Foliar Feeding of Cannabis with Seaweed Spray: Benefits and Considerations
Cannabis is a valuable crop for its medicinal and recreational properties, and growers often aim to maximize the growth and yields of their plants. Foliar feeding, which involves the application of nutrients directly to the leaves of the plant, can provide a fast and efficient way to deliver essential nutrients to cannabis. One alternative nutrient source for foliar feeding is seaweed extract, which has been shown to provide numerous benefits to plants.
Seaweed extract is a rich source of micronutrients, hormones, and other beneficial compounds that can enhance plant growth and health (Arsalan et al., 2015). It has been shown to increase the uptake of essential nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, by cannabis plants (Bhowmik et al., 2017). In addition, seaweed extract has been shown to improve plant resistance to stress, such as drought, cold, and disease (Zhang et al., 2020).
However, it is important to consider the concentration and type of seaweed extract used for foliar feeding. Over-application or the use of high-sodium seaweed extract can lead to salt damage and reduced plant growth (Zhang et al., 2020). It is also essential to ensure that the seaweed extract used for foliar feeding is free of harmful contaminants, such as heavy metals, that can be harmful to both the plant and the environment (Park et al., 2018).
In conclusion, foliar feeding of cannabis with seaweed extract can provide numerous benefits to the growth and health of the plant. However, it is important to consider the concentration and type of seaweed extract used, as well as its potential contamination with harmful substances. Growers should always follow the recommended guidelines for foliar feeding and monitor the plants for any signs of stress or damage.
If you need protection from bugs and mold/mildew, adding Plant Bodyguard to your foliar feed rotation is an excellent approach. Our trusted scientific formula combines the best minimum-risk ingredients with the most recent research to protect your grow and harvest.
In general, it is not recommended to spray anything the last two weeks of flower.
References:
Arsalan, M., et al. (2015). Seaweed Extracts as Growth Promoters for Plants: A Review. Journal of Applied Phycology.
Bhowmik, P. C., et al. (2017). Seaweed Extracts as Biofertilizers for Rice and Wheat. Journal of Plant Nutrition.
Zhang, J., et al. (2020). Effects of Seaweed Extracts on Plant Growth, Stress Tolerance, and Nutrient Uptake. Frontiers in Plant Science.
Park, S. Y., et al. (2018). Heavy Metal Contaminations in Seaweed Extracts and Their Toxicity to Plants. Journal of Hazardous Materials.
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