Magnesium’s Impact on Cannabis sativa ‘BaOx’ and ‘Suver Haze’ Growth and Cannabinoid Production

Abstract

Limited research exists on the fertility needs for industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa) and the impact of fertility on plant growth and cannabinoids. Optimizing floral production for cannabinoid production and especially cannabidiol (CBD) production, is an economic goal for growers. Magnesium (Mg) is an essential nutrient for plant growth and plays many key roles in plant growth and when deficient leads to suboptimal plant growth. Six Mg fertility rates (0.0, 12.5, 25.0, 50.0, 75.0, and 100.0 mg·L-1) were evaluated to determine the optimal fertility for C. sativa on two High CBD-type cultivars 'BaOx; and 'Suver Haze'. Foliar Mg concentrations increased linearly for all life stages with the greatest foliar Mg concentrations being in the highest rate of 100.0 mg·L-1 Mg. Of the six rates, 50.0 and 75.0 mg·L-1 Mg optimized plant height, diameter, and plant total dry weight as well as having similar cannabinoid concentrations during the three life stages.