Episode 151: Light, Spectrum, and Plant Signals — A Practical Guide with Dr. David Hawley part 1

Episode 151: Light, Spectrum, and Plant Signals — A Practical Guide with Dr. David Hawley part 1

Author: Tad Hussey October 21, 2025 Duration: 58:00
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. David Hawley to talk about what plants actually care about when it comes to light. We dig into how to think in DLI instead of just chasing PPFD numbers, why uniformity matters more than raw power, and how spectrum fine-tunes rather than defines your grow. David breaks down what far-red and UV really do (and don’t do), how to manage leaf temperature as light intensity climbs, and why clean lenses and smart dimming often beat a fancy new fixture. It’s a practical, myth-busting chat about using light as a tool—not a trophy—and it’s packed with tips you can apply right away whether you’re running a living soil facility or just trying to dial in a tent at home.

Tad Hussey, founder of KIS Organics, hosts the Cannabis Cultivation and Science Podcast, a deep and practical resource for anyone serious about growing plants organically. Rather than offering quick tips, Tad builds each conversation on a foundation of verifiable science, breaking down complex soil biology, plant physiology, and sustainable methods into understandable segments. He regularly brings in leading researchers, agronomists, and seasoned cultivators, creating a unique space where academic knowledge meets real-world, hands-on experience. You'll hear detailed discussions on everything from microbial inoculants and nutrient cycling to the nuances of light spectra and water quality, all through the lens of organic stewardship. This podcast is for gardeners, hobbyists, and professionals who are curious about the "why" behind their practices and want to move beyond conventional growing advice. It’s a thoughtful exploration of how to work with natural systems to cultivate healthier plants, focusing on foundational principles that apply broadly while delving specifically into cannabis cultivation. The dialogue is always evidence-based, cutting through industry trends to examine what truly works, making it an essential listen for those who believe that the best cultivation starts with understanding the science in the soil.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Cannabis Cultivation and Science Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Episode 129: Going Vertical With Living Soils With Chris Castle [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:44
My guest this week is Chris Castle. Chris is the co-founder and CEO/COO of Flora & Flame out of California, currently the largest vertical indoor living soil cannabis farm. Chris is a bay area native who has been cultiva…
Episode 127: Flushing and Photoperiod Research with Micheal Alden [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:28:34
My guest this week is Michael Alden. Michael is the Research Director at Stairway Holding, Inc. and explores methods to improve efficiency and productivity in cannabis cultivation. He spent the past 5 years as a graduate…
Episode 125: The Latest in Biocontrols with Suzanne Wainwright Evans [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:24:18
In this episode I talk with longtime podcast guest, Entomologist Suzanne "The Buglady" to talk about some new products available to growers, REIs and PPE with pesticides, and how to better combat certain pests like thrip…
Episode 123: Cannabis Nutrition with Bryant Mason part 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:32
My guest this week is Bryant Mason. I’ve had Bryant on the podcast a few times in the past and he’s one of my favorite guests. Bryant is a Certified Crop Advisor who specializes in organic cannabis nutrition. He has spen…
Episode 122: Supplementary Podcast #2 - Mycorrhizal Fungi [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:30
By now practically everyone has heard of mycorrhizal fungi, it’s a pretty incredible fungi that forms a symbiotic relationship with the roots of many plants. But I see a lot of misinformation and claims out there about i…
Episode 120: Heavy Metal Contamination in Cannabis with Robert Thomas [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:25:18
There are many sources of contamination in cannabis cultivation, lab testing, and processing. In this episode, we discuss some of the possible sources to watch out for as well as where regulations may be heading in regar…