Do you feel like your marijuana plants are not growing? A fertigation system is the ideal option for hydrating your plants. Watering and fertilizing your plants are essential for their growth. However, you may have to wait a long time to see the expected results.
Fertigation delivers the exact daily quality of water and fertilizers needed for your plants to grow properly. This is possible because small doses of fertilizer are applied in the irrigation system. Are you interested in learning about this innovative procedure? Learn how to apply it to your plants.
What is a Fertigation System?
Fertigation refers to the process of applying fertilizers through water. The fertigation system allows plants to grow faster by providing them with all the nutrients that stimulate their growth. The only difference, compared to traditional fertilizing and watering, is that it’s consistently executed.
This system won’t seem unfamiliar if you have ever used liquid fertilizer for your plants. This type of fertilizer can also be used in fertigation. However, the key to this procedure is to use the exact amount of fertilizer to avoid over-fertilizing the plant.
Now, how can you avoid over-fertilizing the crop? Drip irrigation systems play an important role, provided they have an adequate drainage system. For example, a mix of coconut coir and perlite is ideal for this, as it allows:
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Development of roots and facilitates growth.
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Facilitation of air flow for your plants.
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Prevention of root drowning.
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Prevention of plant diseases due to drowning.
By administering small amounts of fertilizer through water, this will help keep the roots moist. Similarly, it will assist the plant in absorbing vital nutrients for growth and development.
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Advantages and Disadvantages of Fertigation in Cannabis
Fertigation systems are ideal for all types of marijuana cultivation. If you are considering applying it, it’s important to know the positive and negative aspects of this procedure.
Advantages:
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Accelerates growth and improves the health of your plants: Fertigation systems provide the exact amount of water and nutrients for the development of your plants. In other words, your plants will grow with stronger and sturdier stems, resulting in better bud quality.
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Automates the fertilizing and watering process: The success of this system lies in significantly reducing the time spent on fertilizing and watering plants. Not only does it distribute fertilizer and water uniformly, but in large crops, this system will help you save time, money, and avoid issues with your plants.
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Controls the pH of irrigation water: Fertilizer components can alter the pH of irrigation water. Fertigation optimizes nutrient absorption, preventing cannabis plants from suffering deficiencies in essential properties like iron and magnesium, crucial for their growth.
Disadvantages:
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Can be a complicated technique for beginners: One of the major drawbacks of fertigation is the lack of knowledge and experience on the part of the cultivator. For example, miscalculating the fertilizer dose can be counterproductive for your plants. It’s crucial to know the ideal dose for the well-being of your plants.
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Requires the right equipment: Implementing a irrigation system is not a simple task. It’s vital to have the appropriate equipment to automate and supply the ideal amount of fertilizers.
Elements Needed for a Marijuana Fertigation System
If you are interested in applying fertigation to your plants, it’s time to know the equipment you need. To implement a fertigation system, you’ll need:
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Water pump
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Irrigation timer
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Irrigation system
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Fertilizers
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pH meter
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Filters Control valves
At first, some of these elements may not be inexpensive. However, in the long run, this will be an investment worthwhile for cultivating high-quality cannabis plants.
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Common Problems in the Fertigation System
Not every process is perfect, and fertigation is no exception. It’s normal to encounter certain problems with electrical conductivity and pipeline blockages. Here are some issues your irrigation system may face:
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Pipeline or irrigation emitter blockages
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Low water pressure for the irrigation system
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Failures in the system programming
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Pump component short circuits
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Water pH issues
Constant monitoring and preventive maintenance are vital to reduce the occurrence of these problems. By staying vigilant about these elements, you’ll extend the life of your system and ensure its proper functioning.
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Combining Fertigation with Localized Irrigation in Cannabis Cultivation
It’s proven that the fertigation system is effective for the growth of your cannabis plants. Calculating the water volume and fertilizer ratio is crucial. It’s also necessary to conduct pH tests on the water, ensuring it falls within a range of 5.5 to 6.5.
The success of this procedure will also depend on the performance of the irrigation timer. Set multiple hours of the day when the plants need to be watered. In case you observe deficiencies in your plants, adjust the programming to the needs of your cultivation.
