Hydroponics Daily

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

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 impacts on human health, plant uptake and beneficial microbes.
Practical tips include researching ingredient CAS/EC numbers, using reputable formulations, and choosing safer preservation strategies to protect crops and consumers.
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/

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

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 organic waste first or boost nitrogen levels if you must add fresh material, and avoid leaving food scraps on borders to prevent pest problems.
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/thatch-degrader/

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

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 sponsorship ties to an IDF battalion that has been filmed burning greenhouses in Gaza, the high proportion of staff serving in the Israeli military.
https://eutrema.co.uk/

Pseudo-Cereals uncovered: Hydroponics, Microgreens & Nutrition

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://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/thatch-degrader/

Revolving Hydroponics: Inside Revoponics’ Vertical Drum Revolution

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/fertiliser/thatch-degrader/

Scrog Nets & Horizontal Support: Boost Yields Without Stakes

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 when to use horizontal vs. vertical supports.
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/

Acid Rain in Hydroponics: What Growers Must Know

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 crops.
Practical advice: be aware of air-quality sources, test the pH of foliar sprays before use, and avoid applying highly acidic products to leaves.
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/

Chinese Urban Agriculture

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 social, logistical and regulatory challenges and the potential for remote communities to gain access to fresh food through hydroponics.
https://www.verticalfarmdaily.com/article/9762351/four-story-vertical-farm-integrating-cultivation-research-and-education-opens-in-china/
 
 
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/

How Bt Kills: The Science Behind Bacillus thuringiensis

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 microgreens update.
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/

The Secret Power of Green Light in Hydroponics

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 green LEDs to improve crop inspection, pest detection, and worker safety.
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/