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Phosphorus Deficiency In Cannabis Plants
Phosphorus is a vital nutrient required by cannabis plants that fulfills many important biological functions. There are numerous different signs of deficiency symptoms to look out for when it comes to this nutrient.
HOW TO IDENTIFY?
One factor that growers must constantly be aware of when cultivating their plants is the risk of nutrient deficiency. Cannabis plants require an array of important nutrients that carry out vital biological functions throughout the grow cycle. If a certain key nutrient is missing during the vegetative or flowering stages, plants will start to display symptoms of deficiencies. These signs can help growers determine what is missing and therefore, what needs to be added to the soil before it is too late. One of these vital nutrients is phosphorus.
THE IMPORTANCE OF PHOSPHORUS
Phosphorus plays an important role in the health of all living organisms. Plants require this nutrient in order to achieve normal growth and to reach maturity. Phosphorus contributes to the DNA of the plant, as well as the RNA, which reads the genetic code in order to build proteins and other structures. Phosphorus is also vital in the creation of ATP, the unit of energy that plants use during photosynthesis. Phosphorus helps to stimulate root development, increase the strength of stems, improve flower formation and seed production, improve the quality of crops, boost resistance against diseases and support development throughout the overall growth cycle.
SYMPTOMS OF PHOSPHORUS DEFICIENCY
It is obvious that phosphorus deficiency could do some damage to the health of your plants and their potential yields. There are quite a few different symptoms to look out for that could signal phosphorus deficiency within your crop. First of all, the deficiency will usually start to affect the older leaves that are lower down on plants. These leaves may begin to exhibit a shiny appearance and turn to darker shades of green, blue and grey. Along with this change in colour, leaves will also start to develop purple and brown spots. Leaves will also become very dry and begin to thicken. The stems of the plant may also begin to turn bright red or purple.
SOLUTIONS TO PHOSPHORUS DEFICIENCY
One cause of a phosphorus deficiency is the pH of the roots. A root pH between 6.2 and 7 is best in order to maximise absorption of the nutrient. Therefore, it is ideal to strive for a soil pH between this range when deficiency symptoms manifest. This can be achieved by using pH up and down products.
An organic fertiliser containing adequate amounts of each vital nutrient can also be used to ensure that your plants are receiving the proper levels of phosphorus that they require. Additionally, other sources of phosphorus can be added to the soil in order to maximise exposure. Good source of phosphorus include warm casting, fish meal, crab shell and soft rock phosphate. Overwatering and compact soil can also be causes of phosphorous deficiency. Be sure to water your plants correctly to avoid this.
Try to remain calm if you notice a phosphorus deficiency setting in. Panicking and adding far too much phosphorus back into the soil could prevent your plants from uptaking other nutrients and end up doing more harm than good.
Temperature is another detail to pay attention to in order to achieve optimum phosphorus levels. Lower and colder temperatures can make it more difficult for your cannabis crop to absorb adequate levels of the nutrient. Temperatures that drop below 15 degrees Celsius may start to cause negative effects.
If your plants have fallen victim to phosphorus deficiency symptoms, you will notice a recovery stage take place if you take the right steps to restore the health of your plants. The spread of brown spots, red and purple stems and other symptoms will stop effecting new leaves. Don’t worry if old leaves do not recover, as this is normal.
