Elevated root-zone P and nutrient concentration do not increase yield or cannabinoids in medical cannabis.

ABSTRACT: Elevating nutrient input is thought to increase yield and cannabinoid concentration of medical cannabis, but increased legalization has heightened awareness of the environmental impact of overfertilization. Elevated levels of phosphorus (P) are of particular concern. Here we report the effects of increasing P above levels adequate for other crops (15, 30, 45, 60, or 90 mg per L) and the interactive effects of elevated P with elevated nutrient solution concentration (electrical conductivity; 2 and 4 mS per cm). We used closed-system hydroponics to continuously quantify rootzone nutrient concentrations. The concentration of P in leaf tissue doubled and flower P concentration increased 70% when the P input increased from 15 to 90 mg per L but there was no difference in yield or quality among

SUBMITTER: Hershkowitz JA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11882401 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature