6 Pro Tips for Perfect Grow Room Climate Control

Navigating the world of cannabis cultivation, "grow room climate control" emerges not as a mere term, but as the cornerstone for every grower's success. Many enthusiastic cultivators, while transitioning from a hobbyist realm to larger, more serious setups, often overlook the gravity of this element. Just picture this: your entire cannabis crop flourishing, all thanks to a well-regulated climate.

But it's not always about avoiding the pitfalls. There's joy in discovery! For instance, imagine the thrill when you find that by tweaking just a smidge here and there, your cannabis plants thrive even more than you'd hoped. Those extra ounces at harvest? They can come from understanding the nuances of temperature, humidity, and light.

That's where this guide shines. Delving into six pro tips, we're about to unlock the secrets of perfect grow room climate control. This is not just about enhancing your cannabis yields; it's about mastering the entire cultivation environment. From the role of temperature to the nuances of advanced HVAC systems, we've got it all covered. Ready to boost your cannabis yields and master your cultivation environment? Stay with us.

What Constitutes a Grow Room Climate?

The secret behind a thriving indoor garden is much like the intricacies of nurturing a child - attention to detail, patience, and understanding. When we talk about indoor cultivation, the dynamics involve more than just seeds and soil. It's about crafting an environment that reflects the delicate balance of Mother Nature indoors.

Plants, whether ornamental, edible, or medicinal, like cannabis, resonate with their environment. Let's delve deeper into these components, with cannabis serving as our guiding example.

The Role of Temperature in Plant Growth

Every plant whispers a secret story about its preferred temperature. While every plant has its rhythm, the temperature essentially choreographs the dance of growth.

With cannabis, this dance has distinct stages. In the seedling stage, these little green sprouts are like babies, needing warmth to kickstart their journey, ideally between 68°F to 77°F.

As they mature into the vegetative phase, their taste shifts. Now, they prefer a daytime warmth of 71°F to 82°F. But just like us, they prefer cooler nights, so a dip of about 8°F is comfortable.

Once the plant readies itself to produce those coveted buds in the flowering stage, cooler daytimes of 68°F to 79°F are the golden standard, maintaining the nighttime temperature drop.

Understanding the Importance of Humidity

If temperature is the rhythm, humidity is the tune to which plants sway. Starting with high moisture needs, plants slowly adapt to a drier environment as they grow.

Cannabis seedlings, in their initial phase, find solace in a 65%-70% humidity bracket. However, as they expand their leaves in the vegetative stage, their preference shifts to a balanced 40%-70% humidity.

When the plant matures to flower, it becomes wary of too much moisture, which can be a breeding ground for mold. Hence, a drier 40%-50% becomes their comfort zone.

Significance of Proper Lighting

Sunlight, in all its glory, contains a spectrum of colors. Each phase of a plant's life leans toward a particular color or spectrum. For instance, cannabis, in its vegetative growth, is fond of the blue spectrum, which helps it grow lush and bushy. However, as it transitions to flowering, the plant now desires the red spectrum, which stimulates bud production.

The dance doesn't end at the spectrum. Duration matters too. In the vegetative phase, cannabis loves to soak in light for about 18 hours. But in the flowering stage, it appreciates a balance — 12 hours of light followed by 12 hours of darkness.

Air Circulation and Its Impacts

Imagine wearing a thick coat in the middle of summer. That's how plants feel without proper air circulation. Every leaf and every stem yearns for fresh air. For plants like cannabis, this is even more paramount.

Proper air movement strengthens the stems, making them sturdy. It also ensures every leaf gets its dose of fresh CO2. Moreover, good air circulation is like an invisible shield, fending off unwanted guests like pests or mold.

Other Influential Environmental Conditions

While we've dived deep into the paramount factors of temperature, humidity, light, and air circulation, the tapestry of a grow room climate has more threads:

• CO2 Presence: Elevated levels of carbon dioxide can act like a turbo booster for plant growth, especially during the crucial photosynthesis process.
• Water pH Level: Plants are sensitive. The pH level of water can affect their nutrient intake. Too acidic or too alkaline, and you're in trouble.
• Soil Quality: Think of soil as the foundation of a house. If it's weak or devoid of nutrients, the entire structure (or plant) suffers. The right mix of minerals, organic matter, and drainage capability can make or break the growth.

Mastering the grow room climate is akin to a maestro orchestrating a symphony. Every component, in perfect sync, leads to the crescendo of a healthy harvest. Dive deeper with us as we continue exploring these elements.

Factors Impacting the Grow Room Climate

Crafting the perfect environment for plants in a grow room doesn't just hinge on the room itself. It's also a reflection of the interplay between multiple external and internal factors. Some are constant, while others fluctuate, challenging even the most adept cultivators to stay one step ahead.

Environmental Variables

In a well-sealed grow room, you'd think the outside environment wouldn't have much influence. But even subtle shifts in external conditions can have ripple effects indoors:

• Seasonal Changes: Each season brings its unique set of challenges. For instance, the cold of winter might necessitate more heating, while the summer could mean battling excess humidity. Being aware of these external shifts can help indoor cultivators make timely adjustments.
• Regional Specificities: The challenges faced by a grow room in a desert area contrast sharply with one nestled in a humid coastal region. Recognizing these specifics is essential for fine-tuning climate controls.

Physical Layout and Design

The very design and layout of the grow room can influence its climate:

1. Size and Volume: A larger space might require more robust systems to heat, cool, or humidify effectively. The volume can also influence how quickly conditions change within the room.
2. Insulation: Well-insulated rooms retain conditions more effectively, reducing the workload on systems like HVAC.
3. Placement of Plants and Equipment: The location of plants relative to lights, fans, and vents can affect their growth. Ensuring the even distribution of these elements can prevent microclimates within the room. A balanced layout helps avoid room "hot spots" or colder corners.

Getting a firm grasp on these factors is like piecing together a puzzle. Each element plays its part, and when they all come together, the result is a harmonious environment where plants can truly thrive.

Why Is Grow Room Climate Control Important?

A carefully curated melody can transport us to a different time, a fond memory, or a dreamy realm. Similarly, a meticulously managed grow room climate can elevate a plant’s journey from a mere seed to a flourishing entity. As we've delved into what constitutes a grow room climate, understanding its significance becomes crucial. This not only ensures the robust health of your plants but also maximizes their potential.

The Direct Link Between Climate and Plant Health

Imagine a string instrument. Just as the tension in its strings can produce harmonious melodies, the balance in a grow room can bring forth healthy plants. When a plant's needs align with its environment, the magic truly begins. Too much heat, and the plant can wilt or become stressed. Overly humid conditions might make it susceptible to mold. But when the environment is just right, each leaf glistens, each root dives deep, and the plant thrives. This is especially evident in delicate plants like cannabis, where minor deviations can significantly affect their health and potency.

The Role of Climate in Yield Optimization

The bounty of your harvest isn't merely dictated by the quality of seeds or the care you provide. It’s majorly influenced by the climate you curate in the grow room. Plants, when exposed to their ideal conditions, tend to yield more. Picture tomato plants bursting with juicy fruits or cannabis plants heavy with trichome-rich buds. These ideal outcomes are the fruit of a climate that's been expertly tailored to meet the needs of each growth stage.

Mitigating Pests and Diseases through Proper Climate Control

We’ve all faced those moments when our homes felt too stuffy, inviting unwanted guests like mold. Plants face a similar challenge. A stagnant, humid environment can become a party ground for pests like spider mites or diseases like powdery mildew. However, with adept climate control, these issues can be nipped in the bud. Proper air circulation ensures no leaf stays wet for too long, and the right temperature can deter pests from making your plant their home.

Navigating the vast expanse of grow room climate can be daunting, but the rewards, are well worth the journey. As we harmonize these elements, it’s time to shift our gaze to the blessings of a well-controlled environment.

Benefits of Using a Climate-Controlled Grow Room

Delving into the essence of an optimized grow room underscores the prominence of a balanced climate. Harnessing the power of such a controlled environment can have transformative effects on plants, and this is beyond just evading potential challenges. Let’s dive into the multifaceted benefits and how they stand to reshape the world of cultivation.

Boosting Yield and Quality

Navigating the world of cultivation, one quickly realizes that the difference between a mediocre harvest and an abundant, high-quality yield often boils down to the environment. In a climate-controlled setting, plants experience a robustness that's unparalleled:

• Consistency: Plants, much like us, crave predictability. A stable environment ensures they're not constantly adapting, allowing them to channel their energy efficiently toward growth. This consistency translates to plants producing fruits, flowers, or leaves that not only come in greater numbers but also in superior quality.
• Optimal Resource Utilization: When plants aren’t battling environmental inconsistencies, they utilize nutrients and water more effectively. This efficient resource use leads to stronger root systems, vibrant foliage, and enhanced reproductive growth.
• Minimized Stress: Just as stress can take a toll on human health, plants too can suffer in fluctuating conditions. A climate-controlled environment ensures they’re always in their comfort zone, resulting in a more vibrant and resilient growth pattern.

Predictable and Stable Environment

In cultivation, unpredictability can be an adversary. Every unexpected cold spell or sudden rise in humidity can be a setback, hindering a plant's growth trajectory. A controlled climate combats this unpredictability:

• Protection from External Fluctuations: Be it a sudden cold snap in winter or an unexpectedly humid day in summer, plants inside a climate-controlled room remain unaffected. This buffer from external factors ensures the continuity of growth phases.
• Customized Growth Cycles: Some plants benefit from specific light, temperature, or humidity cycles to trigger growth or reproductive stages. In a controlled environment, these cycles can be perfectly timed and executed, ensuring that each stage of the plant's life cycle gets precisely what it needs.

Step-by-Step Guide to Grow Room Climate Control

Building on our earlier discussion about the advantages of climate-controlled grow rooms, let's delve into the nitty-gritty of mastering this climate control. It's essential to understand that while the rewards are lucrative, there's a science to doing it right.

Strategies for Humidity Regulation

Maintaining an appropriate humidity level is vital for cannabis cultivation. Too high or too low, and you might find yourself facing some unwelcome challenges. A stable and well-regulated humidity environment is not just a luxury; it's a necessity for thriving cannabis cultivation. Understanding and mastering humidity is a cornerstone of achieving optimal grow room climate control.

Identifying the Ideal Humidity Range for Cannabis

Every plant has its comfort zone, and cannabis is no exception. Each stage of the cannabis lifecycle thrives under different humidity conditions. Get this right, and you set the stage for robust growth:

• Seedlings: At this stage, the young plants crave moisture to support their delicate structures, and a humidity range of 65-70% is ideal.
• Vegetative Stage: As the plant matures and becomes more resilient, the humidity can be tapered down to around 40-70%, promoting root growth and nutrient absorption.
• Flowering Stage: This is where things get critical. To ensure bud quality and prevent mold, maintaining a range of 40-50% is recommended.

Monitoring systems can be invaluable here. They can provide real-time data, allowing growers to make adjustments as needed.

Preventing Mold Growth with Humidity Control

One of the biggest threats in cannabis cultivation is mold. Mold thrives in damp environments. Cannabis plants, with their dense canopies, can create pockets of humidity, offering an open invitation to mold.

Mold spores love stagnant, moist conditions. A well-regulated humidity level prevents these spores from taking root and proliferating. Combat this by ensuring a consistent airflow and keeping humidity in check. Not only will this prevent mold but also other pathogens and pests that prefer moist conditions.

Plus, a mold-free environment means a higher-quality product and better yields.

The Symbiotic Relationship Between Dehumidifiers and HVAC Systems

Your HVAC system works hard to maintain the right temperature. Meanwhile, dehumidifiers focus on removing excess moisture. When they work in tandem, the environment remains balanced. It's like having two guardians watching over your cannabis plants.

Remember, it's not just about removing moisture but doing so efficiently. Altaqua's HVAC solutions factor in humidity control, ensuring an optimal growing environment.

Achieving Temperature Equilibrium

Temperature swings can throw off the delicate balance that cannabis plants need to flourish. Consistency in temperature is more than just ensuring plants don’t wilt from heat or freeze from the cold. It's about creating an environment where each stage of cannabis growth is supported by optimal temperature levels.

Choosing the Right HVAC System for Cannabis Cultivation

When it comes to temperature regulation, your choice of an HVAC system can make or break your cultivation efforts. When choosing an HVAC system, consider energy efficiency, adaptability, and ease of maintenance. A reliable HVAC system should help regulate the indoor environment with minimal fuss. Do some homework to identify a system that is well-reviewed within the cannabis cultivation community, and when in doubt, always seek professional advice.

As a renowned player in this arena, Altaqua specializes in commercial cannabis cultivation HVAC solutions. Our offerings are not just products but a culmination of research, feedback, and innovation. Altaqua also boasts a team of professional consultants, ensuring that every grow room setup aligns with the unique needs of the crop and the business.

Benefits of Implementing Horizontal Air Flow (HAF) Fans

Airflow isn't just about keeping the temperature consistent; it's also about ensuring uniform distribution. When there's uneven airflow, certain parts of the grow room can become breeding grounds for mold and pests.

HAF fans, by promoting even air circulation, mitigate such risks. These fans also ensure that every plant, irrespective of its position, receives a consistent amount of air, aiding in its overall health.

Seasonal Adjustments Using Blackout Curtains

Mother Nature doesn’t always cooperate with the light requirements of your cannabis plants. That's where blackout curtains come in handy. These curtains can block excessive light during long summer days, ensuring your plants don't get stressed from overexposure. Plus, they're an energy saver, reducing the need for additional cooling.

Maximizing Air Flow and Distribution

Air is to plants what blood is to humans. Proper circulation and distribution are pivotal to a thriving cannabis crop, reinforcing the essence of our step-by-step guide on climate control.

Importance of Proper Air Circulation in Growth

A stagnant environment can be a breeding ground for pests and diseases. Proper air circulation ensures that fresh carbon dioxide is always available for the plants, aiding in photosynthesis.

Furthermore, it also ensures that the plant leaves transpire effectively, leading to nutrient uptake. Without proper air circulation, plants might develop weak stems, become more susceptible to pests, or display stunted growth.

Tools and Techniques for Enhanced Air Distribution

Modern grow rooms have evolved beyond simple fans and vents. Today, we have programmable circulation systems, meticulously engineered to create optimal wind patterns that mimic nature. This ensures uniform conditions for every plant.

Remember, air distribution should be even but gentle; too strong a breeze can damage plants or dry them out. The goal is consistency: an even distribution without gusts that might harm the plants.

Recognizing and Rectifying Airflow Inconsistencies

Uneven airflow can result in pockets where air either stagnates or circulates too quickly. Areas of stagnation or excessive circulation can adversely impact plant health. Be on the lookout for areas where plants seem distressed or where mold develops.

Tools such as portable anemometers can help growers measure and adjust airflow as required, ensuring every corner of the grow room gets the attention it deserves. Always be proactive, make necessary adjustments, and remember, every step taken towards optimized airflow directly benefits the health and yield of your plants.

Fine-Tuning Your Lighting System

Ah, the power of light! It’s not just about intensity but also about timing. Let's illuminate this topic.

Understanding Day/Night Lighting for Cannabis Growth

Just like humans, plants have a circadian rhythm. The balance of light and darkness affects their metabolism and growth. Cannabis plants have specific light requirements at each stage of their growth. Adhering to these cycles will ensure that your plants grow robustly.

• Seedling Stage: 18-24 hours of light. This kickstarts their growth.
• Vegetative Stage: 18 hours of light and 6 hours of darkness. This encourages robust and bushy growth.
• Flowering Stage: 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness. This signals the plants to start producing buds.

Maintaining these specific light/dark cycles is essential to optimize the growth and yield of the plants.

Evaluating the Efficacy of Different Grow Lights

There's a jungle of lighting options out there: LEDs, HPS, fluorescents, to name a few. While LEDs might save on energy and emit less heat, HPS lights can be excellent during the flowering stage.

Making informed decisions about lighting requires understanding each type's strengths, weaknesses, and optimal application. The trick lies in knowing when and how to use each for maximum impact. Don't be shy about consulting forums or experts in the field; the investment in knowledge can dramatically impact your yield.

Impact of Light Types on Temperature and Humidity

Every lighting system comes with its inherent heat emission, but the amount can vary. HPS lights, for example, are known to significantly elevate room temperatures, necessitating robust cooling mechanisms. Elevated temperatures can, in turn, affect humidity levels, potentially creating an environment conducive to mold. Therefore, a comprehensive climate control strategy needs to factor in both temperature and humidity adjustments based on the chosen lighting type.

The Underestimated Role of CO2 Levels

Behind the scenes of a thriving cannabis grow room, CO2 often works quietly, fueling the photosynthesis process. But while many growers emphasize the right light and nutrients, CO2, a silent workhorse, is sometimes taken for granted.

CO2's Direct Impact on Cannabis Photosynthesis

Think of photosynthesis as a dance, with light and CO2 as the main partners. As cannabis plants take in light, they simultaneously pull in CO2, turning these ingredients into energy. This process doesn't merely keep the plant alive—it propels its growth. By bolstering CO2 levels, growers may find their plants not only grow faster but yield more bountiful harvests.

Efficient Methods for CO2 Distribution in Grow Rooms

1. Using a CO2 Generator: This method involves machines that produce CO2 by burning either propane or natural gas. It's essential to ensure these generators function properly, releasing CO2 at a controlled rate. A well-maintained generator can offer consistent CO2 levels, ensuring the atmosphere remains enriched for optimal plant growth.
2. Bottled CO2 with Timed Release Systems: This method, although more manual, gives growers tight control over CO2 release. Bottled CO2 systems can be scheduled to release the gas at specific intervals, maintaining a steady atmospheric concentration. It's like setting a timer for your grow room's CO2 needs, ensuring no dips that might hinder growth.

Regardless of the method, adequate ventilation is paramount. It's vital to balance added CO2 with fresh air to maintain a healthy environment.

Monitoring and Adjusting CO2 Levels for Optimal Growth

Numbers don’t lie. Investing in a reliable CO2 meter can guide decisions in real-time. While ambient air usually contains about 400 ppm CO2, cannabis thrives in levels up to 1,500 ppm. However, the trick isn't just reaching this level, but maintaining it. As levels fluctuate, a keen eye on the meter, paired with a responsive CO2 delivery system, can keep the environment just right.

Watering: Balancing Frequency and Quantity

Water might seem straightforward, but in the world of cannabis cultivation, it's an art and science.

Understanding Cannabis Plant Water Needs by Growth Stage

From seedlings to mature plants, cannabis's water needs evolve. Sprouts and young plants prefer their soil moist but not drenched. As they grow, their expanding root systems crave deeper, more infrequent soakings. Mature plants in their flowering stage demand consistent moisture, but not so much that they're swimming—just enough to support their burgeoning buds.

Signs of Overwatering and Underwatering in Cannabis Plants

• Overwatering: If you notice your plant's leaves looking swollen, almost bloated, and yellowing, they might be getting too much water. Soggy soil, especially a day after watering, is another clue. Over time, excessive moisture can lead to root rot—a silent killer in the cannabis world.
• Underwatering: On the other end, if the leaves droop, curl at the tips, and the soil feels like a desert, your plant is likely parched. Consistently dry soil can stress the plant, stunt its growth, and even lead to early death if not corrected.

Techniques for Consistent and Adequate Watering

Setting a routine helps. It's not just about pouring water—it's about understanding your plant's unique thirst rhythm. Self-watering systems can take some of the guesswork out, ensuring a steady moisture level. If manual watering is your game, a moisture meter is a worthy ally. Remember, watering deeply, ensuring the moisture reaches the root zone, is often better than frequent, shallow sips.

A finely tuned grow room isn't just about maintaining temperature and light—it's about understanding the intricacies of what makes cannabis plants thrive. From the silent boost of CO2 to the art of watering, every aspect plays a pivotal role in the cultivation journey. By addressing each of these six key steps, growers set themselves up for a bountiful and successful harvest.

Advanced Insights into Cannabis Grow Room Climate

Diving deeper into the world of cannabis cultivation, it's evident that the art of growing isn't just about planting a seed and watching it flourish. There's a lot more science, technology, and intuition involved. Let's pull back the curtain on some advanced practices that are redefining the realm of cannabis cultivation.

The Rise of Modern HVAC Systems in Cultivation

Remember the days when growing cannabis was all about makeshift rooms and makeshift solutions? Trying to juggle fans and makeshift solutions to keep a semblance of air circulation? Times have certainly evolved. With the introduction and widespread adoption of modern HVAC systems in cultivation rooms, we've witnessed a revolution in how we approach the entire cultivation process.

At Altaqua, we've been at the forefront of this transformative journey. We're not just creating machines; we're designing solutions tailored for the complex needs of cannabis cultivation. Our HVAC systems, for instance, go beyond merely regulating temperature. They meticulously maintain the balance between heat, moisture, and airflow, ensuring every cannabis plant thrives in its ideal environment. Such precision ensures plants grow in conditions that are neither too moist nor too dry, but just perfect.

The Need for Vigilant Climate Monitoring

Cannabis plants, much like humans, are sensitive to their environment. A sudden spike in temperature or a drastic drop in humidity can send them into a spiral of stress. And here's where constant climate monitoring comes into play. It's not just about peeping into the room every once in a while; it's about understanding the language of the plants.

Modern monitoring tools can provide real-time insights into environmental parameters. With this data at their fingertips, growers can make informed decisions, spotting potential problems before they escalate. It's all about proactive intervention rather than reactive measures.

Revolutionizing Grow Rooms with Climate Automation

The future is automated, and grow rooms are no exception. Automation systems offer the dual benefits of consistency and convenience. By integrating state-of-the-art sensors and intelligent algorithms, these systems can detect minute changes in the environment and make real-time adjustments.

This means less manual intervention and more peace of mind for the cultivator. With the ability to simulate everything from a desert's aridity to a rainforest's humidity, automation tools are ushering in a new era of precision cultivation.

Customizing Climate for Diverse Cannabis Strains

It's no secret that not all cannabis strains are created equal. Some thrive in cooler temperatures, while others demand a more tropical environment. Recognizing and respecting this diversity is key.

By customizing the grow room's climate based on the specific needs of each strain, cultivators can optimize yield and potency. Whether it's the cool breeze suited for an 'Alaskan Thunder' or the balmy warmth perfect for 'Jamaican Gold,' tailoring the environment ensures each strain realizes its full potential.

Conclusion: Integrating Knowledge for Superior Grow Room Climate Control

Navigating the world of cannabis cultivation, one quickly realizes that it's not just about the seeds or the soil—it's about creating the optimal environment. Grow room climate control stands as a testament to this understanding. Through our journey, we've delved into the step-by-step nuances of temperature management, humidity tweaks, and the underrated role of CO2 levels. We've recognized the ascent of modern HVAC systems, like the ones we proudly craft at Altaqua, and their pivotal role in transforming cultivation spaces.

But beyond the tech and tactics, it's a dance of elements. Just as a maestro leads an orchestra to create a melodious symphony, so must the grow room elements harmonize for the ideal cannabis growth. It's about striking the right balance, being vigilant, and adapting with insights and innovations. As the cultivation landscape evolves, being attuned to these climate subtleties will not only enhance growth quality but also redefine success in the industry. Let's continue to grow, learn, and flourish together in this green endeavor.

FAQ

1. What is grow room climate control?

Grow room climate control refers to the comprehensive management of temperature, humidity, air circulation, and CO2 levels within a cultivation space, especially for cannabis. An effective climate control ensures the optimal environment for plant growth, resulting in better yield and quality. With modern tools and techniques, growers can meticulously manage each element to ensure the plants' health and productivity.

2. How do modern HVAC systems improve cannabis cultivation?

Modern HVAC systems, like those developed by Altaqua, go beyond just controlling temperature. They offer precision in harmonizing heat, moisture, and airflow, ensuring cannabis grows in an environment that's perfectly balanced. Think of them as the maestros of cultivation, ensuring every atmospheric element works in concert for the best possible plant growth.

3. What are signs that cannabis plants are being overwatered or underwatered?

Overwatering can lead to yellowing of leaves, droopiness, and a stagnant growth rate. The soil might also remain wet for prolonged periods. Underwatering, on the other hand, might cause leaves to become brittle, turn a lighter shade, and drop. Regular monitoring and understanding the water needs of cannabis at different growth stages can prevent these issues.

4. Why is vigilant climate monitoring crucial in cannabis cultivation?

Vigilant climate monitoring ensures that growers can promptly detect and address any environmental imbalances in the grow room. This proactive approach prevents potential growth issues, diseases, and pests, ensuring a consistent and high-quality yield. Moreover, with the evolution of cultivation technologies, real-time monitoring aids in making informed decisions for best outcomes.

5. Can the climate in grow rooms be automated?

Absolutely! The cultivation landscape is witnessing a revolution with climate automation. Using advanced systems and sensors, growers can automate and adjust environmental factors based on real-time data, ensuring the ideal conditions for diverse cannabis strains. This not only eases the cultivation process but also significantly improves the quality and yield of the produce.