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market-farming - Re: [Market-farming] How to organically prevent development of an Algal mat on soilless mix in the greenhouse

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  • From: Andy Fellenz <artisanfarms AT gmail.com>
  • To: Market Farming <market-farming AT lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: Re: [Market-farming] How to organically prevent development of an Algal mat on soilless mix in the greenhouse
  • Date: Thu, 11 Apr 2013 23:48:15 -0400

Thanks for all of the responses so far.  I am concerned about letting the mix dry out more as the cell volume in my paper pot trays is < 1 cubic inch and I am seeing the mat start to develop before the seeds have germed.  If I let the mix dry out too much I could end up killing my plants before they really get started. 

I have also received some advice to try Oxidate from several people and may pick some up tomorrow to try.  Using some vermiculite on the top of each cell is worth exploring and I may try that on both some new trays and also some trays which I will be potting up over the next few days. 

Thanks again for the suggestions. 




On Thu, Apr 11, 2013 at 10:45 PM, Sean Albiston <lab AT physics.umn.edu> wrote:
You should be able to control the problem by letting the mix dry out more between watering and increasing circulation.  Also, watering trays from the bottom helps.

Watering with a dilution of hydrogen peroxide will help clear it up too, i'd talk with your certifier to see if they consider that NOP compliant.  You can use it as a cleaner, not sure about used in this manner.

Sean


On Apr 11, 2013, at 8:24 PM, Brian Luton <bcluton AT aol.com> wrote:

> Hi Andy,
>
> This is a great question and one I was really hoping would elicit some good responses.(if you end up hearing anything else online/offline I'd love to hear from you)
>
> I struggle with the same thing at times. I use a home made mix of peat, perlite, vermiculite, lime, compost, greensand and bonemeal.(Ultimately probably quite similar to what you're using) This mix in and of itself doesn't seem to grow the algal mat.  I subsequently feed seedlings with Neptunes Harvest Fish and Seaweed.  The algal mat explodes within' a few days to a week of doing so.  For this reason I try not to feed with fish/seaweed until near the end of the seedlings cycle.(this usually works out okay given the soil mix but is problematic with some plantings depending on their residence time in the greenhouse, nutrient needs, etc.)
>
> I wish I had a solution...but perhaps recognizing that its a problem and that there might be a solution is a good first step. I've always just resigned to the fact that its tied to liquid nutrients.
>
> I'm pretty sure Sanidate and Oxidate are both listed as algaecides. I wonder if they're labeled for or have been experimented with for this type of application. Perhaps there would be a rate that would have some efficacy against the algal mat but not negatively impact the seedlings?
>
> Anyway I'll keep you posted if I come up with anything. I'd appreciate it if you'd do the same.
>
> Thanks
>
> Brian
>
>
> On Apr 11, 2013, at 8:43 AM, Andy Fellenz <artisanfarms AT gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> Hi,
>>
>> An algal mat is developing more quickly on top of the soilless mix I use in the greenhouse this season than it has in the past.  On some trays, the mat is developing within 1 1/2 weeks of planting and makes it difficult to properly water the seedlings.
>>
>> Any suggestions for controlling/eliminating this that are in compliance with NOP requirements.
>>
>> The mix I am using is Sungro Natural and Organic supplemented with Magix vermicompost, bloodmeal and feathermeal.  The mix recipe is similar to what I have used in the past, but has additional bloodmeal and feathermeal compared to last year.  I increased these components because N levels were low in last year's mix.
>>
>> I have hard water which is acidified with Citric Acid and amended with a vermicompost leachate.  The Acid/vermicompost leachate is injected into the irrigation water using a chemilizer. at a 100:1 ratio.
>>
>> Thanks,
>>
>> Andy
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