Maximum Yield Cannabis USA March/April 2019 | Page 22

Cannabis will need different amounts of the essential macros
depending on the stage of development. Nitrogen is needed in
higher quantities during the vegetative and bud-forming stages
more than during the flowering stage. Phosphorus, however, is
needed more during the flowering stage and is only required at
about half the ratio of N levels during the vegetative phase of
development. During this phase, K is needed at between half and
two-thirds the level of N.
Essential Secondary Nutrients
Some sources do not segregate the secondary nutrients, and
instead lump them in with the macronutrients since they are not
needed in the same high quantities as the macronutrients. They
do, however, need to be in a significantly higher quantity than the
micronutrients, so they are separated here. The essential second-
ary nutrients are magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), and sulfur (S).
These nutrients are often unavailable to cannabis if proper pH
levels are not maintained (more on that later).
These secondary essential nutrients perform a wide range of
critical functions to proper cannabis development. They are often
necessary components or complementary parts to other nutri-
ents and functions. They are all needed for plant and root growth,
but they do have specific roles. Calcium assists in transporting
other nutrients and aids in their absorption. Magnesium is a
critical component of chlorophyll. Sulfur aids in the transport of
chlorophyll, but also assists with plant metabolism and transpi-
ration. The lesser amount required to aid in the proper growth
and development of healthy cannabis should not be mistaken as
being less important than the micronutrients. The same can be
said for the diminutive amounts of micronutrients needed.
Essential Micronutrients
The number of micronutrients listed as essential can vary
based on the source. Like secondary nutrients, it is somewhat
a matter of classification and some list the secondary nutrients
as micronutrients. Either way, they represent minerals and
elements that are not as abundantly available on Earth and as
such are not needed in very high amounts by cannabis plants,
but are still necessary.
No matter what source, boron (B), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn),
copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and molybdenum (Mo) will be listed as
essential micronutrients. Like the other essential nutrients, all
micronutrients have a unique function or serve to assist in the
functions and processes of the other nutrients. What follows is not
an exhaustive list, but a sampling of some of the roles of micronu-
trients and how they aid in the development of cannabis plants.
• Boron — helps with the development and growth of root
tips. It also helps plants to absorb calcium and transports
sugars within the plant.
• Manganese — is a vital component of chlorophyll
production and the photosynthesis process. It also aids
with enzyme interactions.
• Zinc — aids in the development of stems, leaves, and
branches. The more mature a plant is, typically the more
zinc is present and required.
• Copper — aids in the development of plant proteins and
helps with the strengthening of stems and branches.
• Iron — is important for chlorophyll production. Iron defi-
ciencies often present themselves as a yellowing of the leaves
between the leaf’s veins (interveinal chlorosis).
• Molybdenum — helps to process nitrogen.
• Other trace minerals thought to be essential include
cobalt (Co), silicon (Si), chlorine (Cl), and selenium (Se). Not
all sources agree on their inclusion in the essential group,
though they are important to support all plant life.
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