027 - Optimal Tier Spacing For Multi-Tier Cultivation

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Michael and Anders cover topics such as tier heights in flower rooms, considerations for tier spacing, pros and cons of different heights, ideal tier spacing, and considerations for veg and mother rooms.

Overall, they emphasize the importance of considering factors like lighting efficiency, airflow efficiency, ceiling height, plant stretch, environmental control, substrate type and volume, handling processes, and the use of inner canopy lighting when determining tier spacing in different cultivation environments. They suggest that a tier spacing of around 5.5 to 6 feet is often ideal for flower rooms, while tier spacing in veg rooms can vary depending on factors such as cultivation strategy and plant growth duration.

Tier Spacing in Multi-Tier Cultivation:

• Multi-tier cultivation or vertical farming involves spacing between grow trays and the bottom of grow lights, known as tier heights or tier spacings.
• Different tiers correspond to different stages of plant growth, such as mother, veg, and flower rooms.
• Flower rooms typically have two levels with equidistant tier spacings.
• New cultivators often worry about plant stretch and request tall tier spacings to prevent plants from growing into lights.
• Tall tier spacings (over 6.5 ft) can lead to inefficiencies in lighting and airflow, requiring lights to run at higher percentages and airflow systems to work harder.
• Ceiling height is a critical factor when determining tier spacings; maximizing rack height may not be ideal due to constraints like mechanical installations and air circulation.
• Shorter tier spacings (around 4 to 4.5 ft) can improve lighting uniformity and penetration but require precise cultivation schedules to avoid plant stretch and light burn.
• The ideal tier spacing for flower rooms is around 5.5 to 6 ft, providing a balance between efficient lighting, airflow, and environmental control.

Considerations for Tier Spacing in Flower Rooms:

• Ceiling height should accommodate the total height of racks and leave room for environmental buffer space above the racks.
• Tall tier spacings may lead to inefficient lighting and airflow, requiring higher energy consumption.
• Shorter tier spacings can improve light uniformity and penetration but require careful management of plant height and cultivation schedules.
• Inner canopy lighting can enhance light distribution and increase yields, especially in tall plant environments.

Considerations for Tier Spacing in Veg Rooms:

• Veg rooms typically have shorter tier spacings (around 3 to 3.5 ft) to accommodate smaller plants and shorter growth cycles.
• Advanced cultivators may opt for longer veg cycles (10 to 14 days), requiring taller tier spacings (up to 14 ft) to accommodate plant growth.
• Longer veg cycles may lead to stalling moments and reduced vigor if not managed properly.
• Considerations include plant density, growth medium, and cultivation strategy when determining tier spacings in veg rooms.

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