Comparison of fertilizer types on the growth and nutrient concentration of Cannabis sativa

Greenhouse grown Cannabis sativa has been cultured with a wide array of fertilizer practices.
The fertilizers used in production vary, and growers often utilize customized blends that target different growth stages.
The goal of this research was to determine the effect of utilizing a complete, single fertilizer type during the entire production cycle.
Three commercially available fertilizers were used (13-2-13, 17-4-17, and 15-2-20). As expected, the substrate pH reflected the type of fertilizer used, but electrical conductivity levels were greatest for plants grown using 15-2-20, along with the lowest total shoot dry mass.
Leaf tissue nutrient levels were similar among the fertilizer sources except for phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and boron.
Five cannabinoids that were measured were lowest with the 17-4-17 fertilizer, but when total cannabinoid content was calculated, all three fertilizers produced similar results.
Variations occurred among the different fertilizer types, and preferences would be given to 13-2-13 and 17-4-17. This approach of utilizing a single fertilizer source during greenhouse culture can simplify fertility practices for growers.

IX South-Eastern Europe Symposium on Vegetables and Potatoes

B.E. Whipker, P. Veazie, P. Cockson

‘Saver Haze’, greenhouse, leaf tissue nutrient concentration, plant nutrition

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2024.1391.67