Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium (NPK) ratio is the ratio of these nutrients relative to each other and is displayed on all types of fertilizer. From germination to fruiting these ratios should be adjusted for optimal growth in all stages of development. Soil or media pH is also critical for macro and micro nutrient uptake. Light spectrum adjustments are also required to stimulate different stages of development. We will visit pH and lighting in future posts.
NITROGEN and Cannabis (N) Nitrogen in the form of Nitrates, Ammonia, Ammonium and Urea are essential for chlorophyll and amino acid production. Chlorophyll captures light energy enabling plants to produce sugars required for growth. Amino acids are necessary to produce enzymes which facilitate every aspect of plant development. Higher Nitrogen NPK ratios in early/mid plant development support vegetative growth and establish a strong base for flowering. As the plant enters the flowering phase Nitrogen levels should be reduced.
TOO MUCH NITROGEN:
— stems and foliage become weak
— greener than “normal”
— lower leaves get very dark green
— uptake of water is diminished
— taste after harvest is “greenish”
NOT ENOUGH NITROGEN:
— smaller leaves, no luster, shorter plants
— lower leaves yellow and it moves up the plant
— some leaved can drop
— plant can flower earlier and low yield
Phosphorous and Cannabis (P) Phosphorus is incorporated into many organic compounds to include the nucleic acids DNA and RNA. It is essential in the formation of phospholipids, proteins, enzymes and high energy compounds such as ATP. Energy transfer within plants requires ADP and ATP and when high energy phosphates are transferred to a host of molecules through phosphorylation it enables plants to produce chemical reactions vital to optimal health, vigorous growth and flowering.
TOO MUCH PHOSPHOROUS:
— thin blades on new leaves
— leaf structure poor with less internodal space
— interveinal chlorosis on leaves
— zinc, magnesium, iron, calcium deficiencies show more
— brown leaf tips, burns on margins
— roots can die back from tips
NOT ENOUGH PHOSPHOROUS:
— all growth slows
— weaker plant, not resilient
— petioles discolor, dark purplish gray
— leaves tend to blue
— blotchy lower leaves, brownish dead spote
— leaves can curl and drop off
Potassium and Cannabis (K) Cannabis plants require potassium in order thrive and produce. Potassium (K) is a macronutrient in plant cultivation and contributes to healthy growth and reproduction of the plant. Potassium is absorbed from the soil for these specific benefits: quicker growth, drought resistance, better yields and disease prevention, and it can help minimize pests. Without enough potassium cannabis plants may be fragile and fail to provide robust budding and flower production.
TOO MUCH POTASSIUM (K):
— interveinal chlorosis on leaves
— tips and margins burn
— micro deficiencies
— bottom leaves curl and spot
— low PH and root die back
TOO LITTLE POTASSIUM (K):
— mature leaves pale
— browning and yellowing leaves with burning edges
— excessive branching
— poor flowering and yield (the worst!)
next post coming soon!