13 Research Road, Pooraka SA 5095 (08) 8260 2000Hydro Heaven Kane Motors-Hunt Road, Mount Barker SA 5251 (08) 8391 1880Hydro Sales & Service 1 Salisbury Crescent, Colonel Light SA 5041 (08) 8272 2000Hydro Technics 321 South Road, Croydon SA 5008 (08) 8241 5022Hydro Warehouse 181 Seacombe Road, South Brighton SA 5048 (08) 8377 1200Hydro World 40 Folland Avenue, Northfield SA 5085 (08) 8262 8323Island Salads - Kangaroo Island PO Box 78, Kingscote SA 5223

RETAILdirectory


Koko’s Hydro Warehouse Unit 2/2 McGowan Street, Pooraka SA 5095 (08) 8260 5463Larg’s Bay Garden Supply 239 Victoria Road, Largs Bay SA 5016 (08) 8242 3788martins Road Hydro # 5- 353 Martins Road, Parafield Gardens SA 5107 (08) 8283 4011mitre 10 Drive In 152 Hanson Road, Mansfield Park SA 5012 (08) 8445 1813New age Hydroponics 135-137 Sir Donald Bradman Dr., Hilton SA 5033 (08) 8351 9100Owen agencies 17-19 Railway Terrace, Owen SA 5460 (08) 8528 6008Professional Hydro 4/522 Grange Road, Fulham Gardens SA 5024 (08) 8353 0133Professional Hydro Shop 5/645 Lower North East Road SA 5075 (08) 8365 5172Professional Hydroponics113 Maurice Road, Murray Bridge SA (08) 8532 3441Soladome aquaculture & Hydro 44 Chapel St., Norwood SA 5067 (08) 8362 8042South Coast Hydroponics 6/25 Gulfview Road, Christies Beach SA 5165 (08) 8384 2380South East Hydroponics 1A Lindsay Street, Mt. Gambier SA 5290 State Hydroponics 174 Semaphore Road, Exeter SA 5019 (08) 8341 5991Tea Tree Gully Hydro 32 Famechon Cresent, Modbury North SA 5092 (08) 8264 9455Two Wells Hardware 86 Old Port Wakefield Road, Two Wells SA 5501 (08) 8520 2287West Garden Centre Peachey Road, Elizabeth West SA 5113 (08) 8255 1355

TASMANIAadvanced Hydroponics 26 Mulgrave Street, South Launceston Tas 7249 (03) 6344 5588Ezy Grow 625 East Derwent Highway, Lindisfarne Tas 7015 (03) 6243 9490Garden World 717 West Tamar Highway, Legana Tas 7277 (03) 6330 1177Growers Choice 225 Main Road, Derwent Park Tas 7009 (03) 6273 6088Hydroponic World 322 Bass Highway, Sulphur Creek Tas 7316 (03) 6435 4411Organic Garden Supplies Tas 17 Don Road, Devonport Tas 7310 (03) 6424 7815The Hydroponic Company 69 Charles Street, Moonah Tas 7009 (03) 6273 1411The Hydroponics Company 289 Hobart Road, Kings Medow Tas 7428 (03) 6340 2222

VICTORIAalbury Hydroponics 62 Thomas Mitchell Drive, Springvale Vic 3171 (03) 9540 8000all Seasons Hydroponics 3 Springvale Road, Springvale Vic 3171 (03) 9540 8000Banksia Greenhouse and Outdoor Garden 530 Burwood Highway, Wantirna Vic 3152 (03) 9801 8070Barb’s Hydro and Nursery 15 Wallace Avenue, Interverloch Vic 3196 (03) 5674 2584Bayside Hydroponics Factory 2/8 Rutherford Road, Seaford Vic 3196 (03) 9775 0495Belgrave Hydroponics 1642 Burwood Highway, Belgrave Vic 3160 (03) 9754 3712Brew ‘N’ Grow 4 - 479 Nepean Highway, Edithvale Vic 3199 (03) 9783 3006Casey Hydro 12 The Arcade Street, Cranbourne Vic 3977 (03) 5996 3697Casey Hydro 78 Spring Square, Hallam Vic 3803 (03) 9796 3776Chronic Hydroponics 31 Anderson Street, Templestowe Vic 3106 (03) 9646 8133Complete Garden Supplies 580 Ballarat Road, Sunshine Vic 3020 (03) 9311 9776

Discount Hydroponics 752 Waverley Road, Chadstone Vic 3148 (03) 9568 1860Echuca Hydroponic Nursery & Supplies 23 Ogilvie Avenue, Echuca Vic 3564 (03) 5480 2036Echuca Pump Shop 128 Ogilvie Avenue, Echuca Vic 3564 (03) 5480 7080Excel Distributors Pty Ltd 2/41 Quinn Street, Preston Vic 3072 (03) 9495 0083F.L.O.W. Plants and Environments 66B Chapel Street, Windsor Vic 3181 (03) 9510 6832Gardensmart 810-834 Springvale Road, Keysborough Vic 3173 (03) 9769 1411Global Hydroponics 10 Knight Avenue, Sunshine Vic 3020 (03) 9356 9400Greenleaf Hydroponics 9a Church Street, Traralgon Vic 3844 (03) 5176 0898Greenleaf Hydroponics Factory 7, Industrial Park Drive, Lilydale Vic 3140 (03) 9739 7311GreenLite - Ringwood 291 Maroondah Highway, Ringwood Vic 3134 (03) 9870 8566Grow 4 XS Rear 24 Simms Road, Greensborough Vic 3088 (03) 9435 6425Grow-Tek Hydroponics 141 Military Road, Avondale Heights Vic 3034Holland Forge Pty Ltd. 5 Hi-tech Place, Rowville Vic 3178 (03) 9764 1372Hyalite Global 10 Knight Avenue, Sunshine North Vic 3020 (03) 9356 9400Hyalite Westend 3 Third Avenue, Sunshine Vic 3020 (03) 9311 3510Hyalite Centreway 42 Wingarra Avenue, Keilor East Vic 3033 (03) 9311 5452Hyalite Bayswater 4/19 Jersey Road, Bayswater Vic 3153 (03) 9720 1946Indoor Garden Company29 Glasgow Street, Collingwood Vic 3066 (03) 9416 1699Impact Distribution PO Box 2188, Salisbury Downs 5108 (08) 8250-1515Jackson Cellars Cnr Bailey & McLeod Sts., Bairnsdale Vic 3875 (03) 5152 1366JB Lighting 492 - 500 Neerim Road, Murrumbeena Vic 3163 (03) 9569 4399Just Hydroponics Factory 11 29/39 westwood Drive, Deer Park Vic 3023 (03) 8390 0861Latrove Valley Home Brew Supplies PO Box 802, Morwell Vic 3804 (03) 5133 9140Living Jungle 345 Sommerville Road, Footscray West Vic 3012 (03) 9314 0055melton Hydroponic Supplies 18/10 Norton Drive, Melton Vic 3194 (03) 9746 9256midtown Hydroponics Factory 1, 821B Howitt St., Wendouree Vic 3355 (03) 5339 1300mirror Brand 110 Dynon Road, South Kensington Vic 3031 (03) 9376 0447One Stop Sprinklers 1 Burwood Highway, Wantirna Vic 3152 (03) 9800 2177Pam’s Home Brew & Hydroponics 61 McArthur Street, Sale Vic 3850 (03) 5143 1143Palms & Plants 175 Salisbury Highway, Salisbury S.A. 5108 (08) 8285 7575Shepparton Hydroponics 87A Archer Street, Shepparton Vic 3630 (03) 5831 6433Simply Hydroponics 5/ 411-413 Old Geelong Rd.,Hoppers Cros. 3029 (03) 9360 9344Sunlite Hydroponics 1/104 Shannon Avenue, Geelong West Vic 3281 (03) 5222 6730Sunray Hydro 157 Tenth Street, Mildura Vic 3500 (03) 5023 6422Supply Net International P/L PO Box 171, Highbury Vic 5089 (88) 264-3600The Hydroponic Connection 397 Dorset Road, Boronia Vic 3155 (03) 9761 0662Waterworks Hydroponics Unit 1, 5 Brand Drive, Thomastown Vic 3074 (03) 9465 1455

WESTERN AUSTRALIAaccent Hydroponics Unit 2/141 Russell Street, Morley WA 6062 (08) 9375 9355aqua Post Unit 2B 7 Yampi Way, Willetton WA 6155 (08) 9354 2888aquaponics Lot 12 Warton Road, Canning Vale WA 6155 1800 640 222Creative Hydroponics 1/95 Dixon Road, Rockingham WA 6168 (08) 9528 1310Great Southern Hydroponics Shop 1, 21 Hennessy Road, Bunbury WA 6230 (08) 9721 8322Greenfingers World of Hydroponics Albany Hwy & Kelvin Rd.,Maddington WA 6109 (08) 9452 0546Greenfingers World of Hydroponics Unit C 14-16 Elliot Street, Midvale WA 6056 (08) 9274 8388Greenlite Hydroponics 4/91 Wanneroo Road, Tuart Hill WA 6060 (08) 9345 5321Growsmart Hydroponics 47768 South Coast Highway, Albany WA 6330 (08) 9841 3220Hydro Nation 41A Rockingham Road, Hamilton Hill WA 6163 (08) 9336 7368Hydroponic Solutions 1/1928 Beach Road, Malaga WA 6090 (08) 9248 1901Hydroponic Warehouse Unit 7/627 Wanneroo Road, Wanneroo WA 6065 (08) 9206 0188Hydroponica 317 Guildford Road, Maylands WA 6051 (08) 9371 5757Isabella’s Hydroponics 66 Jambanis Road, Wanneroo WA 6065 (08) 9306 3028Johnson’s Nursery Garden Centre 30 Blencowe Road, Geralton WA 6530 (08) 9921 6016Neerabup Organic & Hydroponic Supplies Unit 1, 21 Warman St. Neerabup WA 6031 (08) 9404 7155One Stop Hydroponics 947 Beaufort Street, Inglewood WA 6052 (08) 9471 7000Perth Hydroponic Centre Shop 4, 171-175 Abernathy Road, Belmont WA 6104 (08) 9478 1211Southwest Hydroponics Lot 29, Pinjarra Road, Mandurah WA 6210 (08) 9534 8544The Grow Room 1/1451 Albany Highway, Cannington WA 6107 (08) 9356 7044The Highlife Co. 303 Rokeby Road, Subiaco WA 6008 (08) 9217 4400The Watershed Water Systems 150 Russell Street, Morley WA 6062 (08) 9473 1473The Watershed Water Systems 2874 Albany Highway, Kelmscott WA 6111 (08) 9495 1495The Watershed Water Systems 1/146 Great Eastern Highway, Midland WA 6210 (08) 9274 3232Water Garden Warehouse 14 Drake Street, Osborne Park WA 6017 (08) 9443 7993

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PH CONTROLAustralian chemist Bob Taylor explains how to keep the pH of nutrient solutions between the acceptable limits with handy hints to help you do it yourself.

RETAIL SPOTLIGHT – AQUAPONICS WAMaximum Yield is pleased to introduce this all new column, featuring retail stores from across the continent. This issue we feature Aquaponics WA, a nursery-style hydroponics business operating from Canningvale, Perth, Western Australia.

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The ideal ventilation configuration depends on the size and shape of your grow room, and the relative placement of equipment/plants within the room. Generally, one should place the inlet and exhaust at opposite ends of the room.

There are over 300 commercially available Biological Control Agents on the market today for controlling insects, nematodes, fungi, bacteria, weeds and other pests.

Wheat grass contains many vitamins and amino acids vital to muscle and brain functions such as Alanine. Alanine also improves the immune system, because it is used to make antibodies, which fight off disease and infection in our bodies.

It has been highly debated whether chlorophyll is beneficial for the human body. Many believe it has healing qualities and is high in antioxidants while others claim it cannot be properly absorbed by our stomachs, therefore making it useless to consume.

A bio-filter used in an aquaponic system may comprise only a section of windbreak mesh, through which the solutions slowly pass.

Calcium is an intracellular messenger and can send a signal from one cell to another, telling other cells how to react or what to do. It also provides for the transport and retention of many other elements.

There are essentially three omega 3 fatty acids found in fish: EPA (important for cardiovascular health), DHA (important for brain health) and ALA.

Your thermostat’s sensor should be positioned at the hottest point in the foliage, and the humidistat’s sensor at the most humid point.

Even though nutrients are present in nutrient solutions in satisfactory amounts and proportions, they may not be absorbed by the plant unless the reaction of the solution in regards to acidity and alkalinity is satisfactory. MY

DO YOUknow?COMING UP INnovember-december 2009

FEATURES

ONLINE ExTRASIn addition to our incredible selection of articles in November/December Australia, you gain access to online extras. Visit maximumyield.com for tips, photos, articles and more, that you won’t find anywhere else.

NOT CONVINCED? WHY WATER QUALITY IS ESSENTIAL TO PLANT HEALTHTrevor Holt discusses the reasons why acceptable water for humans may not be the best choice for our plants, and the important role oxygenation plays in plant health.


Check indoorgardenexpo.com to stay informed about upcoming2009 Indoor Gardening Expos.

HEIRLOOM SEEDS: DEFINING AUTHENTICCharlene Rennick wonders aloud – is there a definitive point in time at which a seed can be identified as an heirloom? This idea is discussed with respect to the definition and history of heirloom seeds.

YOUR BEST ADVICEAre you curious to know what successful techniques your indoor gardening comrades are utilizing in their growing ventures? Well now you can in our new column “Your Best Advice,” brought to you by Maximum Yield readers. That’s right! You are the author of our brand-new column. Your advice could be featured in an upcoming issue of Maximum Yield Australia. Send your techniques to [email protected]

COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE (CSA)Michael Bloch provides a brief history of modern CSA and how Australians, as well as the rest of the world, are working towards food-sustainable communities.


http://www.growcery.ca

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AUS Sep/Oct 2009