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Viewed from Centre of Eternity 615.552.5747
-+- The Merry Pranksters from Menlo Park -+-
10.1990.01.01.16
Marijuana Grower's Handbook - part 16 of 33
by pH Imbalance
"Nutrients"
from
Marijuana Grower's Handbook
[Indoor/Greenhouse Edition]
Ed Rosenthal
Marijuana requires a total of 14 nutrients which it obtains through its
roots. Nitrogen (N), Phosophorous (P), and Potassium (K) are called the
macro-nutrients because they are used in large quantities by the plant. The
percentages of N, P, and K are always listed in the same order on fertilizer
packages.
Calcium (Ca), sulfur (S), and magnesium (Mg) are also required by the
plants in fairly large quantities. These are often called the secondary
nutrients.
Smaller amounts of iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), boron (B),
cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo) and chlorine (Cl) are also needed.
These are called micro-nutrients.
[pH:And you thought chemistry wasn't good for anything!]
Marijuana requires more N before flowering than later in its cycle. When
it begins to flowe, marijuana's use of P increases. Potassium requirements
increase after plants are fertilized as a result of seed production.
Plants which are being grown in soil mixes or mixes with nutrients added
such as compost, manure or time-releasing fertilizers may need no additional
fertilizing or only supplemental amounts of the plants begin to show
deficiencies.
The two easiest and most reliable ways to meet the plant's needs are to
use a prepared hydroponic fertilizer or an organic water-soluble fertilizer.
Hydroponic fertilizers are blended as complete balanced formulas. Most
non-hydroponic fertilizers usually contain only the macronutrients (N, P,
and K). Organic fertilizers such as fish emulsion and other blends contain
trace elements which are found in the organic matter from which they are
derived.
Most indoor plant fertilizers are water-soluble. A few of them are
time-release formulas which are mixed into the medium as it is being
prepared. Plants grown in soil mixes can usually get along using regular
fertilizers but plants grown in prepared soilless mixes definitely require
micronutrients.
As the seeds germinate they are given a nutrient solution high in N such
as a 20-10-10 or 17-10-12. These are just two possible formulas; any with a
high proportion of N will do.
Formulas which are not especially high in N can be used and supplemented
with a high N ferilizer such as fish emulsion (which may create an odor) or
the Sudbury X component fertilizer which is listed 44-0-0. Urine is also
very high in N and is easily absorbed by the plants. It should be diluted
to one cup urine per gallon of water.
The plants should be kept on a high N fertilizer regimen until they are
put into the flowering regimen.
During the flowering cycle, the plants do best with a formula lower in N
and higher in P, which promotes bloom. A fertilizer such as 5-20-10 or
10-19-12 will do. (Once again, these are typical formulas, similar ones
will do).
Growers who make their own nutrient mixes based on parts per million of
nutrient generally use the following formulas.
Chart 15-1: Nutrient/Water Solution In Parts Per Million (PPM)
+-----------------------------------+---------+---------+---------+
| | N | P | K |
+-----------------------------------+---------+---------+---------+
| Germination - 15 to 20 days | 110-150 | 70-100 | 50-75 |
+-----------------------------------+---------+---------+---------+
| Fast Growth | 200-250 | 60-80 | 150-200 |
+-----------------------------------+---------+---------+---------+
| Pre-Flowering | 70-100 | 100-150 | 75-100 |
| 2 weeks before turning light down | | | |
+-----------------------------------+---------+---------+---------+
| Flowering | 0-50 | 100-150 | 50-75 |
+-----------------------------------+---------+---------+---------+
| Seeding - fertilized flowers | 100-200 | 70-100 | 100-150 |
+-----------------------------------+---------+---------+---------+
Plants can be grown using a nutrient solution containing no N for the
last 10 days. Many of the larger leaves yellow and wither as the N migrates
from the old to the new growth. The buds are less green and have less of a
minty (chlorophyll) taste.
Many cultivators use several brands and formulas of fertilizer. They
either mix them together in solution or switch brands each feeding.
Plant N requirements vary by weather as well as growth cycle. Plants
growing under hot conditions are given 10-20% less N or else they tend to
elongate and to grow thinner, weaker stalks. Plants in a cool or cold
regimen may be given 10-20% more N. More N is given under high light
conditions, less is used under low light conditions.
Organic growers can make "teas" from organic nutrients by soaking them in
water. Organic nutrients usually contain micronutrients as well as the
primary ones. Manures and blood meal are among the most popular organic
teas, but other organic sources of nutrients include urine, which may be the
best source for N, as well as blood meal and tankage. Organic fertilizers
vary in their formulas. The exact formula is usually listed on the label.
Here is a list of common organic fertilizers which can be used to make
teas:
Chart 15-2: Organic Fertilizers
+----------------+-----+------+------+---------------------------------+
| Fertilizer | N | P | K | Remarks |
+----------------+-----+------+------+---------------------------------+
| Bloodmeal | 15 | 1.3 | .7 | Releases nutrients easily |
+----------------+-----+------+------+---------------------------------+
| Cow manure | 1.5 | .85 | 1.75 | The classic tea. Well- |
| (dried) | | | | balanced formula. Medium |
| | | | | availability. |
+----------------+-----+------+------+---------------------------------+
| Dried blood | 13 | 3 | 0 | Nutrients dissolve easier |
| | | | | than bloodmeal |
+----------------+-----+------+------+---------------------------------+
| Chicken manure | 3.5 | 1.5 | .85 | Excellent nutrients |
+----------------+-----+------+------+---------------------------------+
| Wood ashes | 0 | 1.5 | 7 | Water-soluble. Very alkaline |
| | | | | except with acid wood such |
| | | | | as walnut |
+----------------+-----+------+------+---------------------------------+
| Granite dust | 0 | 0 | 5 | Dissolves slowly |
+----------------+-----+------+------+---------------------------------+
| Rock phosphate | 0 | 35 | 0 | Dissolves gradually |
| (phosphorous) | | | | |
+----------------+-----+------+------+---------------------------------+
| Urine (human, | .5 | .003 | .003 | N immediately available |
| fresh) | | | | |
+----------------+-----+------+------+---------------------------------+
Commercial water-soluble fertilizers are available. Fish emulsion
fertilizer comes in 5-1-1 and 5-2-2 formulas and has been used by satisfied
growers for years.
A grower cannot go wrong changing hydroponic water/nutrient solutions at
least once a month. Once every two weeks is even better. The old solution
could be measured, reformulated, supplemented and re-used; unless large
amounts of fertilizer are used, such as in a large commercial greenhouse, it
is not worth the effort. The old solution may have many nutrients left, but
it may be unbalanced since the plants have drawn specific chemicals. The
water can be used to water houseplants or an outdoor garden, or to enrich a
compost pile.
Experienced growers fertilize by eyeing the plants and trying to
determine their needs when minor symptoms of deficiencies become apparent.
If the nutrient added cures the deficiency, the plant usually responds in
apparent ways within one or two days. First the spread of the symptom
stops. With some minerals, plant parts that were not too badly damaged
begin to repair themselves. Plant parts which were slightly discolored may
return to normal. Plant parts which were severely damaged or suffered from
necrosis do not recover. The most dramatic changes usually appear in new
growth. These parts grow normally. A grower can tell just by plant parts
which part grew before deficiencies were corrected. [pH:What's in yer
nuggets? Parts. Plant parts. Processed plant parts. HAHAHAHAHAHAHA]
Fertilizers should be applied on the low side of recommended rates.
Overdoses quickly (within hours) result in wilting and then death. The
symptoms are a sudden wilt with leaves curled under. To save plants
suffering from toxic overdoses of nutrients, plain water is run through
systems to wash out the medium.
Gardens with drainage can be cared for using a method commercial
nurseries employ. The plants are watered each time with a dilute
nutrient/water solution, usually 20-25% of full strength. Excess water runs
off. While this method uses more water and nutrients than other techniques,
it is easy to set up and maintain.
When nutrient deficiencies occur, especially multiple or micronutrient
deficiencies, there is a good chance that the minerals are locked up
(precipitated) because of pH. [pH:That's not very fair, I wasn't even
there!] Rather than just adding more nutrients, the pH must be checked
first. If needed, the pH must be changed by adjusting the water.
If the pH is too high, the water is made a lower pH than it would
ordinarily be; if too low the water is made a higher pH. To get nutrients
to the plant parts immediately, a dilute foliar spray is used. If the plant
does not respond to the foliar spray, it is being treated with the wrong
nutrient.
NUTRIENTS
Nitrogen (N)
Marijuana uses more N than any other nutrient. It is used in the
manufacture of chlorophyll. N migrates from old growth to new, so that a
shortage is likely to cause first pale green leaves and then the yellowing
and withering of the lowers leaves as the nitrogen travels to new buds.
Other deficiency symptoms include smaller leaves, slow growth and a sparse
rather than bushy profile.
N-deficient plants respond quickly to fertilization. Within a day or
two, pale leaves become greener and the rate and size of new growth
increases. Good water-soluble sources of nitrogen include most indoor and
hydroponic fertizliers, fish emulsion, and urine, along with teas made from
manures, dried blood or bloodmeal. There are many organic additives which
release N over a period of time that can be added to the medium at the time
of planting. These include manures, blood, cottonseed meal, hair, fur, or
tankage.
Phosphorous (P)
P is used by plants in the transfer of light energy to chemical
compounds. It is also used in large quantities for root growth and
flowering. Marijuana uses P mostly during early growth and flowering.
Fertilizers and nutrient mixes usually supply adequate amounts of P
during growth stages so plants usually do not experience a deficiency. Rock
phosphate and bone meal are the organic fertilizers usually recommended for
P deficiency. However they release the mineral slowly, and are more suited
to outdoor gardening than indoors. They can be added to medium to
supplement soluble fertilizers.
P-devicient plants have small dark green leaves, with red stems and red
veins. The tips of lower leaves sometimes die. Eventually the entire lower
leaves yellow and die. Fertilization affects only new growth.
Marijuana uses large quantities of P during flowering. Many fertilizer
manufacturers sell mixes high in P specifically for blooming plants.
Potassium (K)
K is used by plants to regulate carbohydrate metabolism, chlorophyll
synthesis, and protein synthesis as well as to provide resistance to
disease. Adequate amounts of K result in strong, sturdy stems while
slightly deficient plants often grow taller, thinner stems. Plants
producing seed use large amounts of K. Breeding plants can be given K
supplements to assure well-developed seed.
Symptoms of greater deficiencies are more apparent on the sun leaves (the
large lower leaves). Necrotic patches are found on the leaf tips and then
in patches throughout the leaf. The leaves also look pale green.
Stems and flowers on some plants turn deep red or purple as a result of K
deficiencies. However, red stems are a genetic characteristic of some
plants so this symptom is not foolproof. Outdoors, a cold spell can
precipitate K and make it unavailable to the plants, so that almost
overnight the flowers and stems turn purple.
K deficiency can be treated with any high-K fertilizer. Old growth does
not absorb the nutrient and will not be affected. However, the new growth
will show no signs of deficiency within 2 weeks. For faster results the
fetilizer can be used as a foliar spray. K deficiency does not seem to be a
crucial problem. Except for the few symptoms, plants do not seem to be
affected by it.
Calcium (Ca)
Ca is used during cell splitting, and to build the cell membranes.
Marijuana also stores "excess" Ca for reasons unknown. I have never seen a
case of Ca deficiency in cannabis. Soils and fertilizers usually contain
adequate amounts. It should be added to planting mixes when they are being
formulated at the rate of 1 tablespoon per gallon or 1/2 cup per cubic foot
of medium.
Sulfur (S)
S is used by the plant to help regulate metabolism, and as a constituent
of some vitamins, amino acids and proteins. It is plentiful in soil and
hydroponic mixes.
S deficiencies are rare. First, new growth yellows and the entire plant
pales.
s deficiencies are easily solved using Epsom salts at the rate of 1
tablespoon per gallon of water.
Magnesium (Mg)
Mg is the central atom in chlorophyll and is also used in production of
carbohydrates. (Chlorophyll looks just like hemoglobin in blood, but has a
Mg atom. Hemoglobin has an Fe atom). In potted plants, Mg deficiency is
fairly common, since many otherwise well-balanced fertilizers do not contain
it.
Deficiency symptoms start on the lower leaves which turn yellow, leaving
only the veins green. The leaves curl up and die along the tips and edges.
Growing shoots are pale green and, as the condition continues, turn almost
white.
Mg deficiency is easily treated using Epsom salts (MgSO4) at the rate of
1 tablespoon per gallon of water. For faster results, a foliar spray is
used. Once Mg deficiency occurs, Epsom salts should be added to the
solution each time it is changed. Dolomitic limestone contains large
amounts of Mg.
Iron (Fe)
Fe deficiency is not uncommon. The growing shoots are pale or white,
leaving only dark green veins. The symptoms appear similar to Mg
deficiencies but Fe deficiencies do not affect the lower leaves. Fe
deficiencies are often the result of acid-alkalinity imbalances.
Fe deficiencies sometimes occur together with zinc (Zn) and manganese
(Mn) deficiencies so that several symptoms appear simultaneously.
Deficiencies can be corrected by adjusting the pH, adding rusty water to
the medium, or using a commercial supplement. Fe supplements are sold alone
or in a mix combined with Zn and Mn. To prevent deficiencies, some growers
add a few rusting nails to each container. One grower using a reservoir
system added a pound of nails to the holding tank. The nails added Fe to
the nutrient solution as they rusted. Dilute foliar sprays can be used to
treat deficiencies.
Manganese (Mn)
Symptoms of Mn deficiency include yellowing and dying of tissue between
veins, first appearing on new growth and then throughout the plant.
Deficiencies are solved using an Fe-Zn-Mn supplement.
Zinc (Zn)
Zn deficiency is noted first as yellowing and necrosis of older leaf
margins and tips and then as twisted, curled new growth. Treatment with a
Fe-Zn-Mn supplement quickly relieves symptoms. A foliar spray speeds the
nutrients to the leaf tissue.
Boron (B)
B deficiency is uncommon and does not usually occur indoors.
Symptoms of B deficiency start at the growing tips, which turn grey or
brown and then die. This spreads to the lateral shoots.
A B deficiency (pH:A, B, deficient C!) is treated by using 1/2 teaspoon
boric acid, available in pharmacies, added to a gallon of water. One
treatment is usually sufficient.
Molybdenum (Mo)
Mo is used by plants in the conversion of N to forms that the plant can
use. It is also a consituent of some enzymes. Deficiency is unusual
indoors.
Symptoms start with paleness, then yellowing of middle leaves which
progress to the new shoots and growing tips, which grow twisted. The early
symptoms almost mimic N deficiency. Treatment with N may temporarily
relieve the symptoms but they return within a few weeks.
Mo is included in hydroponic fertilizers and in some trace element mixes.
It can be used as a foliar spray.
Copper (Cu)
Cu is used by plants in the transfer of electrical charges which are
manipulated by the plant to absorb nutrients and water. It is also used in
the regulation of water content and is a constituent of some enzymes.
Cu deficiencies are rare and mimic symptoms of overfertilization. The
leaves are limp and turn under at the edges. Tips and edges of the leaves
may die and whole plant looks wilted.
A fungicide, copper sulfate, (CuSO$) can be used as a foliar spray to
relieve the deficiency.
NUTRIENT ADDITIVES
Various additives are often suggested to boost the nutrient value of the
water/nutrient solution. Here are some of them:
WETTING AGENTS. Water holds together through surface tension, preventing
it from dispersing easily over dry surfaces. Wetting agents decrease the
surface tension and allow the water to easily penetrate evenly throughout
the medium preventing dry spots. Wetting agents are helpful when they are
used with fresh medium and as an occasional additive. Wetting agents should
not be used on a regular basis. They may interfere with plants' ability to
grow root hairs, which are ordinarily found on the roots. They are
available at most plant nurseries.
SEAWEED. Washed, ground seaweed contains many trace elements and
minerals used by plants. It may also contain some hormones or organic
nutrients not yet identified.
KELP. Kelp seems to be similar to seaweed in nutrient value. Proponents
claim that it has other, as yet undefined organic chemicals that boost plant
growth.
SEA WATER. Salt water contains many trace elements and organic
compounds. Some hydroponists claim that adding 5-10% sea water to the
nutrient solution prevents trace element problems. It may be risky.
DEFICIENCIES OF NUTRIENT ELEMENTS IN MARIJUANA
Suspected Element
+----------------------+---+---+---+----+----+----+----+---+----+---+------+
| Symptoms | N | P | K | Mg | Fe | Cu | Zn | B | Mo | Mn| Over |
| | | | | | | | | | | |Fertil|
+----------------------+---+---+---+----+----+----+----+---+----+---+------+
| Yellowing of: | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Younger leaves | | | | | X | | | | | X | |
+----------------------+---+---+---+----+----+----+----+---+----+---+------+
| Middle leaves | | | | | | | | | X | | |
+----------------------+---+---+---+----+----+----+----+---+----+---+------+
| Older leaves | X | | X | X | | | X | | | | |
+----------------------+---+---+---+----+----+----+----+---+----+---+------+
| Between veins | | | | X | | | | | | X | |
+----------------------+---+---+---+----+----+----+----+---+----+---+------+
| Old leaves drop | X | | | | | | | | | | |
+----------------------+---+---+---+----+----+----+----+---+----+---+------+
| Leaf Curl Over | | | | X | | | | | | | |
+----------------------+---+---+---+----+----+----+----+---+----+---+------+
| Leaf Curl Under | | | X | | | X | | | | | X |
+----------------------+---+---+---+----+----+----+----+---+----+---+------+
| Leaf tips burn | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Younger leaves | | | | | | | | X | | | |
+----------------------+---+---+---+----+----+----+----+---+----+---+------+
| Older leaves | X | | | | | | X | | | | |
+----------------------+---+---+---+----+----+----+----+---+----+---+------+
| Young leaves wrinkle | | | | | | | | | | | |
| and curl | | | X | | | | X | X | X | | |
+----------------------+---+---+---+----+----+----+----+---+----+---+------+
| Necrosis | | | X | X | X | | X | | | X | |
+----------------------+---+---+---+----+----+----+----+---+----+---+------+
| Leaf growth stunted | X | X | | | | | | | | | |
+----------------------+---+---+---+----+----+----+----+---+----+---+------+
| Dark green/purplish | | | | | | | | | | | |
| leaves and stems | | X | | | | | | | | | |
+----------------------+---+---+---+----+----+----+----+---+----+---+------+
| Pale green leaf color| X | | | | | | | | X | | |
+----------------------+---+---+---+----+----+----+----+---+----+---+------+
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