Nutrient Guide
Welcome to a fresh perspective on cannabis cultivation. I’m utilizing Water Use Efficiency (WUE), a strategy that maximizes yields while conserving water.
Water Use Efficiency (WUE) in plants refers to how efficiently a plant uses water to support its growth and development. It’s typically measured as the amount of biomass (e.g., plant tissue) produced per liter of water consumed.
In other words, WUE helps us understand how much plant growth we can achieve with a given amount of water. When a plant takes in water through its roots, it undergoes a process called transpiration, where it releases water vapor through tiny openings in its leaves while simultaneously taking in carbon dioxide (CO2) for photosynthesis. The more effectively a plant can carry out this process, the higher its WUE.
For example, you can produce 3 grams of biomass per liter of water, or 4 grams with supplemental CO2, which means that the plant is using water efficiently to build its tissues.
Macro
Micro
*measurements are in PPM and where possible use both form of nitrogen: N/NH4 in a 80/20 mix
Even though Silica is incredibly important, it isn’t essential to the plants life. But I will be including it in this basic nutrient guide. I have been using this simple solution from seedling till chop day. We want to give it just enough so the plant is slightly stressed.
The Big Three: NPK
When it comes to plant nutrition, the big three – Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K) – stand out. These elements are considered mobile, which means plants can transport them to where they’re most needed.
Active Uptake
NPK elements don’t just passively enter the plant. They are actively taken up, with the plant’s enzymes, transporters, and roots working together to pull them in. This active uptake requires extra energy and ATP, resulting in these nutrients being absorbed faster than water.
Calcium and Boron: The Passive Players
In contrast to the big three, Calcium and Boron are taken up passively. This means they enter the plant without any active effort on the plant’s part. Among these, it’s essential to note that Calcium is non-mobile, meaning once it’s in a part of the plant, it stays there.
Starvation-Driven Uptake
Most other nutrients are taken up only when the plant is starved for them. This mechanism ensures that plants prioritize essential nutrients when they are in short supply.