034 - Understanding the Importance of Airflow Mapping in Your Grow Room

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• Introduction: Hosts Michael Williamson and Anders Peterson introduce this episode of "Cultivation Elevated" - the episode's focus on airflow mapping and quantification in vertical farming and cannabis production.
• Project Example: Michael shares his experience working on a startup project and the importance of commissioning the building and team for airflow optimization, especially in multi-tiered systems.
• Airflow and Plant Growth: Anders emphasizes how airflow is a crucial factor in plant growth, acting as a balancing factor for energy, VPD (vapor pressure deficit), and other parameters.
• Mapping Airflow:
• Michael discusses his approach to airflow mapping using drawings, measurements at consistent elevations, and data quantification for better airflow management.
• Anders highlights the benefits of using both direct and indirect methods (airflow sensors and leaf surface temperature readings) to create airflow maps.
• Tools and Techniques:
• Discussion on tools like hot-wire anemometers for accurate airflow measurement and why infrared thermometers with adjustable emissivity are needed for proper leaf surface temperature measurements.
• Tips for measuring air velocity, spacing, plant height, and using color-coded maps in Excel for easy visual analysis.
• Airflow and Yield:
• Poor airflow leads to issues like hotspots, uneven plant growth, and reduced yields.
• Too much airflow can also cause issues like nutrient toxicities or wrinkly leaves.
• Optimal Airflow Ranges:
• Optimal airflow for veg and flowering stages discussed, generally ranging from 200 to 300 feet per minute.
• Emphasis on the need to find consistency in airflow distribution across the growing space.
• Leaf Surface Temperature:
• The importance of taking leaf surface temperature measurements during the middle of the photo period.
• These readings help monitor plant health and ensure VPD is within acceptable ranges.
• Room Design and Commissioning:
• Suggestions on room design planning, including considering airflow distribution and using technologies like CFD (computational fluid dynamics) modeling for precise planning.
• A discussion about retrofitting or designing rooms to maximize airflow and minimize future issues.
• New Technology:
• Michael discusses Pipp’s VA S 2.0 airflow system, which provides more control over airflow and energy efficiency, allowing growers to dial in airflow to meet specific needs.
• Practical Advice:
• The episode closes with advice on regularly checking airflow, understanding the value of airflow mapping, and recognizing how airflow can impact yield and overall crop quality.

This episode dives deep into how proper airflow management in indoor and vertical farming environments can significantly enhance crop health, growth, and consistency.

ABOUT CULTIVATION ELEVATED:

If you are a grower or owner looking to optimize your existing or new cultivation facility or anyone looking to cultivate more in less space, then this is the show for you. Each week, join Host Michael Williamson as he travels across the country, to explore the world of vertical farming and the future of cannabis and food production through his conversations with leading industry operators, growers and executives who are demonstrating success and resilience as growers and cultivators. Each episode provides stories and key insights that will inspire and show you first-hand, how each of these companies have overcome challenges, and found their...