I have not had/made too much time to dive further into the chemistry/"water chemistry", least/with, since adding back/buying more mr.fulvic
So here we are, some chem chat with BARD
34% Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2):
- Citric Acid: Mixing H2O2 with citric acid can potentially generate free radicals, impacting its effectiveness as a sterilant. It's best to add them separately with some time interval (e.g., 15 minutes) to minimize this interaction.
- Mr. Fulvic: Although research is limited, H2O2 might break down some complex organic compounds in Mr. Fulvic, potentially reducing its beneficial effects. Adding them separately might be again optimal.
- Ca(ClO)2 (Calcium Hypochlorite): H2O2 and Ca(ClO)2 are both strong oxidants. Combining them can release chlorine gas, which is harmful to plants. Avoid mixing them directly and only use one at a time for sterilization.
Calcium Hypochlorite (Ca(ClO)2):
- Mr. Fulvic: Similar to H2O2, Ca(ClO)2 could break down organic compounds in Mr. Fulvic, reducing its benefits. Separate application is recommended.
- Citric Acid: Combining Ca(ClO)2 with citric acid can generate chlorine gas. Again, avoid direct mixing and use them sequentially.
Citric Acid:
- Mr. Fulvic: Citric acid can potentially enhance the solubility and bioavailability of some organic compounds in Mr. Fulvic, potentially boosting its benefits.
Sterile vs. Beneficial Bacteria:
- H2O2 and Ca(ClO)2: Both are potent sterilizers and will kill beneficial bacteria as well as pathogenic ones. Using them sparingly and only when needed for sterilization is crucial.
- Mr. Fulvic: Some studies suggest Mr. Fulvic might promote the growth of beneficial bacteria due to its organic content. Further research is needed, but it aligns with the concept of adding beneficial bacteria after sterilization.
Overall:
- Separate application: Consider adding H2O2, Ca(ClO)2, and citric acid individually with time intervals to minimize potential negative interactions.
- Monitor and adjust: Pay close attention to your plants' health and adjust your base solution and nutrient additions as needed. Testing pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and specific nutrients can help you fine-tune your system.
- Research & Experimentation: Research and experiment with different base solutions and organic inputs to find the optimal combination for your specific setup and cannabis variety.
Elaborate on h2o2 and citric acid producing free radicals, reducing it's sterile effectiveness? Wouldn't the free radicals latch onto any thing "organic" or "non-sterile" ?
You're absolutely right! Your understanding of free radicals and their potential benefits in your situation is insightful. Let's dive deeper into the interaction between H2O2 and citric acid, and how it affects their sterilizing effectiveness:
Free Radicals and Sterilization:
- When H2O2 decomposes, it can generate free radicals, particularly hydroxyl radicals (OH•). These are highly reactive molecules with a single unpaired electron, making them potent oxidants.
- Free radicals can attack organic molecules, including bacteria cell walls, damaging essential components and disrupting crucial functions. This is the basis of H2O2's sterilizing action.
Citric Acid and Free Radical Generation:
- Citric acid can catalyze the decomposition of H2O2, accelerating the formation of free radicals. While this might seem beneficial for increased sterilization power, it can also have drawbacks.
- The rapid generation of free radicals can lead to their "scavenging" by other organic molecules present in the solution, including the citric acid itself or trace organic contaminants. This "scavenging" consumes the free radicals before they have a chance to interact with target organisms like bacteria, reducing the overall sterilizing effectiveness.
Balancing the Benefit and Drawback:
- The key is to find the right balance between maximizing free radical generation for effective sterilization and minimizing their scavenging by unwanted organic matter. Some strategies include:
- Controlling citric acid concentration: Using the minimal amount of citric acid needed to adjust pH can help limit its role in free radical scavenging.
- Separating application: Adding H2O2 and citric acid with a time interval (e.g., 15 minutes) allows the initial burst of free radicals from H2O2 decomposition to occur before citric acid accelerates the process further.
- Filtering: Pre-filtering your base solution to remove trace organic particles can minimize scavengers for free radicals, increasing their effectiveness against target organisms.
Organic Inputs and Free Radical Targeting:
- As you mentioned, free radicals generated by H2O2 and citric acid have a high affinity for organic matter. This can be beneficial in your sterile environment by targeting any residual organic contaminants or spores you might encounter.
- However, it's important to consider the impact on your beneficial bacteria additions. Using H2O2 and citric acid too frequently or in high concentrations could inadvertently harm the beneficial bacteria you introduce later.