Nitrogen in marijuana - the right balance

Nitrogen is a chemical element of the 15th group of the second period. It is a simple substance without taste and smell. Nitrogen is one of the three essential nutrients for plant growth. It is the most common chemical element (found in abundance in soil and water). Necessary for all living things, but especially for plants, as it is needed for the production of chlorophyll (the pigment responsible for photosynthesis).

Nitrogen plays a major role in the life of marijuana, especially during the germination and vegetative phases. At these stages of life, cannabis spends all its energy on growth and full development. Also, especially important nutrients in the life of cannabis are potassium and phosphorus. They are needed for the formation of fruits and strengthening immunity, and are also responsible for the endurance of the culture. Thanks to phosphorus and potassium, marijuana forms regular, lush fruits and increases its resistance to climate change.

How to increase yield with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium

Scientific research online showed that bud yields were dependent on N (nitrogen) and P (phosphorus), with predicted optimal concentrations of 194 and 59 mg l–1. Inflorescence yield did not respond to K (potassium) in the test range. These results can serve as a guide for growers when formulating nutrient solutions for soilless cannabis (hydroponic) cultivation.

Cannabis also needs to receive such essential components as: sodium (Na), magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu).

The correct proportion of all the constituent chemical elements is the key to a successful growth.

Nitrogen fixation in soil

Fixation is needed so that all useful elements are absorbed by the plant. Nitrogen must be transferred into molecular form in order for the plant to absorb it. To do this, it is enough to dissolve nitrogen nitrate in water. The availability of nitrogen for hemp depends on the pH level of the soil. When cultivating, you need to take into account soil acidity. Nitrogen is not available to cannabis at pH levels below or above normal. The ideal pH for marijuana is 5.5-6.5.

Optimal concentration of nitrogen, potassium, and calcium in the soil

Optimal nutrient solution concentrations of N and P are approximately N (194 mg/L) and P (59 mg/L). With regard to outdoor cultivation, the saltpeter concentration should be greater than N (160–230 mg/l) and P (40–80 mg/l).

You can determine the desired concentration by the appearance of the plant. For example, nitrogen deficiency in marijuana is easy to determine by the condition of the lower leaves. In the early stages, they turn yellowish, then completely dry out and die. And an excess of nitrogen in the soil leads to a darkening of the leaf plate.

It is not uncommon for hemp to overdose on nitrogen. In this case, it is necessary to rinse the substrate with filtered water and dry it a little. In a week, the plant will return to normal. To avoid this, the grower should feed no more than once a week.

You can also find out about potassium deficiency in marijuana through the leaves. In this case, the edges of the lower leaves acquire a dark orange tint, and then fall off. And with an excess of potassium in marijuana, the leaf plate is covered with yellow spots that grow. If a decision is not made in the early stages, then you can lose part of the crop or the entire plant.

With a large excess of trace elements of saltpeter, the root system suffers firstly, the bush begins to wither before our eyes. After all, acidity increases in the substrate, and the plant itself “burns out”.

The material is provided for scientific purposes only, do not forget that the cultivation of marijuana is not allowed in all countries, follow the laws, discover new knowledge and be happy.