Cultivating Cannabis: Essential Nutrients, Growing Tips, and Legal Insights
A green, leafy plant called "Cannabis" dominates the medicinal landscape, not to mention the mainstream market. This multi-use plant is a member of the Cannabaceae family, the Cannabis genus, and is classified into two primary species: Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica. Use of the cannabinoid-rich plant dates back as far as 2800 BC, when Emperor Shen Nung, the "Father of Chinese Medicine" first documented its use in his pharmacopeia.
Related article: 5 Reasons Why You Should Grow Your Own Weed
The rise of research, legalization, and cultivation is continuously contributing to Cannabis' evolving reputation as a multi-purpose plant, with cultivation being one of the most integral elements of the industry.
According to a 2020 report by Grand View Research analysts, the global Cannabis cultivation market was valued at $123.9 billion USD in 2019. This sector is predicted to grow at a compound annual rate (CAGR) of 14.3% and reach $358.8 billion by 2027.
CANNABIS RELIES ON A PLETHORA OF NUTRIENTS TO THRIVE
Much like the human body depends on various nutrients to thrive, stay healthy, and ward off disease, so does Cannabis. Expect higher yields and increased potency when you grow Cannabis with the proper nutrients. A mixture of base fertilizers and supplements will make a world of difference to the health and vigor of your plants.
Whether you are planning on growing your Cannabis or are simply interested in learning, it’s worth knowing about nutrients and their importance. The essential plant nutrients are divided into three categories; macronutrients, micronutrients and non-mineral nutrients.
MACRONUTRIENTS
According to a study published in the International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, "The application of macronutrients significantly increases the plant growth and yield by improving the overall nutrient status of the soil" (Saba et al. 2018). Issues with macronutrients are more likely to appear at the base of the plant or on older growth.
Related article: What Does Macronutrients Mean?
MICRONUTRIENTS
Cannabis plants also require micronutrients in small amounts for proper growth. Deficiencies can lead to stunted growth, yellow leaves, and other symptoms that reduce yield and quality according to Teaming with Nutrients by Jeff Lowenfels. Issues with micronutrients are more likely to be found near the tips of the plant or on new growth.
NON-MINERAL NUTRIENTS
That's not all, because Cannabis also uses its roots and leaves to pull the following non-mineral nutrients from air and water.
A NUTRIENT Products FOR EVERY NEED
Canna Gardening Nutrients is a company that produces a range of formulas for different growing mediums, such as hydroponics, coco coir, and soil as well as an organic line of products.
Dyna-Gro is a nutrient company that offers a unique feature. Their formulas contain all essential macro and micro nutrients in one part. Using Foliage Pro during the veg stage and Bloom during the reproductive phase will provide plants with complete nutrition.
NPK Industries is a company that produces the RAW nutrient line, which is a customizable nutrient system designed for hydroponic and soil-based growing. RAW nutrients are available in separate, individual elements, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which allows growers to mix and match them to create their own custom nutrient blends.
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TIPS FOR MAXIMIZING PLANT GROWTH
Every Cannabis grower is intrigued to find out how they can cultivate the best yield possible. A typical thought that runs through the mind of new growers is, “How much weed can one plant produce?”
The truth is that there could be many answers to this question since the outcome depends entirely on the growing conditions, type of seed or clone, whether the plant is a Sativa, Indica, or Hybrid and of course, the plants access to the required nutrients. Nonetheless, many factors will play a role in the amount a Cannabis plant can yield.
Let’s explore some tips for boosting Cannabis growth and yields:
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Make a Wise Lighting Choice: Lights are an integral component of any Cannabis grow. An experienced grower can produce about 1-2 grams of weed per watt of light. For instance, a 400-watt HPS grow light can produce up to 400 grams or 14 ounces of dried Cannabis.
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Consider Hydroponic Growing: The old myth that soil is necessary to grow Cannabis can finally be put to bed, because going soil-free with hydroponic growing is believed to yield 20% more plant matter. Under absolutely pristine conditions, hydroponic plants can yield up to 500 grams, or 17.5 ounces, of Cannabis per plant.
Related article: Brief of Cannabis Growth in Hydroponics system.
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Select a Suitable Space: Don’t forget about the space either, which should cover at least two meters, have access to water, and be designed to reduce exposure to pests. Adequate air circulation as well as the ability to control the temperature and humidity in the space is also essential.
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Use Organic Cannabis Fertilizers: Adding organic fertilizer to soil can enhance the soil's bacterial and fungal activity and improve water retention and soil texture. Renowned for being cheap and promoting healthy root development, organic fertilizer is an environmentally friendly choice for growing Cannabis. These fertilizers are made from a variety of natural sources, such as vegetable and animal waste, domestic sewage, and organic compost.
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Create Compost Tea: Last but not least, on the list of tips for growing top-quality Cannabis plants is to add compost tea to the soil. While there are many compost tea recipes, it is created by steeping compost in water, which is rich in a variety of active microorganisms and nutrients, such as fungi, protozoa, nematodes, and specific types of bacteria. This method is known to be environmentally friendly and effective in promoting plant growth.
CONCLUSION
Before growing Cannabis with the nutrients mentioned in this article, brush up on your local ordinances. While certain places on the map will allow vertical integration to be carried out on agricultural land, others may demand that Cannabis be processed, dried, and manufactured off-site.
If you reside where it is legal to grow from home, here’s a tip: know thy neighbor! Cannabis has a potent scent, and while many people love it when the terpenes tickle their nose hairs, others do not. For this reason, it’s essential to be transparent with the people who live next door.
