Best Dr Russell Sharp Eutrema Ltd Podcasts (2025)

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T6P: The Next Big Biostimulant? 9:58

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1h ago9:58

9:58

Dr. Russell Sharp explores trehalose‑6‑phosphate (T6P) as an emerging biostimulant, its role in controlling sucrose signals, and the promising academic data—especially in wheat—showing yield and stress‑tolerance benefits. The episode compares two commercial players (SugarRox and Unium), discusses intellectual property and market positioning, and co…

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Trehalose 6‑Phosphate: The Next Big Biostimulant for Wheat? 9:58

1h ago9:58

9:58

In this episode Dr. Russell Sharp explains trehalose 6‑phosphate (T6P) as a plant sucrose‑status signal and its potential to boost wheat yields. He compares products from SugarRox and Unium, discusses trial evidence, ROI claims, and the challenges of bringing a single‑compound biostimulant to market. Dr. Sharp also covers intellectual property and …

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Growing Mistletoe Without Soil: The Strange 1991 Hydroculture Patent 9:29

25m ago9:29

9:29

Dr. Russell Sharp explores a curious 1991 patent by Gunther Mayer that claims mistletoe can be propagated in hydroponic baths using sap from host plants, noting the scant details (sap extraction, preservation, and CO2 use) and that the patent was later withdrawn. The episode also touches on commercial parasitic crops like sandalwood, the challenges…

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Glowing Soybeans and Bee Lifesavers: News Roundup 5:09

19h ago5:09

5:09

In this episode of Hydroponics Daily, we discuss two notable agtech developments relevant to growers: InnerPlant's CropVoice—genetically engineered soybeans that light up when infected to provide early disease alerts—and GreenLight Bioscience's RNA-based treatment Noarroa, which targets varroa mites in honeybee colonies and offers extended protecti…

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Endophytes: The Hidden Microbes Inside Plants 18:40

1d ago18:40

18:40

Dr. Russell Sharp explores endophytes—beneficial microbes that live inside plant tissues—explaining how they can boost stress tolerance, aid nutrient uptake, and protect against pests. He discusses notable companies, commercial challenges, safety concerns, and why endophyte products have seen mixed success in agriculture. Listeners will learn about…

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Legal cannabis: Why it is not inevitable that outdoor cultivation will become the norm 6:01

3d ago6:01

6:01

Dr. Russell Sharp reacts to a LinkedIn post arguing for a return to outdoor soil-grown cannabis, and explains why hydroponics and controlled indoor cultivation remain vital. He discusses sticky trichomes attracting dust, the risk of pollen contamination (including deliberate male plants placed upwind), and the economic and quality implications for …

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Triacontanol: revolutionary turf biostimulant or just hype? 4:28

4d ago4:28

4:28

Dr. Russell Sharp of Eutrema explains triacontanol — an increasingly popular, biostimulant extracted from natural waxes — and how it can improve lawn and sports turf growth and stress resilience. He covers what triacontanol is, why Eutrema’s high‑concentration, solvent‑free formulation is different, real‑world results, and how to try free samples w…

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Banana Trunks to Grow Bags: The Future of Sustainable Hydroponic Media 6:43

4d ago6:43

6:43

Dr. Russell Sharp explores a new grow media made from banana plant trunks developed by Banana Bloom/Southeastern Fiber. The episode covers the material's hydrophilic re-wetting ability, durability, water-holding capacity, and potential as a mix with other media. Benefits include using an agricultural waste product, lower carbon footprint compared w…

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Arsenic on the Menu: Is Your Rice Making You Sick? 10:01

5d ago10:01

10:01

Dr. Russell Sharp explores how arsenic gets into rice and some seaweeds, the health risks including cancer and developmental effects, and why levels vary by grain type and growing region. He offers practical steps to reduce exposure—rinse and cook rice in excess water (about 6:1), prefer basmati/jasmine or alternative grains like quinoa and millet,…

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Enzymes on Plants. What the heck? 8:13

6d ago8:13

8:13

Dr. Russell Sharp investigates enzyme-based hydroponic products like Plagron's Green Sensation, questioning ingredient lists and the claim that sprayed enzymes break down plant cell walls. He explains where enzymes are actually useful (breaking down dead roots and improving media nutrient availability), outlines stability limits (UV and temperature…

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Tylenol (Paracetamol) causes what in plants?!?!?!? 6:46

8d ago6:46

6:46

Dr. Russell Sharp reviews research on paracetamol (acetaminophen/Tylenol) and its effects on plants in hydroponics and horticulture. He explains how the drug is taken up by roots and leaves, how plants detoxify it, and how even small amounts can trigger oxidative stress, impair photosynthesis and inhibit growth in species like lettuce and maize. Th…

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Rafflesia: The World's Hardest Plant to Grow 10:34

8d ago10:34

10:34

Dr. Russell Sharp explores why Rafflesia arnoldii — the so-called corpse flower with the world\'s largest single bloom — is likely the most difficult plant to cultivate. He explains its parasitic lifestyle, dependence on a specific Tetrastigma vine host, short flowering window, dioecious reproduction, and rarity in the wild. The episode contrasts R…

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Are you growing a C4 crop? Maize, millet, Sorghum, Bermuda Grass etc 9:07

9d ago9:07

9:07

This episode explains C4 photosynthesis (the Hatch–Slack pathway), how it concentrates CO2 around rubisco to reduce photorespiration, and why C4 plants perform exceptionally well in hot, dry, high‑CO2 conditions. It covers common C4 crops (maize, sugarcane, sorghum, millets, tropical grasses) and practical hydroponic tips: increase light intensity,…

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Cyanide: The Hidden Poison in Almonds, Apples and Bamboo 9:56

10d ago9:56

9:56

This episode explores natural sources of cyanide in common plants — how cyanogenic glycosides hide cyanide in seeds and tissues, how breaking cells releases toxic hydrogen cyanide, and why the smell of almonds can be a warning sign. Examples include bitter almonds, apple and stone fruit seeds, cassava, lima beans, sorghum and bamboo shoots. The epi…

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Micro-plastics in Fertilisers! The Truth About Controlled-Release Fertilisers 5:16

11d ago5:16

5:16

In this episode we expose the environmental and health risks of granular controlled‑release fertilisers: non‑biodegradable resin granules often contain micro- and nanoplastics that persist in soils and can be taken up by plants. Recent research shows nanoplastics can accumulate in edible parts of crops, raising concerns for food safety. The host ex…

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Glee Find - A Novel Propagation Tray idea - 'Bustaseed' 10:00

12d ago10:00

10:00

Dr. Russell Sharp reports from the Glee trade show, sharing highlights like a Latvian Bloom Cabin greenhouse and a standout product from Buster Seed: durable, pull-apart propagation trays designed for gentle transplanting. The episode explains how these reusable trays reduce transplant shock, let growers monitor root development, and are particular…

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Fairy Rings: Hidden Lawn Killer? 8:15

12d ago8:15

8:15

Dr. Russell Sharp explains what fairy rings are, why they become visible after droughts, and how their hydrophobic exudates and waxy residues can cause grass death and uneven growth on lawns and sports turf. He outlines practical management: maintain irrigation, reduce thatch, use wetting agents, consider spot applications of lime sulfur as an orga…

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Flooded Lawns & Turf: Causes, Symptoms and Fast Fixes 42:53

13d ago42:53

42:53

Dr. Russell Sharp takes a deep dive into flooding and waterlogging across gardens, farms and sports turf—explaining causes like clay pans and heavy rain, the physiological damage to roots and crops, common symptoms such as patchy chlorosis and shallow rooting, and secondary risks like nutrient loss and pathogen spread. The episode also covers pract…

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What to look for on the hydro shop shelf & surprising microgreens findings 7:00

13d ago7:00

7:00

Dr. Russell Sharp revisits fertilizer and biostimulant preservation—what shrinking, bloating, and floaty bits in bottles actually mean—and shares practical signs to watch for. He then summarizes microgreen experiments: pea shoots performed well without fertiliser or growing media, wheatgrass responded strongly to low-dose feeding, and ongoing trial…

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Latvia's Lost Harvest: Floods Wipe Out Crops 3:57

13d ago3:57

3:57

Dr. Russell Sharp examines the severe crop losses in Latvia caused by heavy spring and late-season rainfall, flooding and seed washout that destroyed vegetables like onions, carrots, cabbages and potatoes. He explains how these conditions have left farmers facing large economic losses and likely increased imports and prices. The episode contrasts L…

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Why Liquidising Food Waste Will Starve Your plants 3:23

14d ago3:23

3:23

Dr. Russell Sharp explains why pouring liquidised food waste or adding fresh, uncomposted plant material to soil or lawns can harm plant growth. Microbes breaking down this material consume available nitrogen, causing nitrogen deficiency and chlorosis in your plants, and fresh food waste can also attract pests like rodents and rabbits. The episode …

1
The Dirty (half) Dozen: Harmful Preservatives Hiding in Your Fertilizer 12:49

14d ago12:49

12:49

Dr. Russell Sharp of Hydroponics Daily exposes common and dangerous preservatives found in fertilizers and biostimulants, including formaldehyde, quaternary ammonium compounds (BAC50), copper sulfate, bronopol and silver. He explains why growers should check product labels and safety data sheets, prefer food‑grade preservatives, and be aware of imp…

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Thatch - what is it? Causes? And the pros and cons of different solutions! 11:43

15d ago11:43

11:43

Dr Russell Sharp explains what thatch is, how it builds up, and why it harms turf. He covers causes like rapid growth, drought and the harmful effects of overusing iron and copper products. The episode reviews control methods — scarifying, raking, microbial and enzyme treatments — and the limitations of some commercial products. Russ outlines Eutre…

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Don’t Pour Food Waste on Your Plants!: The Hidden Danger 3:23

15d ago3:23

3:23

Dr. Russell Sharp explains why pouring liquidised food waste or adding uncomposted plant material to soil or lawns can harm plant growth. Microbes decomposing fresh organic matter use up available nitrogen, causing nutrient deficiency and chlorosis in plants, and the practice can also attract pests like rodents and rabbits. Advice: always compost o…

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ICL, White Phosphorus and Gaza war crimes: A Follow-Up 5:10

16d ago5:10

5:10

Dr. Russell Sharp revisits previous claims about ICL (formerly Israel Chemicals Limited), clarifying that there is no evidence they manufacture white phosphorus but detailing findings that ICL supplies white phosphorus to the US Army and onward to Israel, who use White Phosphorus against civilian populations. The episode also examines ICL’s sponsor…

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ICL, White Phosphorus and Gaza war crimes: A Follow-Up 5:10

16d ago5:10

5:10

Dr. Russell Sharp revisits previous claims about ICL (formerly Israel Chemicals Limited), clarifying that there is no evidence they manufacture white phosphorus but detailing findings that ICL supplies white phosphorus to the US Army and onward to Israel, who use White Phosphorus against civilian populations. The episode also examines ICL’s sponsor…

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ICL, White Phosphorus and Gaza war crimes: A Follow-Up 5:10

18d ago5:10

5:10

Dr. Russell Sharp revisits previous claims about ICL (formerly Israel Chemicals Limited), clarifying that there is no evidence they manufacture white phosphorus but detailing findings that ICL supplies white phosphorus to the US Army and onward to Israel, who use White Phosphorus against civilian populations. The episode also examines ICL’s sponsor…

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Pseudo-Cereals uncovered: Hydroponics, Microgreens & Nutrition 6:21

19d ago6:21

6:21

Dr. Russell Sharp examines pseudocereals—non-grass crops like quinoa, amaranth, chia, buckwheat and fat hen—and their potential as hydroponic microgreens. The episode covers germination experiments, nutritional benefits (reduced phytic acid, increased vitamins) and the promise of microgreens for improving human and animal nutrition worldwide. https…

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Revolving Hydroponics: Inside Revoponics’ Vertical Drum Revolution 6:19

18d ago6:19

6:19

Dr. Russell Sharp explores Revoponics, a rotating vertical hydroponic system installed at Queen's University. He compares it to earlier drum-based designs, explains how the rotating towers can improve harvesting, lighting efficiency and space use, and discusses potential benefits for local food production and research. https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fe…

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Scrog Nets & Horizontal Support: Boost Yields Without Stakes 6:29

20d ago6:29

6:29

Dr. Russell Sharp explains horizontal netting (scrog nets) for hydroponic growers and how these nets support vines and stems across crops like cannabis, tomatoes, cucumbers, chrysanthemums, and melons. Learn the benefits—better support, reduced lodging, improved airflow, and easier maintenance—plus practical tips on DIY vs. store-bought nets and wh…

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Acid Rain in Hydroponics: What Growers Must Know 6:41

21d ago6:41

6:41

Dr. Russell Sharp explains what acid rain is, how sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides form strong acids, and why this matters for plant health both outdoors and in hydroponic systems. The episode covers direct leaf damage, nutrient leaching (especially calcium), soil and root impacts, and why acidic foliar sprays can mimic acid rain and harm your cr…

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Chinese Urban Agriculture 9:26

22d ago9:26

9:26

Dr. Russell Sharp explores unusual hydroponic projects, focusing on the Hengshui Vertical Farm in China — a multi-story, LED-assisted urban farming innovation center with rooftop greenhouses, classrooms, and water-recycling and passive cooling systems. He also covers a Canadian converted warship now growing produce in its hull, discussing the socia…

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How Bt Kills: The Science Behind Bacillus thuringiensis 8:30

23d ago8:30

8:30

Dr. Russell Sharp breaks down Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt): what it is, how Cry proteins selectively destroy insect pests, and why Bt is considered safe for humans, animals and beneficial insects. The episode also examines Bt’s use in organic and GM crops, practical considerations for hydroponics, other helpful Bacillus species, and a brief microgre…

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The Secret Power of Green Light in Hydroponics 8:46

24d ago8:46

8:46

Dr. Russell Sharp explains how green light, once overlooked, improves photosynthesis deeper in crop canopies, opens stomata to aid nutrient transport, and can be used at night without triggering flowering responses in many plants. He also warns that cocoa coir prices have tripled, urging growers to consider reusable or alternative media while using…

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Far-Red Revolution: Could Chlorophyll D/F Boost Indoor Crop Yields? 11:14

25d ago11:14

11:14

Dr. Russell Sharp reviews a new Nature Communications paper (Wang et al.) exploring the idea of adding chlorophyll d and f to crops so they can use far-red light (700–800 nm). The paper models up to a 26% increase in soybean photosynthesis and biomass if plants could absorb that spectral region. The episode discusses implications for hydroponics an…

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Hidden Light Signals: How the Red:Far‑Red Ratio Controls Plant Growth 9:22

26d ago9:22

9:22

Dr. Russell Sharp explores the critical red-to-far-red (R:FR) light ratio, how phytochrome senses these wavelengths, and how that signal shapes germination, stem elongation, flowering, and canopy architecture. He reviews practical grower strategies—LED spectrum tuning, end-of-day far-red pulses, crop-specific recommendations (basil, lettuce, tomato…

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Mylar vs Matt White: The Truth About Grow Tent Reflectivity 13:39

27d ago13:39

13:39

Dr. Russell Sharp explains how different grow tent materials — metallized PET/mylar, white films, panels and paints — affect reflectivity, light uniformity and photosynthetic efficiency, and why common assumptions (mirror-like is best) can be misleading. He also shares a bold experiment: cladding a new grow room in dark maroon matte paint to optimi…

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Hydroponics Daily: No Soviet Secret Labs — Just Space Pizza 9:29

28d ago9:29

9:29

Dr. Russell Sharp presents a brief Hydroponics Daily update covering myths about Soviet hydroponics, unusual crops like dragon fruit and the Annona family, and a botanical note about magnolia tepals. He reviews England’s move to allow gene-edited crops from 2026, a Wrexham University project growing ‘space pizza’ ingredients with schools, and his o…

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Green Hope in the Aral Desert: Hydroponics Feed the Future 9:13

29d ago9:13

9:13

Dr. Russell Sharp examines a UNDP-led hydroponics project in the Aral Sea region that grows fast, soilless wheat and alfalfa fodder to address polluted, infertile land and livestock feed shortages. The episode covers the simple LED-and-tray systems, rapid harvest cycles, nutritional gains for animals, women-led household adoption, Japanese funding,…

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Whitefly Secrets Part 2 : Life Cycle, Damage & Control 8:08

29d ago8:08

8:08

Dr. Russell Sharp explains the whitefly life cycle, why they hide under leaves and how to control them in hydroponic systems. He also shares microgreen hydroponic tips and the importance of removing plant material to break pest life cycles. https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/pesticides-organic/eutrema-insecticidal-soap-sodium-free/…

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Whiteflies Part 1: Protect Your Grow 10:33

1M ago10:33

10:33

Dr Russell Sharp explains what whitefly are, why they threaten greenhouse and outdoor hydroponic crops, and how to detect them early. The episode covers monitoring methods, prevention (filters, airflow, sanitation), biological controls like Encarsia formosa, and selective chemical options including insecticidal soaps and rotation strategies. https:…

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Sodium: The Silent Killer in Hydroponics 13:37

1M ago13:37

13:37

Dr. Russell Sharp explains why sodium is highly toxic to plants, how it damages cellular functions, causes nutrient imbalances and reduces yield, and why osmotic stress is not the only issue. He outlines common hidden sources of sodium in hydroponics — low-grade fertilizers, micronutrient chelates, grow media, water sources, insecticidal soaps and …

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From Vertical Farm to Field: A Harsh Lesson in Transplant Shock 6:21

1M ago6:21

6:21

Dr. Russell Sharp shares a Liverpool tour and a farmer's rhubarb story that highlights how fragile indoor-grown plants can be when transplanted outdoors. The episode outlines why hardening off and weaning are critical for plants moving from hydroponic or vertical systems to field cultivation, and offers practical takeaways to avoid transplant shock…

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Hello Darkness, My Microgreens' friend: Embracing the Dark for Bigger, Sweeter Shoots 9:08

1M ago9:08

9:08

Dr. Russell Sharp explains why deliberately growing microgreens in darkness produces taller, sweeter, and easier-to-harvest seedlings. He shares observations from trials with basil, mustard, pea shoots, spring onions and more, and explains how etiolated growth converts seed starches into sugars for better flavour. The episode also covers practical …

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Free Hydroponics Samples — Review on Apple Podcasts to Claim Yours 5:21

1M ago5:21

5:21

Dr. Russell Sharp invites listeners to Hydroponics Daily to get a free sample in exchange for an Apple Podcasts review — just screenshot your review and email it to him to claim a product. Available samples include humic acid concentrate, dechlorinator, Sticky Fingers cleaner and Clear Mist humidifier treatment; international listeners can still pa…

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Growing Crops on Mars: Hydroponics Beyond Earth 25:30

1M ago25:30

25:30

In this episode Dr. Russell Sharp explores the practical science of growing crops on Mars — water sources and site choices, lighting and power options, and why indoor, LED‑lit hydroponics (NFT, aeroponics) is most likely. He examines Martian regolith as a potential grow medium (nutrient content, perchlorates and removal methods), atmospheric challe…

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Beat the Bloom: Practical Algae Control for Hydroponic Reservoirs 12:48

1M ago12:48

12:48

Dr. Russell Sharp of Eutrema Limited breaks down why algae is a problem in hydroponic and greenhouse reservoirs—how it competes for nutrients and oxygen, clogs lines, and risks crop and food-safety issues. He compares small-scale cleaning methods with the challenges of large-volume systems. The episode outlines chemical sterilisation options (hydro…

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Who’s Steering Hawthorne? The Mysterious Buyout of Scotts’ Hydroponics Empire 10:50

1M ago10:50

10:50

This episode of Hydroponics Daily unpacks the rise of Hawthorne Horticulture, a Scotts Miracle-Gro subsidiary (Hagedorn family) that bought major hydroponic brands like Gavita, General Hydroponics and Botanicare, and the controversies that followed. We explore post-lockdown decline, Scotts’ strategy to move Hawthorne off its balance sheet into an o…

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Belgium's Hydroponic Leek Leap: 3,000 m² Farm in Ypres 5:30

1M ago5:30

5:30

Dr. Russell Sharp explores a new 3,000 m² commercial hydroponic leek facility in Ypres, Belgium, developed by Agro Reo, Hydromasters and Endura with VLEA and EU support. The outdoor deep-water system promises faster cycles, reduced soil-borne disease, closed-loop water and automated harvesting, enabling soil-free exports and competition with tradit…

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Game-Changer for Growers? Nordetect’s Handheld Nutrient Tester 5:04

1M ago5:04

5:04

Dr. Russell Sharp reviews Nordetect’s upcoming handheld tester that measures nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium and sulfur in fertigation streams using a patented agrochip plus spectrophotometry, delivering lab-level results in about three minutes instead of days. https://www.nordetect.com/ The episode explains how the device could…