TRIPLE M

 

General Instructions:

 

The Triple M Professional Plant Nutrition range is formulated for professional continuous plant feed programs. It is designed to deliver high quality bioavailable soluble inorganic plant nutrients at lower EC (Electrical Conductivity) levels. We recommend the use of EC analysis of plant uptake of nutrients and feed positions in conjunction with the Maven Triple M Plant Nutrition Dosing Schedule .

All products are 100% soluble in water at the specified dilutions and have been designed not to exceed the maximum solubility limit (MSL) of any of its compounds and will not block irrigation systems or leave sediments in reservoirs.

Maven only recommends the use of the Triple M Professional Plant Nutrition range with run-to-waste systems. This is because all Maven products are formulated to deliver optimised and balanced rationutrient profiles tailored for specific plant growth phase requirements. This maximises plant growth and biomass yields. While the nutrient solution in a recirculating system may start out being well-balanced, the plants do not absorb the different nutrient components at the same rate. As the nutrient solution is continually recirculated the components of the nutrient solution become more and more unbalanced as they are repeatedly recycled back to the reservoir. In run-to-waste systems the optimised ratio profiles remain intact and the plants always receive the scheduled nutrient dose required in a growth phase dependent manner. Run-to-waste systems provide more accurate control over plant nutrition.

 

Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the Application of 3 Part Triple M Professional Plant Nutrition System.

 

Dissolving Triple M Plant Nutrition Range

  1. Water quality is important. Reverse osmosis (RO) make-up water is preferred (EC of 0mS/cm). Potable tap water is acceptable, but take note of its EC and pH values prior to dissolution of nutrient powders. If the EC is 0.8mS/cm or above and the pH is 7.8 or above, it indicates hard water. If the EC is 0.7mS/cm or below and the pH is 7.7 or below it indicates soft water. If the EC value of the make-up water is over 1.0 mS/cm there is increased risk of nutrient competition and lockout. In this case, we suggest water treatment by RO, filtration or distillation. This value varies from area to area, and even from day to day in the same area. Therefore, it is important to follow this first step, each and every time you make up a fresh nutrient solution.
  2. Let potable tap water stand overnight in an open container. This allows the chlorine to dissipate and the water to reach room temperature, so you can produce accurate readings and ensure that cold nutrient solution is not added to your tank, which may otherwise cause some shock to your plants. 
  3. We recommend the use of additional secondary macronutrients magnesium and calcium in soft water areas which have low concentrations of such multivalent cations and low EC values (approximately 0.1mS/cm). Maven Maximised Macro (Triple M) MagirCal will provide the optimised concentration requirements of these secondary macronutrients.
  4. Do not combine Triple M Nurture 9, NitroNourish or PK PeaK together in dry or concentrated form. This can cause nutrient lockout. Some ions in your reservoir may react with one another and form solid precipitates that are not soluble in water, for example, calcium phosphate (from Ca2+ and PO43-). Help avoid this by practicing proper mixing techniques and dissolving the dry nutrients in separate containers.
  5. Dissolution of fertiliser salts is an endothermic process. That means that dissolving any fertiliser salt will need energy (i.e. stirring or heating) to make the process go faster. When making either dilute or concentrated solutions, hot water and agitation, speeds up this process. The speed in which a fertiliser dissolves is driven by the amount to be dissolved, the temperature of the water and the amount of agitation employed.
  6. Weigh the product out accurately and place in an appropriate container.
  7. Add about 70% of the volume needed for the dilution.
  8. Using a paddle mixer or other appropriate agitation method, add the measured amount of dry fertiliser.
  9. Once the fertiliser is dissolved, add water to achieve the final volume.

 

Setting the Target Nutrient EC/Concentration and pH

 

  1. Ideally the final water temperature should be between 19-20°C (66-69°F) which is the optimal root zone temperature range.
  2. When making nutrient solutions, EC meters are useful for setting the target EC dose. The dose requirement depends on factors such as the stage of plant growth of the particular cultivar and the type of medium. Refer to the Maven Triple M Plant Nutrition Dosing Schedule for recommended EC levels for the main stages of growth. Most plant species will tolerate being above or below the recommended values by at least 10%.
  3. The target EC values in the dosing schedule do not include the EC of the make-up water.
  4. The EC of the make-up water must be added to the target value. For example, if the recommended target EC dictated by the Triple M Plant Nutrition Dosing Schedule is 0.8mS/cm and the measured make-up water has an EC of 0.1mS/cm, then the EC should be set to 0.9mS/cm (i.e. 0.8mS/cm + 0.1mS/cm).
  5. When approximately 1.0g of Triple M Nurture 9 is added to approximately 4L of RO make-up water (with an EC of 0mS/cm) it will yield an EC of approximately 0.4mS/cm.
  6. When approximately 1.0g of Triple M NitroNourish is added to approximately4L of RO make-up water (with an EC of 0mS/cm) it will yield an EC of approximately 0.2mS/cm.
  7. When approximately 1.4g of Triple M PK PeaK is added to approximately 4L RO make-up water (with an EC of 0mS/cm) it will yield an EC of approximately 0.2mS/cm.
  8. As an example, if you require 24L of week 3 nutrient solution with a target EC dose of 0.8mS/cm (ie. 0.4mS/cm Nurture 9 + 0.2mS/cm NitroNourish + 0.2mS/cm PK PeaK) given by Triple M Plant Nutrition Dosing Schedule and you use tap make-up water with an EC of 0.1mS/cm then simply dissolve 2g of Nurture 9 powder in 8L of the make-up water as described above and pour into the stock reservoir tank. Separately dissolve 2g of NitroNourish powder in 8L of the make-up water by the same method and pour into the reservoir. Finally, in a similar manner, dissolved 2.8g of PK PeaK powder in 8L of make-up water and pour into the reservoir tank. This will result in 24L of nutrient solution with an EC of 0.9mS/cm.
  9. When all products have been completely dissolved allow the nutrient solution to circulate in the reservoir tank for a minimum of 5 minutes before adjusting the pH.
  10. We recommend adjusting the pH to 5.6 for the unrooted stem cuttings/explants (1st 7 days) and then to a pH of 5.8 for rooted clones from day 8 to planting in medium. We suggest the use of Maven Triple C (Coordinated Cloning Compounds) product range Please refer to the SOP for Triple C. This consists of Carbon Copy, a hydrogel physiologically optimised plant growth regulator that contains 2 auxins which induce root formation. We suggest that this is used in combination with Maven Triple C RhizoRush, an optimized proprietary blend of naturally occurring beneficial soil microorganisms (microbiota) which include plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and plant growth-promoting fungi (PGPF) which enhance nutrient and water bioavailability, increase resistance to disease and stress, and improves cloning success rates. Following treatment with Carbon Copy and RhizoRush, the cutting/stem explant should be placed into Root Jelly root medium. This is a novel set agar tissue culture grade medium containing tailored nutritional support for cuttings, cell turnover accelerants/kinetins signalling chemicals and trapped oxygen molecules, set in a firm jelly, designed to minimise plant cloning times by accelerating root cell division and to optimise conditions for rhizogenesis. With this system simply fill the Root Jelly moulded central cavity with Carbon Copy, place the unrooted stem cutting/explant into this cavity and observe the accelerated root growth in the transparent part of the jelly. When the tips of the roots reach the periphery of jelly, transplant the clone with its root system dispersed in the jelly, into its final growth medium.
  11. Different mediums have different CECs (Cation Exchange Capacities). The CEC is a measure of the cations that the medium can retain on its negatively charged surfaces and reflects the ability of medium to bind positively charged nutrients and release them to the root zone. This process varies according to pH.
  12. During the vegetative growth phase, we recommend a pH range of 5.5-5.8 for the Rockwool/coco coir mediums and a pH range of 5.9-6.2 for the peat-based soil mediums.
  13. During generative growth phase we suggest a pH range of 5.8-6.2 for the Rockwool/coco coir mediums and a pH range of 6.0-6.4 for the peat-based soil mediums. Refer to the Triple M Plant Nutrition Dosing Schedule.
  14. Try to keep pH changes less than 0.5 per day. Large pH shifts may stress plants.
  15. For Rockwool/Perlite mediums use the upper range of EC targets of the dosing schedule, for coco coir medium use the mid-range EC target values in dosing schedule and for soil/peat based mediums use the lower EC range of target values.
  16. Use 50% lower target EC values than on dosing schedule for shade crops (eg. sciophytic (shade plants) like lettuce/Lactuca sativa).
  17. Use lower target EC values than on dosing schedule when air temperatures are above 30°C/86°F.
  18. Heliophytic (full sun), high intensity light plants like plants from the genus Capsicum (Chilli pepper) can require 1-1.2mS/cm after cloning, 1.6-1.8mS/cm during vegetative growth phase and 2-2.2mS/cm during generative growth.
  19. If you start by following the minimum target EC values given in dosing schedule ranges and the plant leaves show signs of light green or yellowing colour, then increase to the maximum EC target values of each part as shown in the dosing schedule.
  20. If the plants look healthy at the higher dosages, keep using the higher dosages. If you are at the higher dose target range and the plants look good overall, but excessively dark green, reduce the dosage of the NitroNourish by 0.1 EC until the leaf colour is normalised. Allow at least 72 hours for leaf colour changes before making another dosage adjustment. Use lower target values first, then if proved to be needed, increase strength of each part proportionately.
  21. Signs of over-feeding include nutrient burn with brown leaf-tips, distorted-shaped leaves, slowed growth and an unusual over-deep green colour. In extreme cases of over-feeding, pH adjusted water can be used for a few days until the plant normalises.
  22. To avoid excess water uptake and high evaporation rates, keep the air temperature below 30°C (86°F) and relative humidity above 50%.

 

Maintaining the target EC/Concentration and pH

 

  1. To understand the nutrient concentration of the root zone, you will need to test both the EC and pH of your reservoir and runoff (the collection of a nutrient solution after it has passed through the plant medium/root zone/feed circuit). The EC values of the root zone will be somewhere between the EC values of the reservoir and the run-off.
  2. EC measurement is important as it guides your next feed position and allows you to avoid overfeeding or underfeeding your plants. The more nutrients in the medium, the higher the EC reading of the runoff. It is important to measure the runoff regularly to know when and how much to feed plants.
  3. The frequency with which you test your system is especially important if your system is small, as smaller systems fluctuate more severely than large systems.
  4. Ideally, the EC reading of your runoff should always be lower than in the reservoir, which indicates that the plants are taking up nutrients, thus lowering the total ionic concentration. If the EC readings are extremely low in your runoff, it is a sign to increase nutrient levels.
  5. If there is no change in EC between runoff and reservoir (or lower than normal drop) this implies the plants are not taking up nutrients properly. This is usually caused by spikes or drops in pH. Certain ions (such as nitrate or phosphate) can only be taken up by the plant in certain pH ranges.
  6. If the EC reading is higher in the runoff than in the reservoir, it is likely that salt is building up at the root zone. This buildup persists for a while, and then slowly dissolves back into the runoff, driving up the EC readings. The most common salts that are present in the root zone that are not water soluble, are calcium-type salts (calcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, calcium hydroxide). In order to resolve this issue, you will need to flush the system. We suggest flushing with Triple M M5 Part One and Part Two. This will remove any kind of nutrient build-up and restore the CEC (Cation Exchange Capacity) balance of the medium. It can be mixed directly into the water (0.5ml per 4L). Alternatively, you can also use filtered water as a flush. However, this process takes multiple attempts.
  7. In general, coco coir and soil systems should be flushed weekly, and Rockwool flushed every second week. The frequency ultimately depends on factors such as stage of growth, salinity and temperature.
  8. If flushing can be scheduled to occur when the nutrient reservoir is empty, then the existing system hardware can be used. Place water of pH 5-6 (or reduced concentration feed) in the reservoir and operate the nutrient pump until the EC of the run-off is no higher than about 0.5mS/cm above that of the reservoir. This is generally achieved by flushing with about 3 times the normal feeding volume.
  9. If the nutrient reservoir cannot be emptied to conduct flushing, it is beneficial to have another dedicated reservoir and pump for flushing. This can be connected to the existing feed circuit at a junction controlled by a 2-way valve. The valve is simply diverted to the second reservoir whenever flushing occurs.
  10. pH increase/decrease between runoff and reservoir. A little variance is normal, but a large change is known as pH drift. Look for signs of nutrient lockout, as this is one of the main reasons for a significant pH drift. If your pH is drifting, certain nutrients may not be available to your plants as the pH drifts outside the plant’s specific nutrient uptake ranges.
  11. Be careful not to over-water. This can cause oxygen starvation and fungal diseases.
  12. With soil, use a sufficiently coarse grade to provide adequate drainage and aeration.
  13. Feed times:  To avoid water logging, generally do not feed in darkness. However, this depends on humidity. Begin feeds at the beginning of light and cease at least 2 hours before dark.
  14. Feed frequency:  Space feeds evenly apart. Feed 3-6 times per day for larger plants; 1-3 per day for smaller plants. Note that feeding less frequently will allow for longer drainage intervals and therefore potentially better aeration.
  15. Feed volumes: Although relatively complex, feed volumes are often determined by measuring the percentage run-off.
  16. Percentage run-off = Volume of run-off ÷ Volume of feed x 100. Volume of run-off is the total volume of nutrient collected at the drainage point over 24 hours. Volume of feed is determined by measuring the total volume (over 24 hours) delivered by all reservoir feed outlets that drain to the drainage point. (Assuming all plants are of equivalent maturity and are fed equal volumes).
  17. Achieving the desired percentage run-off is determined by trial and error e.g. If aiming for 10%, adjust feed volumes until 10ml of run-off is collected for every 100ml fed to the plants (10ml ÷ 100ml x 100 = 10%). Realistically, because a plant’s demand for water/nutrient will depend upon the stage of growth and environmental conditions, day-to-day consistency is difficult to achieve.
  18. EXAMPLE: A large plant grown in cooler conditions (requires ~10% run-off) may, for example, need to be fed 1,000ml over the course of a day in order for 100ml of run-off (10%) to be collected. If it is decided to feed 3 times per day and the day length is 12 hours long, then the feeds should occur every 3.3 hours (10* hours ÷ 3 feeds), and individual feeds should be ~333ml (1,000ml ÷ 3 feeds). *Generally cease dosing 2 hours prior to darkness.
  19. For vegetative growth phase we suggest a ~25% run-off.
  20. For the first 3 weeks of generative (flowering) growth phase we suggest a ~15% run-off and for the remaining generative growth phase we recommend a ~30% run-off.
  21. For warmer air temperatures (above 30°C/86°F) (or salty make-up water), generally aim for ~15-20% run-off. Although higher run-off will help prevent salt build-up, it may cause water logging. 
  22. For cooler air temperatures (below 30°C/86°F), generally aim for only ~10% run-off. However, lower percentage run-off will require more frequent flushing. 
  23. If you start by following the minimum target EC values given in the dosing schedule ranges and the plant leaves shows signs of light green or yellowing colour, then increase to the maximum EC target values of each part as shown in the dosing schedule.
  24. If the plants look healthy at the higher dosage, keep using the higher dosage. If you are at the higher dose target range and the plants look good overall but excessively dark green, reduce the dosage of the NitroNourishby 0.1 EC until the leaf colour is normalised. Allow at least 72 hours for leaf colour changes before making another dosage adjustment. Use the lowest feed target dose first and add more nutrient as required.
  25. We strongly recommend the use of Triple M M5 Part One (Maven Maximised Microbiota) to optimise the bioavailability of the nutrient solution.Part One of M5 contains an optimised proprietary blend of carefully selected naturally occurring beneficial soil microorganisms (microbiota) which include bacteria and mycorrhizal fungi. A mycorrhiza is a close mutually beneficial symbiotic association between a fungus and a green plant. The plant makes organic molecules such as glucose by photosynthesis and supplies them the fungus. The fungus supplies the plant with water and nutrients. This part of M5 contains ectomycorrhizal fungi which surround the cells in plant roots and endomycorrhizal fungi which penetrate the plant cells. Root-arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) endomycorrhizal fungi penetrate the cortical cells of the roots of vascular plants and provide larger surface for absorption and help capture and absorb the macronutrients and micronutrients. They also secrete organic acids that dissolve or chelate ions or release them from minerals by ion exchange. They have been shown to protect plants from disease, pests, toxins and stress. Bacteria can also convert the soil nutrient minerals into forms which are more absorbable by plants and thus increase their bioavailability and therefore the bio-yield. This can be added to the reservoir make-up water (0.5ml per 4L) as per the dosing schedule.
  26. We also strongly recommend the use of plant safe non-toxic and non-nutritive (low EC) Triple M M5 Part Two (Maven Maximised Microbiome) to prevent mineral and organic matter build up and to keep irrigation systems clean and running efficiently. This can be added to the reservoir make-up water (0.5ml per 4L) as per the dosing schedule.
  27. Light Cycles: In general, 18 hours of light is the best to promote germination and vegetative growth, whereas about 12 hours of light is the best environment to stimulate flowering (Short-day plants eg. Green onions (Allium cepa L.). Some plants, however, have opposite photoperiodism (Long-day plants eg. Lactuca sativa). It is also important that plants receive regular lighting intervals at the same time every day. Employ a timer to help ensure consistency. Also note, vital processes occur during the night (lights off) period, so avoid interrupting it by turning lights on.

 

Maven®, Triple M®, NitroNourish®, PK PeaK®, Nurture 9®, M5®, MagirCal®, Triple C®, Carbon Copy®, RhizoRush®, Root Jelly®  are registered Trademarks of Maven International Ltd