Hydroponics Daily

Dr. Russell Sharp explores a new grow media made from banana plant trunks developed by Banana Bloom/Southeastern Fiber. The episode covers the material's hydrophilic re-wetting ability, durability, water-holding capacity, and potential as a mix with other media. Benefits include using an agricultural waste product, lower carbon footprint compared with cocoa, and reduced need for chemical processin...

Dr. Russell Sharp explores how arsenic gets into rice and some seaweeds, the health risks including cancer and developmental effects, and why levels vary by grain type and growing region. He offers practical steps to reduce exposure—rinse and cook rice in excess water (about 6:1), prefer basmati/jasmine or alternative grains like quinoa and millet, and for hydroponic growers ensure good root aerat...

Dr. Russell Sharp investigates enzyme-based hydroponic products like Plagron's Green Sensation, questioning ingredient lists and the claim that sprayed enzymes break down plant cell walls. He explains where enzymes are actually useful (breaking down dead roots and improving media nutrient availability), outlines stability limits (UV and temperature), suggests microbes or composting as better alter...

Dr. Russell Sharp reviews research on paracetamol (acetaminophen/Tylenol) and its effects on plants in hydroponics and horticulture. He explains how the drug is taken up by roots and leaves, how plants detoxify it, and how even small amounts can trigger oxidative stress, impair photosynthesis and inhibit growth in species like lettuce and maize. The episode covers evidence of DNA methylation chang...

Dr. Russell Sharp explores why Rafflesia arnoldii — the so-called corpse flower with the world\'s largest single bloom — is likely the most difficult plant to cultivate. He explains its parasitic lifestyle, dependence on a specific Tetrastigma vine host, short flowering window, dioecious reproduction, and rarity in the wild. The episode contrasts Rafflesia with the more commonly cultivated titan a...

This episode explains C4 photosynthesis (the Hatch–Slack pathway), how it concentrates CO2 around rubisco to reduce photorespiration, and why C4 plants perform exceptionally well in hot, dry, high‑CO2 conditions. It covers common C4 crops (maize, sugarcane, sorghum, millets, tropical grasses) and practical hydroponic tips: increase light intensity, temperature, CO2 levels, and support with extra n...

This episode explores natural sources of cyanide in common plants — how cyanogenic glycosides hide cyanide in seeds and tissues, how breaking cells releases toxic hydrogen cyanide, and why the smell of almonds can be a warning sign. Examples include bitter almonds, apple and stone fruit seeds, cassava, lima beans, sorghum and bamboo shoots. The episode covers safety measures (cooking, leaching, dr...

In this episode we expose the environmental and health risks of granular controlled‑release fertilisers: non‑biodegradable resin granules often contain micro- and nanoplastics that persist in soils and can be taken up by plants. Recent research shows nanoplastics can accumulate in edible parts of crops, raising concerns for food safety. The host explains why many retail granules (e.g., Miracle‑Gro...

Dr. Russell Sharp reports from the Glee trade show, sharing highlights like a Latvian Bloom Cabin greenhouse and a standout product from Buster Seed: durable, pull-apart propagation trays designed for gentle transplanting. The episode explains how these reusable trays reduce transplant shock, let growers monitor root development, and are particularly useful for mycorrhiza-dependent plants, making...

Dr. Russell Sharp revisits fertilizer and biostimulant preservation—what shrinking, bloating, and floaty bits in bottles actually mean—and shares practical signs to watch for. He then summarizes microgreen experiments: pea shoots performed well without fertiliser or growing media, wheatgrass responded strongly to low-dose feeding, and ongoing trials include spring onions and a seed coating to dete...

Dr. Russell Sharp of Hydroponics Daily exposes common and dangerous preservatives found in fertilizers and biostimulants, including formaldehyde, quaternary ammonium compounds (BAC50), copper sulfate, bronopol and silver. He explains why growers should check product labels and safety data sheets, prefer food‑grade preservatives, and be aware of impacts on human health, plant uptake and beneficial...

Dr. Russell Sharp explains why pouring liquidised food waste or adding uncomposted plant material to soil or lawns can harm plant growth. Microbes decomposing fresh organic matter use up available nitrogen, causing nutrient deficiency and chlorosis in plants, and the practice can also attract pests like rodents and rabbits. Advice: always compost organic waste first or boost nitrogen levels if you...

Dr. Russell Sharp revisits previous claims about ICL (formerly Israel Chemicals Limited), clarifying that there is no evidence they manufacture white phosphorus but detailing findings that ICL supplies white phosphorus to the US Army and onward to Israel, who use White Phosphorus against civilian populations. The episode also examines ICL’s sponsorship ties to an IDF battalion that has been filmed...

Dr. Russell Sharp examines pseudocereals—non-grass crops like quinoa, amaranth, chia, buckwheat and fat hen—and their potential as hydroponic microgreens. The episode covers germination experiments, nutritional benefits (reduced phytic acid, increased vitamins) and the promise of microgreens for improving human and animal nutrition worldwide. https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/thatch-degrader/

Dr. Russell Sharp explores Revoponics, a rotating vertical hydroponic system installed at Queen's University. He compares it to earlier drum-based designs, explains how the rotating towers can improve harvesting, lighting efficiency and space use, and discusses potential benefits for local food production and research. https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/thatch-degrader/

Dr. Russell Sharp explains horizontal netting (scrog nets) for hydroponic growers and how these nets support vines and stems across crops like cannabis, tomatoes, cucumbers, chrysanthemums, and melons. Learn the benefits—better support, reduced lodging, improved airflow, and easier maintenance—plus practical tips on DIY vs. store-bought nets and when to use horizontal vs. vertical supports. https:...

Dr. Russell Sharp explains what acid rain is, how sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides form strong acids, and why this matters for plant health both outdoors and in hydroponic systems. The episode covers direct leaf damage, nutrient leaching (especially calcium), soil and root impacts, and why acidic foliar sprays can mimic acid rain and harm your crops. Practical advice: be aware of air-quality sou...

Dr. Russell Sharp explores unusual hydroponic projects, focusing on the Hengshui Vertical Farm in China — a multi-story, LED-assisted urban farming innovation center with rooftop greenhouses, classrooms, and water-recycling and passive cooling systems. He also covers a Canadian converted warship now growing produce in its hull, discussing the social, logistical and regulatory challenges and the po...

Dr. Russell Sharp breaks down Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt): what it is, how Cry proteins selectively destroy insect pests, and why Bt is considered safe for humans, animals and beneficial insects. The episode also examines Bt’s use in organic and GM crops, practical considerations for hydroponics, other helpful Bacillus species, and a brief microgreens update. https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/...

Dr. Russell Sharp explains how green light, once overlooked, improves photosynthesis deeper in crop canopies, opens stomata to aid nutrient transport, and can be used at night without triggering flowering responses in many plants. He also warns that cocoa coir prices have tripled, urging growers to consider reusable or alternative media while using green LEDs to improve crop inspection, pest detec...

Dr. Russell Sharp reviews a new Nature Communications paper (Wang et al.) exploring the idea of adding chlorophyll d and f to crops so they can use far-red light (700–800 nm). The paper models up to a 26% increase in soybean photosynthesis and biomass if plants could absorb that spectral region. The episode discusses implications for hydroponics and indoor growing — cheaper far‑red LEDs, potential...

Dr. Russell Sharp explores the critical red-to-far-red (R:FR) light ratio, how phytochrome senses these wavelengths, and how that signal shapes germination, stem elongation, flowering, and canopy architecture. He reviews practical grower strategies—LED spectrum tuning, end-of-day far-red pulses, crop-specific recommendations (basil, lettuce, tomatoes, ornamentals, legal cannabis), and recent insig...

Dr. Russell Sharp explains how different grow tent materials — metallized PET/mylar, white films, panels and paints — affect reflectivity, light uniformity and photosynthetic efficiency, and why common assumptions (mirror-like is best) can be misleading. He also shares a bold experiment: cladding a new grow room in dark maroon matte paint to optimize video contrast for microgreens, and teases futu...

Dr. Russell Sharp presents a brief Hydroponics Daily update covering myths about Soviet hydroponics, unusual crops like dragon fruit and the Annona family, and a botanical note about magnolia tepals. He reviews England’s move to allow gene-edited crops from 2026, a Wrexham University project growing ‘space pizza’ ingredients with schools, and his ongoing microgreens and seed experiments. Listeners...

Dr. Russell Sharp examines a UNDP-led hydroponics project in the Aral Sea region that grows fast, soilless wheat and alfalfa fodder to address polluted, infertile land and livestock feed shortages. The episode covers the simple LED-and-tray systems, rapid harvest cycles, nutritional gains for animals, women-led household adoption, Japanese funding, and the project’s social and environmental benefi...