Root rot is a condition that can occur in plants grown either in a soil medium or a hydroponic system. In conventional grow mediums, root rot occurs when standing water remains in contact with the roots for too long, creating a breeding ground for pathogens like Pythium and Phytophthora. These fungi coat the roots in a foul-smelling slime that prevents the roots from gaining access to the oxygen in the water, effectively drowning the plant over time.
With hydroponic grows, root rot can occur when temperatures are allowed to exceed the recommended 74 and above degrees Fahrenheit, essentially creating the perfect environment for mold and anaerobic bacteria to thrive. Other causes of root rot in hydroponic systems include clogs in the water distribution components, inadequate oxygen levels in hydroponic nutrient solutions, and poor drainage. With deep water culture systems, root rot occurs due to the roots being submerged in stagnant water over extended periods. It's also important to note that damaged or wounded plants are more likely to develop root rot than their healthier counterparts.
Another cause of root rot hydroponic growers frequently encounter is brown slime algae. Given time, the proliferation of bad bacteria (cyanobacteria) in the system can create brown slime algae growth that will suffocate plants, stunt root growth, and eventually kill the crop altogether.
So what does root rot look like? The first root rot symptoms are often seen in the leaves of the plant. You may begin to notice the leaves turning a brownish color and the stems of the plant may begin to lose rigidity. However, the single best way to check for root rot is to closely examine the bottom of the plant for visible signs of root damage. If the problem is root rot, you'll likely notice a swampy, unpleasant smell emanating from the base of the plant. The roots will also appear brown and slimy instead of the white color of healthy roots. Root rot tends to progress rather quickly, and if you notice symptoms spreading to other plants in the system, it could result in complete crop failure unless immediate steps are taken to remedy the problem.
Fortunately, encountering root rot doesn't need to be a major crisis. If you discover root rot early enough, it's fairly easy to stop the condition from spreading further. If you're wondering, well, how about prevention and safe guarding crops?
In short, yes and no. Although ORP is important as an indicator, what does it indicate? Is your solution for preventing dumping a ton of Hypochlorous acid into your reservoir to prevent root rot? This is a false reactionary to the problem at hand. Hypochlorous acid is important, however in excess you add to root-based illness by oxidating roots. So let's explain further:
Example:
If your water is coming in with a 300 ORP or greater, Hypochlorous acid may not be the first product to grab, consider using products such as Myco-Stop or SLF100. Water is a balance between good bacteria and bad bacteria, so lessening hypochlorous acid doses in conjunction with enzymes will constructively create an environment that can protect the root zone. (One must be careful choosing enzymes and insure they are "stock tank" viable.
Always ensure when resetting your system, you are truly cleaning your system. That means using products such as SaniDate, Chlorine Dioxide, Bleach, or Acids to break down salt deposits.
For professional/commercial systems consider using Air Hammer Cleaning Tool Kit – Hydra Unlimited
To break down bio-films and reach difficult portions of plumbing. (Always ensure proper PPE and proper system flushing prior to plants going in.)
When is it time to flush my system? Why should I consider flushing my system?
These are complex questions as it often depends on nutrients. However, a code of conduct can be followed for basic users:
Typically, most users may only have one or no water change out in Vegetative growth, reason being is with a properly cleaned and fresh system. The opportunity for nitrates and nitrites to reach high levels. (In high levels these can be phytotoxic to plants, and also offer food source to "Bad" bacteria) So what rule of thumb can I follow? Doing a water change out 7-10 days can be a bit laborious for some folks, while using tactics with step one. You can successfully navigate through a change out every 21 days depending on both plant health, growth, and the smell of your water.
Always change out your water in your system if it smells like wet dog, swampy, discolored, or anything other than fresh clean water. This is typically an indication; your water ecosystem is unbalanced and can lead to issues down the road.
I have a water reservoir that controls my add back or top off to my system, how often should I clean it? This is a question that heavily depends on what you place into it. Is the water aerated at least once an hour for 10-15 minutes? Are you breaking down that reservoir and sanitizing it bi-weekly with bleach? Insuring it is completely flushed out after cleaning? These are steps that can eliminate contributing pain points in your system.
The number one thing to always ensure that you have a successful start. Make sure the clones/seedlings going into your system are CLEAN, HEALTHY, and STRONG. Yes, you can recover plants in RDWC, however why give yourself this disservice?
1. The best recommendation if you do encounter root rot, depending on the severity, is flushing the system, and increasing enzyme usage with safe doses of hypochlorous acid. (Not excessive)
2. Trimming back slimly or brown/black roots back in cases of severe cases, to isolate the infection. This should be done with caution and within Vegetation cycle, as flowering plants with root rot, will result in crop loss.
3. Reduction of PPM of feed temporarily until plant health starts to show healthy root/plant growth.
4. Ensure proper aeration within each hydroponic site, ensuring plants are getting enough oxygen and proper water temperatures (vegetative cycle/early flower cycle 68-72F) Cold temperatures can interfere with root development in earlier stages of growth.
5. Recovery takes time, so by following this guide you can save a lot of time in the future.
A properly clean and sanitized system, using clean/healthy plants, and maintaining healthy water within your system will result in greater plant health and overall productivity within your cultivation cycle. These tools are the best form of prevention and reaction to Root Rot.
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