A study published in the Journal of Cannabis Research investigated the combined effect of different fertilizer types (chemical and organic) on the yield and biochemical constituents of Cannabis sativa under different growing environments. The University of South Africa researchers compared chemical and organic fertilizers and conditions that included shade nets and open space.
The researchers examined fresh and freeze-dried samples to evaluate the yield and biochemical constituents. Data analysis revealed that the treatment combination of shade net and chemical fertilizer resulted in enhanced inflorescence or cannabis flower water content and total phenols (aromatic compounds) compared to the other treatments. One finding indicated that the treatment combination of chemical fertilizer and open space cultivation environment resulted in superior potassium content compared to other treatments.
The study also showed that chemical or inorganic fertilizer positively influenced the physiological performance of the plant’s chlorophyll and stomatal conductance regardless of the growing environment. Combining chemical/inorganic fertilizer and the shade net environment demonstrated the best combination for yield indicators such as harvest index and water content. This treatment combination also enhanced biochemical constituents such as flavonoids, vitamin C, and phenols. Data analysis also indicated that the treatment combination of an open space environment and chemical/inorganic fertilizer increased macro-nutrient levels, such as magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. In contrast, the treatment combination of a shade net environment and chemical fertilizer increased the macro-nutrient iron.
The study emphasized that commercial cannabis growers must consider the combination of light intensity and chemical fertilizer for yield and quality optimization under shade net or open space growing environments.
Some popular fertilizers used in cannabis cultivation include vermiculite and perlite. They release fertilizers and nutrients into the soil and help retain adequate moisture levels in the growth medium. Vermiculite and perlite release calcium, magnesium, and potassium essential for healthy cannabis plant production.
Source: Journal of Cannabis Research
