Nitrogen is vital to the growth of cannabis plants, as it is the primary source and component of biomolecules such as chlorophyll and proteins in cannabis plants. In photosynthesis, chlorophyll can convert light energy into chemical energy required by plants, and protein is the basis for building cells and tissues. Therefore, sufficient nitrogen can promote chlorophyll synthesis, help improve photosynthesis efficiency, and is the key to promoting the growth of leaves. , a key factor in the growth of stems and roots. Because nitrogen is found in amino acids and other biomolecules, these substances play an important role in the cell division and growth of cannabis plants.
In 2009, scientist J.C. Lyu and his team published the results of an experimental study in the Journal of Plant Physiology. The research content was that they compared the effects of different nitrogen concentrations on the growth and biochemical characteristics of cannabis plants. The results showed that appropriate nitrogen concentration can significantly promote the growth and chlorophyll content of cannabis, helping cannabis cultivation to increase the yield and quality of plants. Therefore, in cannabis cultivation, scientific and reasonable management of nitrogen nutrition is one of the keys to promoting healthy growth and high yield of cannabis.
A little tip, if you are using LED grow lights to grow cannabis plants, I highly recommend using them together with nitrogen N, phosphorus P, and potassium P. When combined with the nitrogen supply, the blue light and white light provided by LED grow lights can promote the growth of cannabis leaves and promote photosynthesis. When combined with the supply of phosphorus and potassium nutrients, the red and far-red light provided by LED grow lights can greatly help cannabis plants promote bud formation and blooming spectrum during the flowering period of the plant.
Potassium plays an important role in regulating cellular water balance and water osmotic pressure during cannabis cultivation. It promotes root growth, increases the plant's ability to absorb water and nutrients, reduces damage caused by water stress, and improves the drought resistance of cannabis plants. Potassium is also involved in the synthesis and transmission of photosynthates in plant photosynthesis, promotes the transportation and distribution of nutrients in plants, improves the absorption and utilization efficiency of other nutrients by cannabis plants, and regulates the growth rhythm and flowering process of cannabis plants.
In 2015, scientist S. Qidwai and his team published a study in the International Journal of Plant Production in which they studied the effects of different phosphorus and potassium levels on the growth and biochemical properties of cannabis. Experimental results show that an appropriate amount of phosphorus and potassium can significantly increase the growth rate of cannabis, increase the greenness and thickness of leaves, and promote the formation and blooming of flowers, thereby improving yield and quality.
Therefore, in cannabis cultivation, scientific and reasonable management of phosphorus and potassium nutrition is one of the keys to ensuring healthy plant growth and high yields.
When talking about the role of trace elements in cannabis cultivation, although the role of trace elements is not as significant as that of major nutrients, they have an important impact on the growth and development of cannabis plants. These include zinc (Zinc), iron (Iron), copper (Copper), manganese (Manganese), boron (Boron), molybdenum (Molybdenum), and other elements. Below we can explore the function and impact of each trace element in more depth:
Zinc (Zn): Zinc is a component of many enzymes and involves many effects on protein synthesis, DNA synthesis, phytohormone synthesis, photosynthesis, and stress resistance of cannabis plants.
Iron (Fe): Iron is one of the necessary elements to ensure the synthesis of chlorophyll in cannabis plants. Promoting photosynthesis in plants helps maintain the healthy growth of cannabis pages. Iron is also involved in regulating many aspects of the cannabis plant’s enzyme activation, nitrogen metabolism, redox reactions, and more.
Copper (Cu): Copper is one of the necessary elements for chlorophyll synthesis and plays a vital role in promoting photosynthesis in cannabis plants. Copper is also involved in many aspects such as cell wall formation, nitrogen metabolism, various enzyme activities, and stress resistance during cannabis cultivation, ensuring the healthy growth and high yield of cannabis plants.
Manganese (Mn): Manganese is a component of the key enzyme system for oxygen release during photosynthesis. It is involved in energy metabolism and nitrogen metabolism and is important for maintaining the oxygen supply and photosynthesis of cannabis plants.
Boron (B): In cannabis cultivation, boron participates in the formation and stability of plant cell walls, improves the mechanical strength and disease resistance of plants, and is particularly important for the growth point development and sexual reproduction process of plants. On the other hand, boron can regulate plant cell osmotic pressure, participate in plant photosynthesis and nutrient transport, and promote photosynthesis efficiency.
1）Organic Fertilizer vs. Chemical Fertilizer
Growing cannabis requires careful nutrient planning to ensure healthy growth and high-quality yields. When choosing the right nutrient supply method, farmers often face a crucial choice: organic fertilizers or chemical fertilizers. Each method has its pros and cons, which are worth exploring.
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Organic Fertilizers:
Organic fertilizer is made from the decomposition and fermentation of natural organic matter and is derived from natural sources of animal and plant matter such as animal manure, plant waste, animal and plant residues, compost, and seaweed. These natural raw materials can be made into different types of organic fertilizers through proper treatment and processing such as accumulation fermentation and pulverization. Because organic fertilizers provide a slow release of nutrients, they reduce the risk of over-fertilization and help cannabis plants absorb nutrients more consistently. Moreover, organic fertilizers have a significant effect on soil improvement, helping to improve soil structure and increase soil organic matter content.
Advantages of organic fertilizers:
1. Organic fertilizers provide a slow release of nutrients. The gradual release operation mode can continuously provide the nutrients needed for cannabis plants while reducing the risk of over-fertilization.
2. Organic fertilizers are derived from natural substances, which contain rich microbial communities and biological activities, which help to improve the soil structure, increase the organic matter content of the soil, and maintain sudden moderation, which is beneficial to the growth and development of cannabis. natural living conditions.
3. As the name suggests, organic fertilizers are made of natural substances from animals and plants, causing less pollution to water sources and soil. Organic fertilizers are regarded as a sustainable and environmentally friendly fertilizer choice in cannabis cultivation.
Disadvantages of organic fertilizers:
1. Because organic fertilizers have a gradual release mode, the reaction speed is relatively slow. It takes a longer time in the early stages of growth of cannabis plants and requires more patience to wait for the effects of nutrients to show up.
2. The use of organic fertilizers requires sufficient experience in growing cannabis, because many factors are involved, such as temperature, moderation, and microbial activity, which all affect the effectiveness of organic fertilizers, so it will be difficult to accurately control the supply of organic nutrients.
Chemical fertilizers
Chemical fertilizers are made from synthetic chemicals through industrial processing. Common chemical fertilizer ingredients and their sources: nitrogen source, phosphorus source, potassium source, trace elements, etc. They are usually made through precise concentration and purity ratios. The nutrient solution can be absorbed and utilized by cannabis plants in a short period, promoting healthy plant growth.
Advantages of chemical fertilizers:
1. Chemical fertilizers are easy to control, because the nutrients supplied by chemical fertilizers are relatively precise, and their composition and content are precisely controlled. Cannabis growers can more accurately provide nutrient supply according to the needs of different growth stages of cannabis.
2. Nutrients in chemical fertilizers exist in the form of soluble salts, which can be quickly absorbed by cannabis plants, improving nutrient utilization and promoting plant growth.
3. Chemical fertilizers usually exist in the form of granules, powders, liquids, etc., which are more easily absorbed and utilized by cannabis plants and reduce the residue of nutrients in the soil.
Disadvantages of chemical fertilizers:
1. Long-term use of chemical fertilizers affects the ecological balance of the soil, which may lead to a decrease in organic quality in the soil and deterioration of the soil structure, causing harm to the growth of cannabis.
2. Excessive use of chemical fertilizers may lead to water and soil pollution, and the production process of chemical fertilizers requires a large amount of chemical raw materials. If they are washed away by rain and flow into the ground, there will be a negative impact on the environment.
2) Solid Nutrients vs. Liquid Nutrients
Solid nutrients
In cannabis cultivation, solid nutrients are usually provided in the form of granules, flakes, or powders. They are usually made from a variety of chemicals or natural substances such as nitrogen sources, phosphorus sources, potassium sources, trace elements, fillers, and carriers. After certain processing and mixing, solid fertilizer is formed.
Advantages of solid nutrients:
1. Solid nutrients are simple and easy to use. Solid nutrients have the characteristics of sustained release. You only need to mix solid nutrients into the soil, and it will continue to supply cannabis plants. There is no need to fertilize frequently, which is relatively simple.
2. Solid nutrients have the characteristics of sustained release, which can help maintain the stability of soil nutrient content in cannabis cultivation, reduce the risk of nutrient loss, and help maintain soil health.
Disadvantages of solid nutrients:
1. It takes time for solid nutrients to be dissolved and absorbed by soil moisture after they are released. The speed is generally relatively slow, and the release effect lasts for a short time. It is relatively difficult to achieve precise control according to the growth stage and nutritional needs of cannabis plants. The effectiveness of fertilization may be reduced.
2. Once the solid nutrient solution is mixed into the soil, it may be fixed in the soil and difficult to adjust. This may cause some nutrients to be unable to be absorbed and utilized by the plants. It is necessary to wait until the soil is washed, replaced, or fertilized before adjustments can be made.
Liquid nutrients
Liquid nutrients are usually made from water-soluble chemicals, organic substances, or natural extracts. Common nutrients come from nitrogen sources, phosphorus sources, potassium sources, trace elements pH regulators, etc., and are usually provided in the form of concentrated liquids. The nutrients needed according to the growth stage of the cannabis plant are applied directly to the root system of the plant through irrigation water, which is precisely controlled and absorbed quickly.
Advantages of liquid nutrients:
1. Liquid nutrients are fertilized in the form of aqueous solutions, which can be quickly absorbed by the roots of cannabis plants to promote growth and reproduction.
2. The concentration of liquid nutrients can be adjusted according to the growth stage and nutritional needs of the cannabis plant, ensuring that each nutrient is supplied in just the right amount to meet the specific needs of the cannabis plant.
3. The liquid nutrient solution contains a pH adjuster, which can help adjust the pH value of the irrigation water to bring it closer to the ideal range, helping to improve the absorption efficiency of nutrients.
Disadvantages of liquid nutrients:
1. Because the liquid solution is more easily absorbed by the plant, it may need to be applied more frequently, leading to excessive accumulation of nutrients and the risk of poisoning the cannabis plant. Moreover, excessive application may cause loss, leading to a waste of nutrients, and leakage may also cause pollution to soil and water sources.
2. The liquid nutrient solution contains pH regulators, but pH management is extremely complex and requires close testing and adjustment by cannabis growers. If lack of experience leads to misjudgment, it will lead to ecological imbalance in cultivation.
3. Because it is a liquid, dosage control requires certain skills and experience to implement the correct concentration and application method, otherwise it may lead to problems of excess or deficiency of nutrients.
3） Single-nutrient vs. Multi-Nutrient
When it comes to growing marijuana, choosing the best nutrient supply method is crucial for ensuring healthy growth and high yields. One of the key decisions growers need to make is whether to opt for single-nutrient or multi-nutrient solutions.
Single-Nutrient Solutions
Single nutrients refer to providing only one of the main nutrients needed by plants, usually made by chemical synthesis or natural extraction, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, etc. The preparation method depends on the specific nutrients required.
Advantages of single nutrients:
1. A single nutrient provides specific nutrients to accurately meet the needs of cannabis plants. Growers can apply more accurately according to the nutrients needed by cannabis at different growth stages.
2. A single nutrient can reduce the interaction and competition between nutrient elements. Growers can flexibly adjust according to the growth conditions of the plants and accurately adjust the dosage and frequency of single nutrient requirements.
Disadvantages of single nutrients:
1. As the name suggests, a single source only provides specific nutrients. Long-term use of a single source cannot provide all the nutrients needed by plants, which may lead to a lack or excess of other trace elements, a lack of comprehensive nutrition, and thus a nutritional imbalance.
2. Fertilization management is relatively complex. Growers need to accurately understand the needs of each nutrient element of cannabis plants and the nutrient content in the soil to avoid nutritional imbalance or excessive fertilization.
Multi-Nutrients Solutions
Multinutrients are usually made up of a variety of different chemicals, organics, or naturally derived substances to provide a comprehensive nutritional solution that the cannabis plant needs.
Advantages of multi-nutrients:
1. Multi-nutrients can provide a variety of major nutrients (such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) and trace elements (such as zinc, iron, manganese, etc.) needed for the growth of cannabis plants. Provide more comprehensive and balanced nutritional support to cannabis plants throughout their growth cycle, helping to promote the overall development of the plant.
2. Excess nutrients contain a variety of nutritional elements. Growers can simplify the maintenance process and provide comprehensive nutritional needs in one fertilization, thereby saving time and increasing fertilizer sales.
3. The element proportions in the multi-nutrient nutrients are scientifically proportioned and are rich in beneficial microorganisms and organic matter, which help to improve the soil structure, promote nutrient circulation in the soil, and promote the balanced growth of cannabis plants.
Disadvantages of multi-nutrients:
1. The formula of multi-nutrients is usually fixed because it involves a variety of nutrients and may not fully meet specific planting conditions or plant needs. Growers may have difficulty adjusting the supply of each nutrient, resulting in excess or deficiency of elements.
2. Management is complicated. Growers need to adjust the amount and frequency of fertilization according to the needs of cannabis plants. This is based on the premise that growers have sufficient planting experience and planting technology.
3. Because multi-nutrients contain a variety of nutrients, the production and preparation costs will be relatively high, so the purchase cost will also be relatively high.
4. Application Methods and Techniques of Nutrients
1）Ideal Nitrogen-Phosphorus-Potassium Ratio for Cannabis Plants
| Growth Stages | Growing Period | Nitrogen-Phosphorus-Potassium Ratio |
| Early Vegetative | About 3-4 weeks | 2:1:3 |
| Early Vegetative | About 4-6 weeks | 4:2:3 |
| Mid-Vegetative | About 6 weeks after germinating | 10:5:7 |
| Late Vegetative | Near the end of vegetative | 7:7:7 |
| Early Flowering | Cannabis requires less nitrogen and more potassium to increase | 5:7:10 |
| Mid Flowering | / | 6:10:15 |
| Mid-late Flowering | During the last stage | 4:7:10 |
In marijuana cultivation, foliar spraying is a common fertilization method used to provide plants with essential nutrients and trace elements while also enhancing their immune system and disease resistance. Here are some key points about foliar spraying techniques and methods for marijuana plants at different growth stages:
Early Growth Stage:
During the seedling phase of marijuana plants, foliar spraying can help supplement nutrients and promote healthy leaf growth.
Spraying should be done gently and evenly to cover the entire surface of the leaves. Avoid spraying during direct sunlight or high temperatures to prevent leaf burn.
It's recommended to use diluted organic fertilizer or trace element solutions to avoid damaging the leaves with overly concentrated solutions.
Mid-Growth Stage:
As marijuana plants grow, foliar spraying can help replenish the nutrients and moisture consumed during rapid growth.
Spraying should be done in the morning or evening to avoid direct sunlight or high temperatures, which can cause leaf burn or rapid evaporation of nutrients.
During this stage, you can choose appropriate organic or inorganic fertilizers for spraying based on the plant's growth status and nutrient needs.
Late Growth Stage (Flowering Period):
During the flowering period of marijuana plants, foliar spraying can help provide the nutrients and trace elements needed for flower formation while enhancing the plant's disease resistance.
Spraying should be done carefully to avoid spraying directly on the flowers, which can affect their development and quality.
During this stage, you can choose fertilizers containing high potassium and phosphorus for spraying to support flower formation and the flowering process.
Pre-Harvest Stage:
As marijuana plants approach harvest, gradually reduce the frequency and concentration of foliar spraying to help the plants consume remaining nutrients and minimize any residue's impact on the plants.
Foliar spraying should be stopped several weeks before harvest to ensure there are no residues on the plants during harvest.
In summary, foliar spraying is an effective fertilization method that can help marijuana plants obtain essential nutrients and trace elements at different growth stages. By paying attention to the timing, frequency, and concentration of spraying and selecting suitable fertilizers, you can maximize plant growth and yield. Nutrients for growing weed should be carefully chosen and applied during foliar spraying to optimize plant health and productivity.
