Storm D: Marijuana Hydroponics
- high tech water culture USA 1987
- 117pp
Disclaimer:
"The material
herein is intended for information and reference only.
The author and publisher advise against any application
of procedures herein if they involve breaking the law
or any hazard to persons and/or property. The reader is
cautioned about the use of drugs, and advised to consult
a personal physician. However we urge readers to support
NORML in its efforts to secure passage of fair marijuana
legislation."
The preface states "The purpose of this book is
to provide reference for growing green plants artificially".
Chapter 1 (Light) discusses technical aspect of photosynthesis,
respiration and the effect of light intensity, photoperiodism
(day length - under 14 hours for flowering) and lighting
for plant growth (HPS recommended).
Chapter 2 gives details of nutrients in hydroponic systems,
both major nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium,
calcium, sulphur and magnesium) and trace elements,
and the compositions of commercially-available solutions.
Advises a pH between 5 (mildly acidic) and 7 (neutral).
Discusses water delivery systems, with a diagram of
a control layout for a water culture system. Chapter
3 discusses the atmosphere as it interacts with the
plant, through stomates (sic) and the effects of transpiration,
additional CO2,
and aeration of root systems. Chapter 4 suggests and
ambient temperature between 22.2oC
and 30oC.
Chapter 5 is a relatively detailed account of the cannabis
life-cycle, from seed selection germination, vegetative
growth, reproductive growth (sexing plants), harvesting,
curing, THC extraction and storage. The information
is botanical in nature, with data on growth curves,
and a BASIC computer program to monitor photosynthesis,
growth and environmental data. There are photographs
showing the various stages of growth and equipment used.
Chapter 6, titled "Environmental Growth Systems
Assimilation" is effectively a step-by-step guide
to setting up a growroom, suggesting using a cellar
area or indoor closet, painted white, with ventilation,
high-intensity light, and assemblies for air circulation
CO2 provision, humidity control and water culture
systems. There is a list of required materials, diagrams
of equipment, control equipment, instructions for construction
of equipment, tanks, reflectors etc., using an 18 hour
day-length for vegetative growth.
There is a glossary of terms, and appendices on rockwool
as a growing medium, and computer-control systems. There
is a short advertisement for other related publications.
Comment:
This is a very technical and confusing book, with a
combination of simplicity and technicality which does
not really work. I would consider that the technical
content would be too daunting for a novice grower, and
the instructions and language (including some of the
worst excesses of American terminology) would be confusing.
A more technically-minded grower would find the information
inadequate, and would be more likely to choose publications
from Frank, Rosenthal or Cervantes which cover more
technical aspects in greater detail, and which give
better explanations for the novice.
