Calcium Deficiency, Treatment, and Prevention in Cannabis Plants – Bonza Blog

Calcium Deficiency, Treatment, and Prevention in Cannabis Plants:

Calcium is a nutrient that supports cannabis plants throughout its lifetime. From seed germination and root development up to its maturity, this essential mineral plays several roles.

1. Calcium helps the rooting system develop the right density and length.

2. It regulates hormones responsible for germination and growth.

3. It plays a role in transforming water and light into energy.

4. Calcium becomes a part of cell walls and keeps tissue intact for a stronger plant structure.

5. It helps protect plants from thermal stress by stimulating enzymes that protect it from any abrupt changes in temperature.

6. It plays a crucial role in activating natural defense mechanisms to neutralize bacteria, virus, and other harmful pathogens.

Although calcium is a secondary class of nutrients behind the N-P-K macros, it is not only vital for the roles described above. It is also needed for the proper absorption of potassium as well as in synthesizing other nutrients.

Calcium Deficiency

Because it is immobile in cannabis, plants cannot scavenge for it from old plants. Still, calcium deficiency is rare. If it does occur, it can lead to dire consequences unless taken care of by growers.

Signs of Calcium Deficiency

Calcium Deficiency

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Some of the factors that could lead to a deficiency include low pH in the growing medium. It could also be due to not giving it enough calcium. As such, these signs are likely to appear.

1. Because of a weaker root system, it becomes prone to root rot and other diseases. Furthermore, it severely compromises the ability of plants in absorbing other nutrients. As such, necrotic spots appear on upper leaves. Lower leaves curl and twist with yellow and brown spots showing on its edges.

2. The disruption becomes worse causing stunted growth and slow flowering with crinkled or distorted calyxes.

3. Stems and branches become weak and hollow, a prelude to its death.

Keep in mind that once these signs start to appear, it is quite possible that the deficiency has been going on for some time already.

Rectifying Calcium Deficiency

Upon recognizing the signs of calcium deficiency, growers need to rectify the situation before it becomes irreversible.

Rectifying Calcium Deficiency

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1. Soil

Cannabis calcium deficiency in soil is extremely rare due to the presence of this mineral. Still, it can nevertheless happen.

Step 1. Flush the soil to wash away minerals and other nutrients. It is done by having a significant amount of water pass through the medium and draining it for several days.

Step 2. Make sure that the pH level is appropriate. Typically, it is in the range of 6.0 – 7.0 pH.

Step 3. If necessary, dissolve dolomite in water and apply on the leaves. As an option, growers can also use calcium-magnesium formula, acetate, magnesium acetate, or calcium nitrate (CaNO3).

While growers have a choice of using a particular type of soil or others in the various stages of growth, it may not be the case when planting outdoors.

Before even starting to grow cannabis, it is best to test the soil acidity. In the unlikely event that calcium deficiency becomes evident even with the right pH level, then growers can infuse calcium.

2. Hydroponics

Compared to growing cannabis using soil, calcium deficiency is more likely to occur in hydroponics.

Step 1. A nutrient solution that is too acidic inhibits the absorption of absorption. As such, it is best to test the pH level and ensure that it is in the range of 6.2 to 6.5 pH.

Step 2. In most cases, tap water with more than 155 ppm contains calcium as well as magnesium. Growers can use it to nurture plants back to optimal health. An exemption to this is osmotic and distilled water which does not contain minerals.

Step 3. If necessary, add hydrated limestone to irrigation water (one teaspoon per gallon).

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Preventing Calcium Deficiency

Preventing Calcium Deficiency

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Abiding by the principles of gardening, calcium deficiency is almost guaranteed never to occur. There are two things that growers can do.

1. Nutrient solution should fall between 150 to 200 ppm.

2. Ensure the right pH level.

By following these two steps, growers can ensure that the plants do not suffer from deficiencies in not only calcium but also other minerals as well.

Calcium Is Not Only for Humans

Calcium Is Not Only for Humans

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Since childhood, the role of calcium in developing healthy teeth and bones cannot be overstated. Cannabis plants, too, need this essential mineral to have a stronger plant structure. Otherwise, it brings on a host of problems.

Fortunately, calcium deficiency is not likely to occur. If it does, all one needs to do is to follow the recommended remedies. Granted that growers act in a timely manner, then the chances are high that the affected plants will recover well.

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