In order to keep your cannabis plants healthy, it is vital that you know the importance of proper soil moisture. If your plants are not getting the moisture they need, they can suffer from a number of different problems, including decreased yields and even profit losses.
Overwatering can damage plants and roots
Overwatering is a common problem that many cannabis growers face. A plant that is overwatered will experience symptoms, ranging from wilting to nutrient deficiencies. It’s important to know the signs of overwatering in order to ensure proper plant health.
The most obvious sign of overwatering is drooping leaves. However, overwatering can affect the entire plant, so it’s important to check the top inch of soil.
Often, overwatering is caused by a lack of proper spacing and airflow. This is especially true for outdoor growers, as they may not be able to control the climate.
Another problem with overwatering is that it causes root rot. There are several different root diseases that can develop in overwatered plants. These include Botrytis, pythium, and fusarium. While all of these symptoms are common, it is possible for a plant to survive with the correct spacing and airflow.
If you’re experiencing overwatering, the best course of action is to transplant the plant into a new pot. You can do this if you’re sure that the roots are not compromised.
One of the fastest ways to prevent overwatering is to use a smart pot. They are a great alternative to conventional pots, and almost eliminate overwatering.
If you’re not sure whether you’re overwatering, you can check the pH of your water. The Hanna Instruments pH tester is easy to use and offers accurate readings.
Another sign of overwatering is the yellowing of your top leaves. Leaves can become yellow due to heat stress or light stress. In addition to yellowing, you can also experience leaf spots.
The problem with overwatering is that it can lead to diseases in the plant, as well as disease in humans. Some of these diseases are root rot and mildew.
pH imbalances can lead to excessive yield reductions and profit losses
Getting the most out of your cannabis grow requires good management of its environment. You should pay attention to the pH of the water and the nutrients in the soil. If the two are not in sync, your plants will not be able to use their full potential.
For example, a low pH will make it harder for your plant to absorb the minerals you have put into the soil. This can lead to deficiencies and decreased growth. Similarly, a high pH will hinder the absorption of these minerals.
In addition to the usual nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and calcium, your plants also need micronutrients. These include Boron, manganese, and iron. While they aren’t as important as the macro nutrients, they are vital to maintaining complex biochemistry in the plant.
One of the first things you should do is check the pH of the solution you are using to fertilize your plants. The proper range is between 5.8 and 6.2.
Another way to measure the pH of a solution is by dipping a pH probe into the soil and then mixing it with neutral water. This allows you to read the result on the pH strip.
You can also buy a handheld pH meter to help you do it yourself. This will tell you the pH of your nutrient solution without having to worry about checking it daily.
You should not be afraid to spend money on a good pH meter. A simple model can be bought for around $30, making it one of the more affordable investments you can make.
Although a pH meter will not tell you the pH of your soil, it will tell you the pH of your nutrient solutions. A proper nutrient solution should be at least a pH of 6.0. It is possible to raise the pH of your nutrient solution with the addition of additives.
Hydroponics vs aeroponics provide both water and oxygen
Aeroponics and hydroponics are two methods for growing cannabis. Aeroponics is a technique for growing plants by delivering nutrients directly to the plant’s roots. It is a simple and effective method.
Hydroponics involves the use of a shared water supply and a nutrient solution to supply plants. The system has several variations and uses a variety of mediums.
Aeroponics is a more technical process than soil growing. Aeroponics can be used to grow a wide range of plants including leafy greens, tomatoes, and some common vegetables. Some commercial marijuana growers use this technique.
Aeroponics also provides a constant supply of oxygen to the root systems of plants. This helps them grow faster. In addition, the oxygenation process is aided by capillary matting. Unlike in soil, plants are not exposed to pathogens, reducing the chances of disease and pest infestation.
However, aeroponics does require more equipment and more knowledge than soil. Most of the maintenance costs are associated with the nutrient solution. Because of this, it is often combined with conventional hydroponics as a backup nutrition source.
When it comes to growing, the best system for you depends on your experience and budget. For beginners, drip systems are an efficient and inexpensive solution. They are easy to understand and are great for larger crops.
While hydroponics requires more water, it generally gives plants a faster growth rate. However, it is not the fastest way to get cannabis into flowering mode. Plants will still need to have their soil replaced every grow.
However, hydroponics does allow for faster and more consistent harvesting. You can pick up a pre-built installation for many of the most popular crops. To ensure success, it is important to monitor and maintain your grow.
Perlite is the most commonly used soil conditioner
Perlite is a fine soil aerator that increases nutrient availability, improves air-holding capacity, and promotes healthy root growth. Adding it to the soil will provide a quick anchorage to young roots and stimulate rapid plant growth.
It is also a lightweight, chemically inert substance that holds water, air, and other nutrients. This soil amendment can be used in conjunction with coco coir, peat, compost, or other water-retaining materials.
Aside from aeration, perlite will boost the drainage capacity of the soil. The better the drainage, the more efficiently the plants can absorb water. Watering and watering schedules will need to be adjusted to accommodate increased drainage. Also, proper aeration is crucial to promoting nutrient absorption and maximizing the quality of the yield.
Perlite can be used in a variety of cannabis cultivation methods. In fact, it is considered one of the best soil amendments for the growing of marijuana.
Besides its light weight and cost, perlite has other benefits. One is that it is easy to use and mix. Another advantage is its ability to prevent excessive nutrient buildup. Added to the soil, it creates a microenvironment that promotes a pest-free, healthy environment for the plants.
In addition, perlite can be easily recycled. When it is not needed, it can be broken up into granules, which can be sterilized with a 10% bleach solution.
It can also be added to hydroponic systems. For instance, perlite is combined with coco coir and Vermiculite to improve water retention and drainage.
Some growers prefer perlite to the less expensive vermiculite. However, vermiculite is less durable.
If you are looking for a better soil amendment for your plants, consider using the Enhanced Perlite Mix from Harvest Hero. This product is specially designed by agronomists and horticulturists to improve the structure of the soil and make it easier for the plants to absorb the necessary nutrients.
Nutrient lockout
Nutrient lockout is a condition in which the plant cannot absorb nutrients from the growing medium. This can occur during the growth phase or after the harvest. It can lead to nutrient burns, stunted growth, and even a diminished yield.
Cannabis plants need a delicate balance of macronutrients, micronutrients, and ecosystem components to thrive. The pH of the growth medium and water play an important role in ensuring the proper nutrition for your plants.
Maintaining an ideal pH level in the growth medium can prevent nutrient lockout. The correct pH for the growing medium can be found in the range of 6.0 to 7.0.
While the average grower may not have access to a pH meter, a handheld pH meter will let you know if your system is in the right range. If your system is not in the right range, you can rectify the problem by adjusting your nutrient solution.
If you use a chemical fertilizer, you’ll want to check its EC/PPM and pH. These measurements can help determine whether the nutrient solution is too acidic or too alkaline.
Aside from the pH of your soil or water, the amount of salts in your medium can also impact its ability to absorb nutrients. The right amount of salts in your growing medium can help keep the pH in the correct range and avoid nutrient lockout.
There are several products on the market that help you raise or lower the pH of your growing medium. However, you should also maintain a healthy supply of water, light, and food.
If you notice your plant’s leaves looking weak or yellow, it’s possible that it’s suffering from nutrient lockout. Check out this beginner’s guide to nutrient lockout to learn about the symptoms and how to treat them.
