![]() The pressure differential between the inside of the leaves and the outside of the air affects the canopy’s ability to regulate and release moisture. Cultivators carefully monitor the RH and temperature of their grow rooms, but those conditions are just indicators of a more important phenomenon. Warm air at 70% RH contains more moisture than cooler air at the same RH. The amount of water vapor that air can carry is relative to its temperature: warm air can carry more moisture than cold air. Relative humidity (RH) is just that - relative. Transpiration through the leaves releases water, but a humid greenhouse stymies the process and growers must carefully regulate relative humidity and temperature - in addition to their watering schedule. This period also presents an opportunity to eliminate extra water in the soil. The afternoon is a critical time for moisture regulation, typically in the form of moisture conservation. ![]() Throughout the rest of the day, the stomata open or close either to allow evapotranspiration to cool the plant in the hot sun or to conserve moisture if it’s in short supply. This practice speeds growth, but plants are locked into a metabolic moment that only occurs in nature for a relatively brief period in the earlier hours of the daylight. Cool, humid mornings are the ideal opportunity for photosynthesis and greenhouse grows strive to replicate this time of day. For example, greenhouses maintain high humidity levels to ensure the stomata of the plants stay open to maximize CO2 intake. Climate-controlled temperatures, abundant CO2, boutique nutrients and the 100% chance of sunshine have pushed growth far beyond what nature anticipated.īut in the case of watering, these ideal grow conditions create some ironic liabilities. ![]() In the quest to increase quality and maximize yield, greenhouse conditions now approach environmental perfection. Prudent watering can also lower overhead by decreasing the runoff of pricey nutrients while minimizing the electricity used for dehumidification.Īs grow operations evolve, marijuana plants lead increasingly privileged lives. Even a 4% bump in yield can create enormous additional revenue. It doesn’t necessarily cause leaf droop and often presents no outward signs in the canopy, putting it into a category of “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” High-quality cannabis and excellent yields are certainly possible despite imperfect hydration, but in the case of the world’s most lucrative cash crop, optimization is paramount. But few recognize the epidemic of ongoing, low-level over-watering. Most can recall a time or two when they damaged the health of one of their plants through an overzealous watering schedule or simple forgetfulness. (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0)Įvery cannabis grower knows the perils of improper watering.
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