We’ve all heard how important it is to keep our PHa measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution More in check when it comes to watering or feeding our plants and we know all about room temperature and humidity; but how many of you consider the Root Zone or the temperature you water at and how it effects the root zone and the nutrient uptake of the plant? Do you also consider the Bio Life, if you are an organic living soil enthusiast? I would guess not many or very few pay attention or even consider it when growing in dirt but I think you will change that once you gain this little nugget of knowledge I’m about to drop.
There are 3 reasons we put water in our soil; to provide moisture to the plant and the bio life, to carry nutrients to the root zone of the plant and to bring oxygen to the soil in the form of dissolved oxygen. Dissolved Oxygen (DO) is a measure of how much oxygen is dissolved in the water and the amount of oxygen available to living organisms and plants. One thing we don’t hear a lot about is the proper temperature of the water or tea and why it makes a huge difference in not only the overall health of the plant but more importantly bud size and terpene production. Optimal root zone temperature can help with biological activity, with mineral and water uptake, with fighting pathogens and roots diseases and insect control. Therefore, plants grow healthier quicker when root zone temperature is optimized. All of this is not only affected but, even more so, is dependent on the levels of Dissolved Oxygen available. The concentration of dissolved oxygen in water is highly affected by temperature and cold water can hold more dissolved oxygen than warm water.
It’s important to keep in mind that Root zone temperature and water temperature are different things. Root zone temp is ideal at 68-72 deg F, the ideal water temperature to use when watering plants is between 62 and 72 deg F . This is the range with the highest levels of dissolved oxygen and avoids shocking the plant with water that is either too hot or too cold. I like to chill my water temps to 62 deg F (lots of oxygen at this temperature) and in an 80 degree room this brings the root zone down to about 68-70 deg F and provides a prefect environment for the bio life to thrive; therefore making a much healthier and suitable substrate for your plant to grow to it’s fullest genetic potential.
I hope this helps some of you with a little more understanding of the importance of proper Root Zone temps and delivering the highest levels of dissolved oxygen to your soil.
~Big V
