Adventures in Fogging
Genesis Lab Trials - Shira Fogger
ULTRA-PONIC method
|
These Tabasco pepper seeds were germinated in Power Plugs in an ebb and flow system. They were then transplanted to the fogging table after 3 to 4 weeks (depending on when that particular seed germinated). These pictures were taken April 7 2004 after being in the system for approximately two weeks. They are in 2 inch net pots stuffed with Ground Ener-g. I am currently using near full strength Genesis Formula grow blend (1400-1600ppm) along with some calcium chelate and epsom salts. There is no evidence of burn however I intend to lower the nutrient concentration to about 1.0 EC (700 ppm) for a normal routine nutrient program. |
|
It is a 4 x 4 tray with a 1/2 inch PVC cover and 16 sites - 2 inch holes for net pots. We are using no dome over the top of these plants. So far the plants are getting plentiful quenching of the roots to sustain adequate transpiration and healthy growth. |
|
Currently the fog comes in from the side of the tray and the condensed run-off drips to waste out a 1/4 inch hole in the bottom center of the tray. I am thinking of moving the fog input to inject from the bottom of the tray where the condensate could "recycle" itself right back into the torch. |
|
|
I think the close-up of the roots speak for themselves
ZOOM
|
Update - 23 days later......................................
|
The root mass is developing nicely................................................... |
and forming into a mat |
It is going to be interesting to see how the roots and upper plant react once the root mass has fully enveloped the chamber. May need to bring fog in at more then one port in the tray to get maximum exposure to the whole root zone.
|
It is May 7th now. They are a month in the system and the growth and health are looking spectacular. It seems that our fears of the uppers not getting enough water from the roots is becoming less of a concern. Now that the roots are established the foliage is really kicking in. If we were to pinch these tops I am sure they would bush out like gangbusters. |
See how the roots have grown together into a mat that covers the whole bottom area of the tray. Even with the tray filled with roots the fog has an easy time penetrating every cubic inch, where traditional aeroponic nozzles would be smothered making the solutions distribution spotty and uneven. It seems that despite the root mass the fog is able to saturate the entire root zone without any dry spots |
|
See the solid root mat and how the edge demonstrates the mass. |
I really like this close up of the roots. They look so
translucent and succulent. I have never seen such |
The bad news is that over the mothers day weekend the GFI circuit breaker on our electrical circuit popped and the plants took a severe hit from lack of fog. No fault of the fogging equipment. It was probably some other load on the circuit that tripped it. We are not sure if we can revive them or if it would even be worth it at this point. I think all the results thus far have been astounding and we look forward to giving it another go. I will keep you posted as things progress.
See the Tabasco crop start to finish by clicking here : Tabasco Garden
Disclaimer: Green Air Products Inc. makes no claim that this product or procedure will produce favorable results. This information is only for the purpose of sharing knowledge and technique.
NOTE
At this time the manufacturer will not warranty damage to the unit due to the use of fertilizers, amendments, fungicides, pesticides or other compounds that may be added to the fogging solution. This is reasonable considering the wide variety of products that might be added. They cannot be held responsible under these circumstances. Our experience using the fogger has shown no damage to the equipment from the solutions we have tried - i.e. Genesis Formula soluble hydroponic fertilizers and Bio-Genesis organic amendments. We think one of the amazing qualities of this system is the potential of adding plant growth supplements to the fog, however realize that you proceed at your own risk.