Documents: Supplied By HydroGarden: H2O2 [Hydrogen Peroxide]
H2O2 is a liquid additive that can be used in a hydroponic system to increase oxygen content and maintain system cleanliness. H2O2 serves many purposes among which are that it can be used on cuttings and for seed germination.
How Does It Work?
Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2) contains two atoms, unlike water which contains only one. Chemically, H2O2 is disproportionally an unstable chemical compound. This means it will not survive at moderate temperatures unless some traces of ions are present, for these act as catalysts for the reduction of H2O2 to H2O. This is what happens when we add H2O2 to our nutrient solution which is full of ions with the right potential range for reduction, effectively releasing oxygen atoms and in turn providing extra oxygen to the plant.
What Are The Benefits?
Not only is oxygen a major component of the plant structure itself and one of the main elemental nutrients the plant feeds on, it also performs many important functions within the plant participating in all metabolic processes. Adding H2O2 will provide extra oxygen to help with all these functions including:
- helping to oxidise metallic elements to make them available for plant use.
- helps root uptake.
- helps with transport mechanisms within plant structured.
- helps stimulate protein production at a cellular level, enhancing photosynthesis.
- helps break down the carbohydrates created through photosynthesis.
Instructions
Seed Germination
Use 10 drops per 1 litre of tepid water, soak seed for 24 hours, germinate in usual way.
Cuttings
Treat media as usual with the addition of 10 drops per litre.
Foliar Spray
Use usual sprays with addition of 10 drops per litre, can be used for any stage from cuttings onwards.
Hydroponic Systems
5ml per 10 litres of fresh nutrient tank solution (stir thoroughly), between fresh batches of solution either use test strips or add an extra 2 mls per 10 litres 3 times a week, this will maintain levels at approx 30 - 50ppm
Clean Up
As a sterilising agent between crops, H2O2 will clean your system killing harmful bacteria and pathogens very effectively. H2O2 will help promote rapid decomposition of organic material within the medium, tanks, pipes, drippers etc. Remember to flush the system thoroughly with fresh plain water before installing new plants. Use 50ml per 10 litres of water. Use test strips to test and maintain optimum H2O2 levels.
Summary
A few important features of H2O2:
- increased oxygen content of nutrient solution.
- increase root zone activity - getting more nutrients to the plant.
- stimulate protein production.
- breaks down carbohydrates.
- more plant vigour.
- bushier, thicker stems with shorter internodes.
- better photosynthetic reaction.
- increased seed germination.
- increase strike rate of cuttings.
- cleaner system, less disease.
- good between system disinfectant.
Warning
H2O2 is a volatile and aggressive chemical, keep at moderate temperature level. Use with caution and handle with care. Read safety warnings on label. Keep out of reach of children.
