[Dave Coulier]

I decided to create this thread to detail my attempts to discern what the proper feed level is for seedlings and when to feed to begin feeding them. Prior to this, Ive found the norm is that many growers dont fertilize their seedlings until the cotyledons are yellowing, which could be 2 weeks+. I believe this to be incorrect in determining when to feed, so I decided to pop some seeds and do some experiments. Seedlings were given their first feeding on the 4th day of their lives.

Variety: For this experiment I used 15 seeds of a cross of Mr. Nice Shit x (Sams O.haze x Skunk) that I made. Its my third time growing out this variety so I had prior experience with what to expect.

After germination I had 14 seedlings. Seeing as I didn't want to short my control group I made sure it had 5 seedlings. The other two groups fed @ 160N, and 80N had 5 and 4 seedlings. These seedlings are also on 12/12 from day 1. At day 21 I'll call the experiment and post final results, pics, and thoughts.

MEDIA: Promix Bx w/bio-fungicide. Amended with 15% Axis Regular and Bioworks Rootshield Plus were my only amendments.

FERTILIZER:
The non-control seedlings were fertigated on a near daily basis using GH 3 Part Flora series, Agsil 16h and Sequestrene 138. The control received RO water only on nearly a daily basis.

Nutrient Analysis:
N (NO3-): 150
N (NH4+): 11.926
K: 187
P: 45
Mg: 16.90
Ca: 127.92
S: 5.59
Fe:3.058
Zn: 0.384
B: 0.756
Cu:0.256
Mo:0.205
Mn:1.279
Si:61
Na:0
Cl:0

Mg, and S are low, but we will see if there are any issues with that as we go along.

Lights: 6 54w HOT5. The lights are kept around 5 inches away early on, but you'll see in the pics its raised up much higher to allow for better photos.

Expected Results: I expect the plants fed @160ppm N will grow the fastest and have the greatest amount of development while the control group will show deficiencies within 2 weeks and be stunted with the 80N group likely somewhere in the middle.

I encourage everyone to chime in with expectations, or experiences of their own. Id like this thread to be helpful to as many people and more input will see us there.

Now the PICS!
*Note: The plants in the pics are labeled 150, and 75N. I only realized as I was preparing this post that my feed rates were actually 160, and 80N. Even better, imo. I will update with weekly pics so everyone can see the progression.


Day 1:

[Dave Coulier]

I was thinking about when to show more pics. If you'll notice the date in the pics, then you know 21 days have passed since then. I already know the results of this little experiment. Would you guys want the results and pics immediately?

[Dave Coulier]

Well Ive decided to go ahead and provide some more pics for you curious but quiet folk. Enjoy the pics.

The first feeding was given on Day 4. Its too early at this point to see any differences between them. Things will get more interesting on upcoming updates.

Day 6:

[vostok]

Last time I bought seeds
they got free food with them
at least for 2-3 weeks
why screw with that?

[Dave Coulier]

Originally Posted by vostok

Last time I bought seeds
they got free food with them
at least for 2-3 weeks
why screw with that?

You'd be surprised how much fuel really is in the tank of the cotyledons. Those leaves can provide the plant the jump start it needs, but pretty soon they run out of juice if not fertilized shortly after germination.

Future pic updates will updates provide a clearer picture. Stay tuned!

[gmanwho]

curious about the results myself.

Im also curious if the food regime may have any influence on sex ratios. While it wouldnt work with the control, but if you were to keep increasing the food according to the group.

example, feeding group "80 ppm" then going to 160ppm, then 320, then 640ppm. the 2nd feeding group "160ppm" then 320 then 640.

The determining point when to increase food would be when the first plant of any group shows signs of wanting more food. At that point the food would be doubled for all plants in both groups.

some thought as to why doing it this way is to watch the male female ratios. And overall development across the board.

for instance if one group says im hungry, could that have been enough stress to influence sex? therefore the lower feeding group had less females? or More females? or no rhyme or reason?

So many variables thou.... an as you said these plants are further along then just planted therefore the test would have to wait, unless u never increased food yet?

Looking forward to your results.....

bsafe

[Dave Coulier]

Originally Posted by gmanwho

curious about the results myself.

Im also curious if the food regime may have any influence on sex ratios. While it wouldnt work with the control, but if you were to keep increasing the food according to the group.

example, feeding group "80 ppm" then going to 160ppm, then 320, then 640ppm. the 2nd feeding group "160ppm" then 320 then 640.

The determining point when to increase food would be when the first plant of any group shows signs of wanting more food. At that point the food would be doubled for all plants in both groups.

some thought as to why doing it this way is to watch the male female ratios. And overall development across the board.

for instance if one group says im hungry, could that have been enough stress to influence sex? therefore the lower feeding group had less females? or More females? or no rhyme or reason?

So many variables thou.... an as you said these plant are further along then just planted therefore the test would have to wait, unless u never increased food yet?

Looking forward to your results.....

bsafe

Its funny you mention sex expression possibly being affected by feed level. I had the same thought after I found 4 of 5 girls in one particular group at the end of the experiment. I wont ruin which group it was. That'll come later, but there could be a link between feed level and sex expression..

For the duration of the experiment the plants were fed an unchanging level of nutes. Either none, 80ppm, and 160ppm N.

Thanks for getting involved in the thread Gmanwho. You'll definitely want to stick around till the end results. Your curiousity will be rewarded. In fact I may throw up another photo update today. There are only 3 left photo updates remaining. Stay tuned all.

[Dave Coulier]

Well Ive gotten the latest batch of photos uploaded to my album, and I imagine you all would want to look at them now.

Day 11:

[Dave Coulier]

In these first 3 pics from Left to right is 160-80-Control. The last pic is 160 v Control.

Day 11:

[Dave Coulier]

3 Final shots from the 11th.

160 v Control:


80 v Control:


160 v 80: